Understanding The Garter Snake: Appearance, Biology, Life Cycle, Habitat, Diet, Behavior

Waterbury snake

About the Garter Snake
One of the most common types of snake is the garter snake. While some types are on the endangered species list, this is the kind of snake most people recognize and know. Garter snakes are common as pets because of their commonality and harmlessness. People adore them and they are relatively easy to care for as pets. As wild animals, they are not something to fear. You should remain respectful of them, as they are a wild animal still, but you do not have to worry about many risks to your health or the health of anyone else. Know more about them to make the right decisions for you and the snake, keeping everyone safe.

Appearance
The appearance of the garter snake can vary. Their size is small and narrow, including the head. Though they can grow several feet, they rarely go beyond two to three feet. Their colorings can differ, as well. The common appearance is a beige, light brown coloring, with darker patches. As there are several types of garter snakes, you may see some differences in that.

Life
Garter snakes give birth to live young after mating. Like most other snakes, the young are able to take care of themselves immediately after.

Behavior
The garter snake is rarely aggressive. It may try to scare you if you approach, but it is more likely to bluff or run away instead. During hibernation, you can find these snakes grouped up together in an attempt to keep warm and stay safe. They will go into large communities, twisted around one another, as a way to get through the hibernation.

Habitat
Garter snakes are adaptable. They can live anywhere, whether in your backyard or in a wooded area. They live in aquatic areas, too. The variance in environment is part of what makes them so common. With that adaptability, they have no problem surviving in most environments.

Diet
Garter snakes love foods like frogs and eggs, as well as lizards and whatever else it can find. They will hunt down aquatic creatures, too. This varied diet helps it to survive in any environment, wherever in North America is resides. Garter snakes are one of the most common snakes in America because of their adaptability and survivability. Some types may be on the endangered species list, but most remain around and are common to find, even in your own backyard.

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