Garter Snake

Garter snakes are familiar to just about everyone.  Together the 13 species range over most of the lower 48 states and southern Canada, differing primarily in the pattern of stripes.  

Snakes in this group produce live young and feed on fish, worms, and other small animals.  Like most other reptiles, they molt several times a season.  Snakes shed their skins all at once rather than in small pieces.  Normally the skin on the head pulls away first, then the snake winds its way through rock crevices or brush, causing the skin to be pulled away inside-out.  

No snake should be picked up unless you are familiar with the proper method of handling and can also identify the venomous species.  Do not kill snakes needlessly.  Leave them alone and they will help rid your yard of rodents.

Garter Snake