Check for garter snakes in fields, tall grass, under leaves, and logs. They prefer to be camouflaged in the grass. During the winter, you may find snakes in your basement or crawl space. If you see a snake, do not approach it. If you do, the snake may attack you. Instead, call the local wildlife rehabilitator or local animal control agency for assistance.
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Can you keep a garter snake you find?
While garter snakes are abundant in the wild, especially around bodies of water, such as lakes and streams, in Canada, the U.S., Mexico, and Central America, these wild animals should not be kept as pets, as they are illegal to take from their natural habitat.
Gartersnakes are not venomous, but they can be very dangerous if handled improperly. If you have a snake in your home, make sure you know how to handle it safely.
Where do garter snakes hide at?
In addition to hiding in grass, snakes will hide in yard debris. These reptiles like to hide in tall grasses and shrubs. Snakes will also hide under rocks, logs, and logs that have fallen from trees. Snakes can also be found hiding under the eaves of houses and other structures.
What time of day do garter snakes come out?
The garter snakes are very active. They come out both nights and days. They are ground-dwellers, but can also climb shrubs, vines, or trees to escape. Garter snakes are good swimmers. Garters are also known for their ability to camouflage themselves in a variety of ways. Garters have been known to change their coloration to blend in with their surroundings, such as changing their skin color to match the color of the surrounding vegetation.
Where do garter snakes like to live?
The snakes are “generalists, living in a wide variety of habitats.” They live in woodlands, meadows and grassy knolls and like to be near water, especially “in the arid parts of the country.”. Garter snake venom is a neurotoxin, which means it affects the central nervous system and can cause paralysis and death.
It can also cause severe pain and swelling in the eyes, nose and mouth, as well as difficulty breathing. The venom can be fatal if injected into the bloodstream, so it’s important to seek medical attention if you suspect you’ve been bitten by one of these snakes.
Will a garter snake bite you?
Though garter snakes will use their sharp teeth to catch prey, it’s very unlikely these pests will choose to bite a human. They only attack humans when they are provoked or threatened.
Where do garter snakes nest?
Garter snakes do not burrow their own holes. They utilize the holes of other animals or natural cracks in the soil. It’s possible to find shed skins in the spring or late summer. The garter snakes shed two to three times a year. Gartersnakes are active during the day and sleep at night.
During the daytime, they are most active at dawn and dusk. At night, the snakes sleep in burrows or under rocks or logs. The snakes may also be active when the temperature is below freezing. Garter snake hibernates during winter.
Do garter snake bites hurt?
They go about their business if they are left alone. It will hurt, but it won’t kill you. If bitten, you should get a tetanus shot and clean the wound completely.
