How big does a garden snake get?

The scales of the gartersnake are keeled (a raised ridge is found along each scale) and the belly is yellow and pale green. Adults range in size between 18 and 26 inches in length, but can measure up to 42 inches long.

How big can Garden snakes grow?

Garter snakes are usually 2-3 feet in length when full grown. However, Common garter snakes have been recorded in lengths nearing 4 feet. At birth most garter snakes are less than 6 inches long.

Can a garden snake hurt you?

Garter snakes won't bite you unless provoked. They won't chase you. They are really very shy and are not looking for a fight! Garter snakes do produce a very weak venom, but the venom is so mild that it rarely has any effect on humans (it can cause light swelling in those who are allergic, however).

How big is a full grown garter snake?

Description. The giant garter snake is the largest species of garter snake, with the adult snakes ranging from 94–165 cm (37.0–65.0 in) in length. As with many snakes, the female giant garter snakes tend to be longer and larger than the males.

How do you tell if a snake is a garden snake?

Garden snakes, nicknamed garter snakes, come in many varieties, various colors, and have different markings, depending on your area of the country. These snakes are usually brown or black but may be a greenish color. Most have a checkerboard pattern near the stripes. Other colors of these snakes vary.

Garter Snakes Are.... VENOMOUS?!?

What is the difference between a garden snake and a garter snake?

There is no difference between a garter snake and a garden snake. Both names refer to the same species, the Thamnophis sirtalis, which is the most common non-venomous reptile in North America. While they vary in color, garter snakes are easily recognizable for 3 lines that run through their bodies.

What does it mean to find a snake in your yard?

The meaning of a snake sighting is about the expansion of the mind and spirit. It's a transformation or awakening of sorts. However, it can be a reminder to remain grounded and in touch with the magic held in nature—the earth, the water, the air and even the fire in the earth's core.

Are garter snakes aggressive?

Garter snakes are non-venomous, but can be fairly aggressive and will readily strike and bite, sometimes causing an allergic reaction in humans. If handled or attacked, they will release a foul-smelling musk.

Will a garter snake bite you?

While most species are classified as harmless (non-venomous), their bite can cause minor swelling or itching in humans, and anyone bitten by a garter snake should clean the bite thoroughly. It is not ultimately a cause for concern.

Is it safe to pick up a garter snake?

Garter snakes don't harm any humans, are mostly docile and can be fun to watch. I still love picking them up and wrapping them around my hands in amazement. So keep your shovel in the shed and make some space in your garden for the garter snake.

How do you get rid of garden snakes?

Can a garden snake hurt a dog?

Because they have very small teeth rather than the venom-delivering fangs of rattlesnakes and other vipers, their bite is generally harmless to humans and other large mammals. If your pet is the offending biter, or eats a garter snake, there's no need to be alarmed.

How do garter snakes get in your house?

These slender snakes can enter your home through fairly small cracks. Garter snakes often snack on small mammals, too, such as mice, and small amphibians, such as toads and frogs.

How do you get rid of garter snakes without killing them?

Where do garter snakes hide?

Garter snakes prefer tall grass, marshland (near water), forested areas. While in these environments, snakes may seek shelter in tree hollows, under logs, leaf litter, underground holes, rock outcroppings and/or burrows that have been abandoned by other animals.

What are garter snakes attracted to?

If you want to attract garter snakes, then you need to provide them with: Shelter – log and rock piles are great options. A source of water – even a mini-pond works great. And food – let them eat the pests.

Are garter snakes afraid of dogs?

Garter snakes prefer to escape when threatened by a predator, such as your dog, but they will bite if cornered. These snakes are considered mildly venomous.

Do garter snakes climb trees?

Garter Snake Habits

If you have Garter snakes in your yard or garden, chances are you may not even know. Garter snakes are incredibly active. They come out both night and day. They are typically ground-dwellers, but they may also climb shrubs, vines, or trees to escape predators.

Can garter snakes climb walls?

The ventral scales (found on the underside of the snake) create small ridges and grooves on the snakes body that they angle on the surface they are climbing, this helps to create traction while they use their muscles to slowly move up the wall.

Do garter snakes like to be held?

Many garter snakes, particularly if they are captive bred, are gentle and do not mind being handled, and handling them is simply a matter of picking them up and letting them explore your hands. If you have experience handling other snakes, it's important to remember that garter snakes are not constrictors.

Do garter snakes stay in the same area?

Unless, of course, their den is on your property. In contrast, harmless garter snakes and ringneck snakes will often burrow underground or find natural cavities (such as rodent burrows) to evade the cold. And they tend to stick in the same area. So if you see one in your yard, it may remain there for years.

Do garter snakes eat mice?

Garter snakes are numerous partly because they will eat a variety of prey. Our Boulder snakes' favorite foods include: frogs, toads, tadpoles, fish, earthworms, snails, leeches, grasshoppers, slugs and salamanders. They will also eat mice, shrews, voles, chipmunks, birds, and other reptiles including other snakes.

How can you tell if a snake is in your house?

What to do if you see a snake?

Leave it alone. Snakes are generally shy and will not attack unless provoked, so it's best to leave them be. If you see a snake inside your home, get all people and pets out of the room immediately. Shut the door and fill the gap underneath with a towel, then call a professional snake catcher for assistance.

Where do snakes hide in a house?

Snakes are likely to settle in behind or beneath furniture or objects. Look along all the walls and in and under any baseboard heating elements. Snakes are unlikely to go into toilets but may very well end up behind them or even their tanks. Hand-held mirrors and flashlights are useful tools.