Garter snakes are found in a variety of habitats throughout North America from woods and wetlands to grasslands and gardens.They are most commonly found in the United States Canada and Mexico but can also be found in Central America and parts of South America.
Garter snakes are generally found near sources of water as they need to drink regularly. They are also often found in areas with dense vegetation as this provides them with cover from predators.
Garter snakes are active during the day and are often seen basking in the sun or hunting for prey. They are most active in the spring and summer months when they are able to find the most food.
Garter snakes typically eat small mammals amphibians reptiles and fish. They will also eat insects earthworms and slugs. They hunt by smell using their forked tongue to pick up scent molecules from the ground.
Garter snakes mate in the spring and the female will give birth to live young in the summer. The average litter size is 10-20 snakes but litter sizes of up to 50 have been reported.
Garter snakes are not considered to be a dangerous species and they are often kept as pets. However they can bite if they feel threatened and their saliva may contain toxins that can cause irritation. If you are bitten by a garter snake wash the wound with soap and water and seek medical attention if necessary.
Where do garter snakes typically live?
Garter snakes typically live in North America.
Do garter snakes like to live in water?
Yes garter snakes are known to be good swimmers and often live near water sources.
What kind of habitats do garter snakes prefer?
Garter snakes prefer habitats with plenty of cover such as rocks logs and dense vegetation.
Do garter snakes like to live in groups?
Garter snakes are generally solitary creatures but they will congregate in groups to mate.
What do garter snakes eat?
Garter snakes are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of small animals such as rodents frogs and fish.
How do garter snakes hunt?
Garter snakes typically use ambush tactics to hunt their prey.
What is the average lifespan of a garter snake?
The average lifespan of a garter snake is 3-5 years in the wild and up to 20 years in captivity.
How do garter snakes reproduce?
Garter snakes are viviparous meaning they give birth to live young.
Litters typically consist of 10-40 snakelets.
What is the average length of a garter snake?
The average length of a garter snake is 2-5 feet with some individuals reaching lengths of up to 6 feet.
What is the average weight of a garter snake?
The average weight of a garter snake is 4-10 ounces.
What color are garter snakes?
Garter snakes can be a variety of colors but they are typically brown green or black with distinctive light stripes running down their sides.
Are garter snakes venomous?
No garter snakes are not venomous.
Do garter snakes have any predators?
Yes garter snakes have a number of predators including other snakes birds of prey and mammals such as foxes and raccoons.
What do garter snakes do when they are threatened?
When garter snakes are threatened they will often try to escape first.
If escape is not an option they will coil up and strike at their attacker.
What is the most common type of garter snake?
The most common type of garter snake is the common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis).
