Garter Snake in the Garden
New Wildlife in the Garden
It seems to be a growing trend that I find most new wildlife in the garden by just about stepping on them. This has been the case with a toad, a frog, and now this garter snake. Thankfully, I've seen them at the last moment and stretched my stride out to miss them. They may be long-time residents of this piece of land and only 'new' to me. However, as the garden has started to take shape with a growing variety of trees, shrubs, flowers, vegetables, short grass, long grass, and more consistent moisture (thanks to irrigation), I have also seen a significant increase in the number and variety of birds and other garden wildlife. I'd like to think that our improvements have been a draw and benefit for the local wildlife.
Some Garter Snake Facts
One of the most widespread snakes in North America.
Common garter snakes can grow to a length of 34".
Typically brown, black, gray, or green with three brightly colored stripes (usually yellow but sometimes white, green or brown) that match their underside. Regional coloration varies.
Highly adaptable and can survive in extreme conditions. They prefer to live in moist grassy environments and are often found near permanent surface water.
They use dens under rocks and other structures.
Active during the day and use their good sense of smell and vision to hunt.
Prey includes worms, amphibians, leeches, slugs, snails, insects, crayfish, small fish, other snakes.
Predators of common garter snakes include large fish, bullfrogs, snapping turtles, large birds, raccoons, other snakes.
Give birth to live young rather than laying eggs.
Weedy Pete
Sources
My backyard
