Garden Snake Identification: What Does A Garden Snake Look Like

by johnah on November 17, 2020

What Does A Garden Snake Look Like?

Garden Snakes are not very common in the wild. They prefer to live in human built habitats such as gardens, parks, and even backyards. You may see them crawling around your house or yard occasionally but they aren’t usually aggressive towards humans unless provoked. They don’t bite and there isn’t any venom in their saliva which means it doesn’t cause harm when swallowed. However, if you happen to come across one in the wild, it could pose a problem since they are quite territorial and will defend themselves aggressively.

The most distinctive feature of a garden snake is its long neck and head. Its body length varies from 1 inch (2.5 cm) up to 2 feet (60 cm). Their coloration ranges from light brown to dark brown with black stripes running down their backs and sides.

There are several different species of garden snakes including the timber, cottonmouth, rattlesnake, copperhead and water moccasin. All these species share some characteristics in common but each one has its own unique appearance.

A typical garden snake’s body is covered with scales that are smooth except for two small bumps along their belly button. These bumps are called tubercles and they serve as vital organs for digestion. Most garden snakes lay eggs but there are a few that give birth to their young. Their average life span in the wild is about 4 years although some have been known to live up to 10.

Where Do Garter Snakes Live?

Garden snakes can be found all throughout North America in every single continent excluding Greenland. They thrive in colder climates and can even be located at high elevations. In general, garden snakes prefer to live in areas with a warmer climate and a lot of vegetation. They are often located near bodies of water and commonly found on islands since they have no real natural predators to worry about and can easily find food. In fact, they are such good swimmers that they can even be located in the middle of a lake!

As mentioned earlier, garden snakes are very territorial and will only inhabit an area as their own if there aren’t any other snakes around. If another snake is located in the immediate area, a battle will occur to claim the land as their own. They are efficient and ruthless killers that will not stop until the opponent has been defeated.

Garter snakes can be found just about anywhere in the wild. They are known to live in forests, grasslands, swamps, marshes, meadows and beaches. The only places you won’t find them living are arid deserts and dense urban areas. They are nocturnal and will spend the entire day sleeping inside a hole they’ve dug in the ground or inside a log.

They have excellent senses when it comes to smell and hearing which helps them to locate food and detect danger. They can even track their prey by following its scent!

Garter Snakes And Humans

Humans rarely ever come into contact with wild garden snakes since they tend to live in locations that are hard to reach. There are occasions however in which they have been known to slither into people’s homes through pipes or open windows. They aren’t prone to biting but may give a small sting if stepped on since they tend to play dead until an opportunity presents itself. Although it is unlikely, there have been cases of humans being bitten and dying from a garden snake’s venom.

Snakes do not have any natural predators in the wild. This is mainly due to their size and ability to hide. Since humans began populating the earth they have been considered to be the garden snakes only predator, at least until recently. Certain animals such as coyotes, ravens, crows and even larger birds of prey will eat garden snakes whenever they get the chance.

Garter snakes are killed for a number of reasons. They are often killed out of fear, religious beliefs and even superstition. Some people believe that their garden will flourish if a certain number of snakes are killed while others believe that killing a snake will bring good luck. Others will kill them for their skin in order to make wallets, handbags and other items.

In some parts of the world, garter snakes are a food source and are eaten by humans.

Snakes tend to be at the bottom of the food chain meaning that there are many animals that will prey on them with ease since they don’t have any means of defending themselves other than fleeing. There are also a number of animals that will eat their eggs. Most of these animals wouldn’t usually eat a snake but will do so given the opportunity since eggs are such a nutritious meal. Some of these animals include birds, rats, raccoons, skunks, opossums, foxes and even large insects.

Snakes don’t have any natural enemies.

Garter snakes and humans share a special bond. Not in the emotional sense of course, but in the sense that humans have the ability to drastically impact their population. There are many factors that can affect snake populations such as predation, disease, habitat destruction and human intervention. There are currently several species of garden snakes that exist today but this isn’t due to any skill on their part.

It is simply due to the fact that humans haven’t made the effort to wipe them out just yet.

Gardens are important to snakes since they offer a wide variety of food as well as a safe place to breed and shelter. There are many places in which humans like to live but often times these areas do not offer any shelter for wildlife. The only creatures that can survive in such locations are the ones that are able to adapt to the environment.

Snakes have managed to successfully inhabit areas that are dominated by humans. These areas typically offer tall grasses, leaf litter, rock piles, wood piles, old logs and abandoned burrows as places to hide and seek out food. Within these types of habitats snakes have been known to eat a wide variety of prey since they aren’t picky eaters. Most of their food tends to be small and includes insects, frogs and tadpoles, lizards and their eggs, small fish, mice, birds, and even other snakes.

