Garter snakes are medium-sized snakes easily recognizable by the distinctive stripes running lengthwise along their scales. However, some individuals lack stripes. If a garter snake is threatened by a predator, it will release a foul-smelling, greasy fluid, called ‘musk’, from glands located near the base of the tail. This fluid not only smells bad but … Read more
Garter snakes are among the most common snakes in North America. They are usually found in forest areas but often wander into people’s backyards and even enter homes. Garter snakes enter houses mainly in search of food, water, or protection from the elements. Sometimes, they may enter a house purely by accident, especially if doors … Read more
Many snakes, particularly those that live close to water bodies, venture into the water for various reasons, such as to escape predators or to move across different areas of their habitat. Snakes are air-breathing reptiles, and if their lungs fill with water, they can drown. Although many snakes can hold their breath to dive underwater, … Read more
Like most snakes, garter snakes are generalist carnivores that eat a wide variety of other prey. They aren’t very picky about what they eat and will prey on almost any animal they can catch and swallow whole. Garter snakes eat frogs that are small enough to fit into their mouths. In general, amphibians tend to … Read more
Garter snakes are medium sized snakes found in North and Central America. Due to their wide distribution, these snakes are often near water bodies. Like all snakes, garter snakes can swim. They swim by wriggling their bodies from side to side, in a winding motion, while keeping their heads above the water. Many garter snake … Read more
Sea snakes are interesting creatures that live in marine environments for most of their lives. These snakes are excellent swimmers and often dive to the sea floor to hunt. But how long can sea snakes stay underwater? Most sea snakes spend an average of 15 to 30 minutes underwater before returning to the surface for … Read more
There are many different species of snakes called ‘water snakes’, among them the common watersnake (Nerodia sipedon) native to North America, and the common grass snake (Natrix natrix) native to Europe and western Asia. Water snakes are characterized by their semi-aquatic lifestyle, and spend a significant time in or near freshwater bodies such as rivers, … Read more
Sea snakes are interesting creatures that live in marine environments for most of their lives. These snakes are excellent swimmers, and dive to hunt underwater – and can stay submerged for long periods. In general, sea snakes can not breathe underwater. However, they can hold their breath for long periods of time. Sea snakes can … Read more