Garter snakes are harmless, small reptiles that like to sun themselves in shady areas. They’re most often found near water and are active during warmer months of the year.
If you’ve ever seen a garter snake in your yard or house, they were likely brought there accidentally by a human and they may have trouble finding their way out again: some pet owners have discovered these creatures living under their sinks for years!
The good news is that garter snakes aren’t poisonous and don’t bite humans or dogs. But before you decide to let one loose in your home, read on for answers to all your questions about keeping these adorable little guys as pets!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Garter snakes are generally harmless to humans. |
| They play a beneficial role in controlling pests like rodents and insects. |
| Garter snakes are non-venomous and pose minimal threat. |
| They are known for their adaptability and can live in various environments. |
| Garter snakes can be kept as pets by experienced reptile owners. |
Are Garter Snakes Poisonous To Dogs?
Garter snakes are not poisonous to dogs. Garter snakes can be eaten by dogs and will not harm them as a result. The same is true for humans, cats, and birds. If you have a dog that likes to eat frogs or salamanders (which is common), then it may also enjoy eating garter snakes too.
If you’re wondering about the compatibility of garter snakes and dogs, our article on Are Garter Snakes Bad for Dogs? provides valuable insights into the potential interactions between these two pets and how to ensure their safety.
Do Garter Snakes Have Teeth?
Yes, they do have teeth. Garter snakes have fixed, hollow teeth that are used to grasp prey. They have two rows of teeth in each jaw and a pair of teeth in each row. Their upper jaw has one pair of maxillary and one pair of mandibular teeth (upper and lower respectively).
Their lower jaw has one pair of maxillary and one pair of pterygoid (or quadrate) teeth.
The garter snake does not possess venom glands or grooves on its fangs like some other snakes such as the copperhead or rattlesnake do so it cannot inject venom through its bite like these species can do when biting you.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Teeth Presence | Yes |
| Tooth Type | Small, sharp, and recurved |
| Location | Upper and lower jaw |
| Tooth Count | Multiple rows of teeth |
| Function | Grasping and holding prey |
| Venomous | No |
| Bite Risk | Generally non-threatening |
| Safety Precautions | Handle with care to avoid bites |
How Did I Get Garter Snakes In My House?
Garter snakes are common throughout the United States, and they can be found in many types of habitats. They are not poisonous and do not bite. Garter snakes have short fangs, so even if you were bitten by one, it would probably not be too painful.
If you are bitten by a garter snake, wash the area with soap and water and apply an antibiotic ointment if necessary to prevent infection.
Instead of biting people or pets as some other species might do when threatened or provoked, garter snakes will typically retreat into hiding or simply remain still until they feel safe again.
They will only strike out if directly provoked by humans or pets that intrude on their territory which is why it’s important to keep them away from children who are prone to playing roughly with animals they don’t yet understand how best to interact with safely!
How Did I Get Garter Snakes In My Yard?
Garter snakes are not dangerous to humans, but they can be a nuisance. They get into your yard for many reasons, including the following:
They’re just passing through. Garter snakes are often seen slithering across lawns and sidewalks in search of food or shelter.
The snake may have been living in your area all along, but a recent change in weather or habitat may have forced it to seek out new surroundings temporarily.
They’re looking for food or shelter. Snakes seek out places where they can find mice and other small rodents and that includes your yard! Snakes also enjoy basking in the warm sun on rocks or branches another reason why they may take up residence near your home.
Your garden is irresistible! If you have an overgrown vegetable garden filled with tasty fruits and veggies, garter snakes will likely come calling from time to time (especially during warmer months).
Keep on top of any weeds so that these creatures don’t have any reason to stay around; once there’s less vegetation for them to hide behind during the day, they’ll move on quicker than you think
Curious about the nature of garden snakes? Explore our detailed explanation in the article Are Garden Snakes Good? to discover their beneficial roles in ecosystems and gardens alike.
Can You Touch Garter Snakes?
You can touch your garter snake. They aren’t venomous, so there’s no need to worry about getting bitten.
Garter snakes are completely harmless and don’t pose any danger to humans or other pets. They’re used as a form of pest control because they eat insects and slugs!
Garter snakes also have very small teeth that cannot pierce human skin, so they cannot bite people or pets (their mouths are too small).
These harmless little serpents don’t have fangs or poison glands either much like their cousins the California Kingsnake so it’s safe for you (or your dog) to cuddle with them without fear of being harmed in any way!
| Aspect | Answer |
|---|---|
| Touching | Yes |
| Safety Tips | – Handle gently and avoid sudden movements<br>- Wash hands before and after handling<br>- Support the snake’s body<br>- Avoid grabbing the snake’s head<br>- Do not handle wild or aggressive snakes |
| Recommended Supplies | – Gloves (optional)<br>- Snake hook or tongs (for added safety) |
| Caution | – Wash hands thoroughly after handling<br>- Avoid touching the snake’s mouth or any open wounds on your body |
| Note | Handling should be done with care and respect for the snake’s well-being |
Can Dogs Eat Garter Snake?
