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Home > Blogs > Birds and Butterflies > Archives > 2011 > September > 07
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Garter Snake Encounters
Five years ago, I would have been shocked at the idea that I would even consider handling one of these snaky creatures. They made me nervous since I didn’t have much experience with them. In college, I worked at a museum with live animals and was trained to handle the snakes we used for education. After that, they quickly have become some of my favorite animals. As I learned more and more about snakes, I have come to appreciate their imortance in the ecosystem. The poor things have been given a bad reputation!
While trying to do some tidying up around our backyard yesterday, we ran into two very pretty garter snakes hiding under our doghouse. Since we were permanently moving their shelter, we wanted to get them to a safe, dog-free area on the outside of the backyard fence. So, I proceeded to move them the 10 yards necessary. They sure gave me a hard time since they kept sliding under the Cedar tree needles every time I reached for them! I let them go at the edge of the fence line near a cozy brush pile they could call home.
Now the disclaimer: Do not attempt to touch or handle a snake that you do not recognize by species. We do have three venomous snakes in Ohio, but they are not common in Montgomery County. Any wild snake may attempt to bite when you handle them. The best thing to do when you see one is to watch it quietly and appreciate him/her from afar.
Eastern Garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis) are the most common Garter Snake in Ohio. Their name is derived from their lateral yellow stripes that resemble old-fashioned sock garters. They live in a wide variety of habitats such as wetlands, drainage ditches, meadows, and under dog houses (Haha!). If you want to see one up close, check out the Germantown Nature Center or try to find one out on the trails!
