How to Identify Garter Snakes
Some people consider garter snakes pests in their backyard, but they are actually a good thing to have in a small quantity. Garter snakes eat slugs, grubs and other plant and grass-eating predators. Some will even eat larger vermin. They are harmless to humans. Garter snakes are so common that very often they are called garden snakes. If you see a snake, it is always a good idea to identify it, however, so you know that what you have is a garter snake.
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Instructions
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Take some photos of the snake. This is not as scary as it sounds because garter snakes are not aggressive, have poor eyesight and will not move unless loud noises or strong vibrations scare them. Approach the snake slowly and quietly. Take five or six pictures of the snake, concentrating on the head and neck. A telephoto lens will help you get a clear, well-magnified shot.
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Inspect the area where you found the snake. Garter snakes breed slowly, so you do not have to worry about being overrun with them. You generally will not see more than three in a normal garden in a season. They will provide natural pest control for your garden.
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Transfer the pictures that you took to your computer. Enlarge them as much as possible.
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Look at the stripes on the body of the snake. Most garter snakes have stripes running up and down their bodies.
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Turn your attention to the jaw. Most garter snakes have seven small, distinct, almost rectangular upper lip scales (upper labials). Each is like a separate compartment attached to the one next to it.
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Look at the length of the snake. They are rarely longer than three feet, and usually smaller.
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Tips & Warnings
If you have problems with slugs and grubs, look up information for feeding garter snakes to control your pest problem.
If you have any doubts about the type of snake, take your picture to an ophiologist.
References
- Photo Credit 0336-couleuvre image by Michel Bazin from Fotolia.com
