Why Do Garter Snakes Shake And Bob Their Heads?

Why Do Garter Snakes Shake And Bob Their Heads?

Garter snakes are some of the most abundant snakes in North America. These snakes primarily inhabit grassy and forested areas, but often wander into people’s gardens and backyards. Garter snakes bob and shake their heads primarily to mimic the movement of grass or other vegetation in windy conditions. This behavior helps them blend more effectively … Read more

Why Do Garter Snakes Group Together?

Why Do Garter Snakes Group Together?

Garter snakes are medium-sized snakes easily recognizable by the distinctive stripes running lengthwise along their scales. They are one of the most common snakes in North America and can often be found in large groups, particularly at certain times of the year. Garter Snakes gather in groups for several reasons, including to retain body heat … Read more

How Long Do Garter Snakes Live?

How long do garter snakes live?

Garter snakes are capable of living longer lives than most people think. Their lifespan is influenced by several factors, but captive garter snakes typically live longer than those in the wild. Garter snakes typically live between 2 – 4 years in the wild – with some individuals living up to 10 years. In captivity, they … Read more

Do Garter Snakes Eat Mice?

Like all snakes, garter snakes are obligate carnivores, which means they only eat meat, and can not eat plants. While most garter snakes mainly eat small invertebrates, large adult garter snakes occasionally eat small or juvenile mice. Garter snakes often adapt to eating whatever prey they can find in their local area. They are very … Read more

Do Copperhead Snakes Really Smell Like Cucumbers?

Do Copperhead Snakes Smell Like Cucumbers?

Copperheads are heavy-bodied snakes found in the eastern and central portion United States. A common belief about these snakes is that they smell like cucumbers, but is there any truth to this? Copperhead snakes do not really smell like cucumbers. While they can produce a musk as a defensive measure, that musk does not smell … Read more

Do Copperhead Snakes Climb Trees?

Do Copperhead Snakes Climb Trees?

Copperheads are thick-bodied snakes found in the eastern portion of North America. These snakes spend most of their time on the ground, but they can utilize a broad range of habitats, at least occasionally. Copperhead snakes can and do climb low trees or shrubs for various reasons, such as hunting, thermoregulation, escaping predators on the … Read more

Do Cottonmouth Snakes Really Chase People?

Do Cottonmouth Snakes Chase People?

Cottonmouths ( also known as water moccasins ) are stocky snakes, found in the southeastern United States. One common belief about these snakes is that they are very aggressive, even to the point of “chasing” people. But is there any truth to this? Cottonmouths do not actually chase people. These snakes are defensive, but not … Read more

How Do Garter Snakes Get In Your Basement?

How do garter snakes enter basements?

Garter snakes are medium-sized snakes easily recognizable by the distinctive stripes running lengthwise along their scales. They are usually found in forest areas but often wander into people’s backyards and basements. Garter snakes can not dig, so the only way they can enter basements is through open spaces. This could be through cracks or openings … Read more

Can Garter Snakes Climb Up Walls Or Stairs?

Can Garter Snakes Climb Up Walls Or Stairs?

Garter snakes are among the most widespread snakes in North America. They prefer to live in grassy forest areas, often near water – but sometimes wander into people’s backyards. Garter snakes can climb short walls, and even stairs, as long as they have gaps, rough surfaces, or small footholds to grab onto. Snakes do not … Read more

How Long Can Snakes Stay Underwater?

How Long Can Snakes Stay Underwater?

All snakes can swim to some extent, and many can dive underwater to hunt for food. But how long can snakes stay underwater? Generally, most terrestrial snakes can stay underwater for 1 to 10 minutes, while more aquatic snakes such as water snakes can stay submerged for up to 30 minutes. Sea snakes have specialized … Read more