The Garter Snake

The Garter Snake got its name because of

The Garter Snake, photo courtesy of Rick Cameron

its resemblance to the old-fashioned garters that were used to hold up socks. Garter Snakes are very common around this area mainly because they are highly adaptable, more so than any other snake. They are black and yellow and blend in with the grass quite easily. These snakes will eat almost anything that can get past their mouths: mice, birds, frogs, toads and so on. It might take days for these snakes to digest a meal, leaving them inactive during this time. They hide under rocks or other debris while slowly digesting their food. The snake's slow digestive system is an advantage, allowing it to go weeks without food. The Garter Snake, like all others, sheds its skin to grow. It is one of the smaller snakes in the area ranging from 12 to 30 inches in length as an adult. They can be found on the ground almost anywhere in the area, especially near water.