Humans have been known to feed predatory snakes in controlled environments such as zoos in order to keep the animal well fed and tame enough to be displayed to the public. These snakes typically eat animals such as rats and rabbits since they are the proper size for them but when these food sources run out some zoos will feed them smaller species of reptiles and amphibians such as newts, small lizards, and even small snakes.

If you don’t have access to other animals then you can always feed them insects. It isn’t the most nutritious diet but it will keep them from going hungry until you can get them something better. It is also possible to purchase frozen rodents for snakes. You should be aware that this can be more expensive than it’s worth especially if you have to do it on a regular basis.

One of the best ways to feed snakes that live in your garden is to offer them small birds or chicks that you have bred for food.

It is possible for a snake to go months without having to eat because most of the time they are able to digest their meals slowly allowing food to be released into the body over a period of time. They will eat whenever they can because it takes a lot of energy to survive.

If you are able to feed them enough that they are putting on weight then you can assume that you are doing a good job. Over feeding is just as bad as underfeeding since this can cause health problems in the future. You may want to get a second snake just to make sure you are getting enough food for both of them.

You may find yourself with various types of pets and it is possible that some of them may not get along. You need to be careful since certain pets may actually prey on other animals. One of the best ways to introduce new pets is to place them in a closed off area together. This way they can get used to each others scents before being able to interact.

It is possible that some pets may never get along so you will have to keep them separated at all times.

It can be a good idea to have two separate enclosures for any incompatible pets. This will give them both their own personal space so they aren’t able to attack one another.

Snakes and other reptiles make great pets for kids if they are taken care of properly. They don’t need to eat every day and can go for long periods of time without food. This is a good way to teach them how to be responsible. As long as they are getting enough to eat, most types of snakes are fairly easy to maintain and they don’t require all that much attention.

Just remember to always be careful when you are holding a snake since they can sense danger and may feel threatened if you are moving around a lot. You also don’t want to hold one if you have recently eaten or if you have a strong scent on you such as certain cosmetics, certain soaps or perfumes, or cigarettes. All of these things can make the snake feel uncomfortable and may even put it into defense mode.

If you are scared of snakes then it would be best to avoid this animal as a pet. It is possible to learn how to care for them but you need to have the confidence that you can handle them without fear if something goes wrong. You should never handle a snake after drinking or if you have a medical condition such as poor eyesight, diabetes, or heart disease since this can make it difficult for you to control the reptile.

Remember, snakes are very unique little creatures that offer a lot of insight into this world around us. They are very fascinating and can provide endless hours of enjoyment.

This book should give you all the information that you need to learn about snakes and how to take care of them. Each snake has its own set of care needs and each person has their own preferences so always follow what your heart wants.

Thanks for reading!

Preview Of “Ferrets”

Introduction

As more people move into cities and become more used to the everyday luxuries that technology provides, it seems that the appreciation of other animal species is decreasing. Most people don’t even think about how other animals experience the world. Most people don’t consider their feelings or desires.

But what about the smaller animals such as ferrets? Do they have any desires? Are they capable of thoughts or do they just run on instinct?

This eBook will explore the world through the eyes of a ferret, to see what it’s like to live life as one of these adorable yet often overlooked creatures.

Chapter 1: Smells

When people think of ferrets, the first thing that usually comes to mind is how they smell. The musky odor that most ferrets have has been known to cause people to wrinkle their noses in disgust. And it’s true; most ferrets do have an odor. But this odor is something that ferrets have little control over because it is a large part of who they are.

People also assume that the musky smell of a ferret is caused by them not taking baths. While it is true that most ferrets don’t enjoy baths and will require some persuasion to get them into the water, this isn’t the cause of their odor. Even ferrets who love bathing and spend a lot of time in the water will still have that distinctive musk about them.

So if their odor isn’t derived from dirt or filth, what does cause it?

Like most animals, it is a combination of secretions from glands, their diet, and their habitat. Ferrets have scent glands under their tails, at the corners of their eyes, in the middle of their ears, and along the sides of their mouths. They also have sweat glands all over their bodies.

All these factors combine to make ferrets smell the way they do. But one of the main reasons ferrets have this odor is because of their diet. Ferrets are carnivores, which means they have a meat-based diet. They eat animals such as rats, mice, birds, and fish.

Because of this, their bodies give off a musky smell that also indicates that they are predators.

The musk also acts as a sort of warning to other ferrets. For example, if a female ferret has given birth recently, the smell of her kit causes her to produce less milk. This is nature’s way of ensuring that the babies grow quicker and are able to survive on their own. It also keeps the mother from getting distracted and letting her guard down, which would ultimately lead to her death.

It’s all about survival of the fittest in the wild.

But a side effect of all this is that ferrets tend to smell like…well, ferrets. It’s just part of their nature.

