Where is a garter snake found

Common garters are immune to the toxins excreted by western toads and rough-skinned newts. The author of Retiles of the Northwest, Alan St. John, recalls observing a common garter eating a newt. He notes that the snake appeared to be inebriated after it finished swallowing the newt, acting very sluggish.

Often kept as pets, they are relatively harmless, although some species do possess a mild neurotoxic venom. However, it is not dangerous to humans. Where did the garter snake get its funny name? According to Doug Wechsler, a wildlife biologist at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University in Philadelphia and author of " Garter Snakes " Powerkids, , their stripes resemble garters men used to wear to hold up their socks.

Some garter snakes have intricate splotchy patterns between their stripes, making them look checkered. Garter snakes are relatively small, usually between 23 and 30 inches 58 and 76 centimeters , though sometimes growing as long as 5 feet 1.

He added that many species of garter snakes have two-colored tongues. Beane described garter snakes as "generalists, inhabiting a wide variety of habitats. The garter snake is abundant in the eastern United States; it is the state reptile of Massachusetts. While no snakes are known to be native of Alaska, a road-killed specimen of a garter snake was found near Haines, Alaska, in , according to an article in the Journal of Herpetology.

Researchers who identified the snake through mitochondrial DNA concluded that the single snake represented a relict, or remnant, population, a recent natural colonization or a fresh introduction. Garter snakes are generally active during the day. When threatened, garter snakes give off a bad-smelling musk. Because of their small size, garter snakes have many predators, including hawks, crows, bears, bullfrogs, snapping turtles, foxes, squirrels and raccoons, according to the Animal Diversity Web ADW , a database maintained by the University of Michigan's Museum of Zoology.

Cold-climate garter snakes hibernate during the winter. There may also be a variety of spots and reddish blotches that further add to the color diversity of individual specimens. There is also a recessive genetic trait that, in the homozygous state, generates an all black "melanistic" form.

These melanistic specimens may be abundant in certain habitats or in colder, more northern climate zones. The stripes of the garter snake not only contribute to its ability to effectively conceal itself in its habitat but also help to confuse potential enemies and predators as to its rate and direction of its movements. Garter snakes will attempt to flee if disturbed but can also secrete foul smelling anal secretions and will aggressively bite if provoked.

Hibernation The Common Garter Snake hibernates in communal dens in logs, tree stumps, rock piles, and even in culverts and spaces under roads, railroad tracks and buildings. Dozens to hundreds of individual snakes can be found in these dens. In Canada one hibernation den had individual snakes!

It seems that JavaScript is not working in your browser. It could be because it is not supported, or that JavaScript is intentionally disabled. Some of the features on CT. Find a vaccination site near you at ct. All customer facing DEEP services have returned to normal business operations. Background and Range: The common gartersnake is perhaps the most common, widely distributed, and familiar of all North American snakes. There are many species, subspecies, and races of gartersnakes comprising the genus Thamnophis.

In Connecticut, the gartersnake is found throughout the state, from sea level to the highest elevations, and from urban areas to "wilderness. The closely related common ribbonsnake resembles the gartersnake in appearance and habits. However, the ribbonsnake is less common in the state and is listed as a species of special concern.

Description: The gartersnake is marked with a pattern of three light stripes on a dark body, although the pattern can vary. One narrow stripe runs down the center of the snake's back, with a broad stripe on each side. The stripes are usually yellow, but can be shades of blue, green, or brown. Between the center and each side stripe are 2 rows of alternating black spots.

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. Juvenile garter snakes resemble adults. It is difficult to distinguish between the similar-looking gartersnake and ribbonsnake in the field.

In comparison, the gartersnake is more heavy-bodied than the ribbonsnake; has a proportionately shorter tail less than one fourth its total length ; is less swift and agile; and has lateral stripes on scale rows 2 and 3. The gartersnake also can be more variably colored and more blotched or patterned.

Some individuals have well-defined striping and head markings; however, the majority have poorly defined patterns when compared to ribbonsnakes.