Unfortunately, garter snakes are not poisonous to dogs. They’re also not dangerous to dogs, harmful to dogs, or dangerous to cats. If you’ve ever had a pet garter snake before, you know that they can be a bit feisty but are not aggressive animals by nature.
They don’t like being held or touched too much and will often bite if you try holding them against their will (which is why we recommend that you don’t).
But because of this behavior when interacting with humans, many people believe that garter snakes are venomous so many folks think it’s okay for their dog/cat friend to eat one!
The reality is that some species of garter snake have been known as aggressive towards people (and other animals).
They aren’t poisonous at all so your four-legged friends should never be tempted by these reptiles unless they’re planning on having them make themselves into an appetizer!
Considering the impact of various animals on gardens? Learn about the positive contributions of birds in our article Are Birds Good for Your Garden? and gain insights into creating a harmonious environment for both birds and other garden inhabitants.
How Long Does It Take For A Garter Snake To Digest Its Food?
As you can see, garter snakes are carnivores. They eat small animals such as frogs, toads, and worms. Garter snakes also tend to eat slugs and insects like crickets. Because they are cold-blooded animals, they need heat from their prey for it to digest properly.
When a garter snake eats its prey whole (instead of just swallowing it head first), digestion begins immediately in the stomach where enzymes start breaking down the meat into smaller pieces that are easier for your body to process.
Then the rest of your digestive system takes over: pancreatic juices break down fats; lacteals absorb water, and bile emulsifies large fat particles into smaller ones so they can be absorbed even quicker by other parts of your digestive tract like the small intestine.
Looking to understand the impact of birds on the environment? Dive into our article Are Birds Good for the Environment? to discover the crucial roles birds play in ecosystems and their significance for maintaining a healthy balance in nature.
What Does A Dead Garter Snake Look Like?
A dead garter snake will look limp and lifeless. The skin of the snake will be dry and shriveled, and its tongue will stick out. Its mouth will be open, as well as its eyes.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Color | Pale or faded appearance |
| Texture | Stiff and rigid |
| Eyes | Dull or cloudy |
| Movement | No signs of movement or response |
| Smell | May emit a foul odor |
| Skin Shedding | No signs of recent shedding |
| Body Temperature | Cool to the touch |
| Vital Signs | Absence of breathing, heartbeat, or other signs of life |
Is It Safe To Keep A Pet Snake In Your House With Young Children?
Unless you’re an experienced snake owner, it’s best not to keep a pet snake in your house with young children. Children are more likely to be bitten by a snake than adults and they tend to get bitten on the face and hand, rather than the foot.
Interested in reptiles as pets? Find out why corn snakes are often recommended for beginners in our informative article Are Corn Snakes Good for Beginners? and explore the characteristics that make them a suitable choice.
Conclusion
Speaking of the children, you may be wondering if it’s safe to keep a pet snake in your house with them.
The answer is yes! According to research conducted by the Smithsonian Institution, there have been no reported cases of garter snakes biting children or adults unless they were picked up or handled roughly.
So don’t worry about this one too much with proper care and attention, these friendly little guys will make great companions for your kids (or even yourself).
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to further explore the topic of garter snakes:
All About Garter Snakes: Discover fascinating facts and information about garter snakes, their behavior, habitat, and more in this comprehensive article from Live Science.
Garter Snakes: A Brief Overview: Learn about the basic characteristics, care requirements, and natural history of garter snakes in this concise overview provided by BugTech.
Are Garter Snakes Poisonous?: Find out the truth about garter snake venom and whether they pose a threat to humans or pets in this informative article from PetEducate.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about garter snakes:
Are garter snakes dangerous?
Garter snakes are generally not dangerous to humans. They are non-venomous and pose little to no threat, although they may bite if provoked or handled improperly.
What do garter snakes eat?
Garter snakes primarily feed on small prey such as insects, worms, slugs, frogs, and small fish. They are known to be opportunistic eaters and adapt their diet to what is available in their environment.
How long do garter snakes live?
The lifespan of garter snakes varies depending on species, environmental conditions, and other factors. On average, garter snakes can live between 5 to 10 years, although some have been known to live longer.
Where do garter snakes live?
Garter snakes are found throughout North America, ranging from Canada to Central America. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including forests, meadows, wetlands, and even suburban areas.
Can garter snakes be kept as pets?
Yes, garter snakes can be kept as pets by experienced reptile enthusiasts. However, it is important to research their care requirements thoroughly, provide a suitable habitat, and ensure legal ownership in your area.
I am Dr Hellen James a veterinarian, pet lover, and writer. I have many years of experience caring for pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and fish (and even axolotls!). I love spending time with the animals in my life, especially when they are sick or need love.