Thamnophis sirtalis
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: The common garter snake and it's cousin, the plains garter snake, are medium-sized snakes reaching up to 3 feet in length.
Length: Medium-sized snakes reaching up to 3 feet in length
Color: Black with three, yellow lengthwise stripes on their back and sides
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. All snakes are considered protected wild animals in Minnesota.
Fun facts
Although they are not venomous, garter snakes may bite when handled, and they may defecate on the person holding them, releasing a foul smelling odor.
