Description:

Garter snakes (genus Thamnophis) are one of the most common of snakes.

They are sometimes called Garden Snakes and Gardner Snakes. Garter Snakes varying according to species, garters are generally striped against a plain or checkered background color. Often delicately or subtly colored, even those with vivid red or yellow stripes or yellow ventral scales are quick to blend in with their background in the wild.

Living between 3 to 10 years in captivity, the garter snakes generally do not grow to any great size, most garter snakes are under 60 cm (24 inches) long, but can be larger. T. gigas is capable of attaining lengths of 160cm Due to their small size, Garter snakes are quick to heat up and cool down. They warm up by basking in the sun. It may be on a rock or probably on a branch overhanging water. Garter snakes can function during cool weather, down to 16 C or 60 F, and in warm weather ( up to 34 C or 93 F). They keep maintaining their body temperature range 22-32 C (72-88 F), and their optimum range 29-30 C (84-86 F).

Distribution:

Garter Snakes can be found across North America, from Canada to Central America. The Garter Snakes are the single most widely distributed genus of reptile in North America. Garter snakes are common sight in American gardens, giving raise to the "garden snake" nickname. The common garter snake (Thamnophis Sirtalis ), is the only species of snake to be found in Alaska, and one of the northernmost species of snake in the world. The genus is so widely distribute, from marshes to hillsides to drainage ditches and even vacant lots, in both dry and wet regions, and varying proximity to water and rivers.

In the western part of North America, the garter snakes are more water loving than in the eastern portion.

Diet

Wild garter snakes diets range from slugs, earthworms, insects, leeches, lizards, spiders, amphibians, birds, fish and rodents. When living near the water, the garter snakes will eat other aquatic animals. Larger species (such as the T. c. gigas) may also snag a fledging waterfowl. The prey is swallowed alive. Large prey may be pushed against a rock to anchor it in place while the snake works its jaws around it. Garter snakes rarely constrict their prey, instead stunning or killing it before eating.

Reproduction

Garter snakes are ovoviviparous, meaning they give birth to live young. Gestation is two to three months in most species. 3 – 50 young snakes are born in a single litter, and the babies are independent upon birth.

Garter Snakes go into brumation before they mate. They stop eating for about two weeks to clear their stomach of any food. As soon as they emerge from brumation, garter snakes begin mating. The male garter snakes awaken from brumation first, giving themselves enough time to prepare to mate with females when they finally appear. During mating season, the males mate with several females.

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