The common garter snake is one of the most well known snakes in Minnesota. They live in many different rural and suburban areas and are found on hilltops, along rivers, and in backyards.

Identification

General description: This harmless, medium-sized snake is often found near ponds. Its black and yellow stripes are distinctive.

Length: Adults grow to about 2 feet long.

Reproduction

Garter snakes give birth to their young, typically in August or September. Baby garters live on their own after birth, and more than half die before they are a year old.

Food

Garter snakes eat a varied diet including frogs, small mammals, earthworms and insects.

Predators

Crows, ravens, weasels, mink, raccoons, foxes, ground squirrels, skunks, hawks, owls.

Habitat and range

Garter snakes are found throughout Minnesota. During the winter, to keep from freezing, they hibernate below the frost line. They usually find a rock crevice, an ant mound or a tunnel made by a burrowing animal. These winter dens are used by garter snakes year after year.

Population and management

Garter snakes are important because they eat destructive rodents (mice) and should not be killed. They have no special status in Minnesota, which means their population is likely doing fine.

Fun facts

Although they are not venomous, garter snakes may bite when handled, and they may defecate (poop) on the person holding them, releasing a foul smelling odor.