Chapter 2: Body

When most people think of a ferret, they usually think of the long, thin body that most of them share. And for good reason! This body shape is one of the things that make ferrets so unique. They are designed for living the life of a predator.

They have a lot of advantages that most people wouldn’t think a creature so small would have.

First of all, they have teeth that are designed for killing. Some people think that ferrets are too cute to be killers but this couldn’t be further from the truth. They have long, curved teeth that are perfect for puncturing the throats of their prey. Once they bite down on their prey, it is very difficult to remove them from their grip.

This is why some people call ferrets ankle biters.

Another common trait among most types of ferrets is their claws. They have long claws that they use for digging and climbing. Some types of ferret, such as the African Pygmy, don’t have particularly long claws but they more than make up for it with the sharpness of them. Similar to their teeth, their claws are curved which allows them to hook into surfaces when they climb.

But ferrets aren’t just designed for killing. They also have an amazing sense of smell. They are able to smell in stereo, meaning they can determine the direction a smell is coming from. This helps when they are underground hunting or fleeing a predator.

Another thing that most people don’t know about ferrets is that they have one more defense against predators besides their teeth and claws. They are able to release a foul-smelling odor when they are frightened. This is why some people think ferrets smell like musk. It’s actually just their natural scent mixed with the smell of fear!

Chapter 3: Behavior

Now we get into the behavior of ferrets. While they are animals with simple instincts, they still possess quite an interesting mix of characteristics. Much of this comes from how they evolved alongside other creatures. Their ancestors survived the harshest environments and this allowed ferrets to develop traits that would help them survive under any circumstances.

One thing people notice about ferrets is how curious they are. They are very inquisitive creatures and will often become distracted by something as simple as a piece of lint. This is because in the wild, being curious can often mean the difference between life and death. It allows them to notice things that could be potential dangers and to investigate things which could make for a good food source.

This also explains why ferrets are so irresistibly attracted to small, moving objects. Anything that moves very fast or bounces is caught by their attention. This comes from their days as predators because in the wild a prey animal that moved very fast would probably be sick or otherwise in poor health. A good hunter tries to catch the weak and the sick because they provide the most nourishment.

Another thing that ferrets have an affinity for is water. It may seem odd that such a dry and hot creature would be attracted to water but this comes from their ancestors as well. Many small animals in the desert dig underground tunnels in order to escape the harsh conditions. Most of the tunnels are dug deep enough to escape the reach of most predators but some tunnels don’t go quite deep enough and a predator could follow its prey into the tunnel.

Because ferrets evolved alongside these desert dwellers, many of them learned how to swim. This allowed them to follow their prey into these tunnels because they could simply swim after them. Swimming also comes in handy when it comes to hunting aquatic prey such as fish or frogs.

When it comes to feeding habits, most ferrets are classified as carnivores. This means that they eat meat. However, many ferret owners will tell you that their pets also seem to like other types of food. This is true and it comes from their days as desert dwellers.

In the wild, most of their food would have been edible vegetation but this food was often scarce. Because of this, ferrets possess a very strong sweet tooth. Most ferrets will eat healthy food but if they have the choice, they will pick the food that is sweet. This is why most ferrets seem to like vegetables like carrots and fruits like apples. They also seem to like anything that contains sugar. This is sometimes bad because ferrets can easily become overweight and this can lead to a variety of health problems.

One more thing that ferrets seem to love is toys. Much like the cat, the ferret seems to be very playful and they must be provided with toys to amuse themselves. While most ferrets like to chase things, this can sometimes lead to unfortunate situations when the ferret doesn’t want to give up its prey. Rotting hedgehogs may not sound dangerous, but if you’ve ever been chased by one you’ll know how frightening it can be.

Sources & references used in this article:

… ecology of the common garter snake (Thamnophis s. sirtalis), the ribbon snake (Thamnophis s. sauritus), and Butler’s garter snake (Thamnophis butleri) in mixed … by CC Carpenter – Ecological Monographs, 1952 – JSTOR

Thermal biology of the common garter snake Thamnophis sirtalis (L.) by AR Gibson, BB Falls – Oecologia, 1979 – Springer

Molecular phylogeography of common garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis) in western North America: implications for regional historical forces by FJ Janzen, JG Krenz, TS Haselkorn… – Molecular …, 2002 – Wiley Online Library

The garter snakes: evolution and ecology by DA Rossman – 1996 – books.google.com

Temperature and defense in the common garter snake: warm snakes are more aggressive than cold snakes by CD Schieffelin, A de Queiroz – Herpetologica, 1991 – JSTOR

Relations of body temperature, size, and crawling speed of the common garter snake, Thamnophis s. sirtalis by C Heckrotte – Copeia, 1967 – JSTOR

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