The Eastern Garter Snake

Thamnophis sirtalis

Snakes tend to get a bad reputation, but garter snakes are one of the most beneficial reptiles you can have around. They help control populations of slugs, insects, small rodents, and other animals that can become pests, making them an important part of a healthy ecosystem.

Despite what many people believe, snakes aren’t out looking for trouble. In fact, most would prefer to avoid us entirely. When threatened, a garter snake may musk, bluff, or try to escape, but its first choice is almost always to get away from the giant predator towering over it.

One of the coolest facts about garter snakes: They are ovoviviparous, meaning that they don’t lay eggs. Instead, females give birth to live young, sometimes producing dozens of tiny baby snakes at once!

A quick reminder: wildlife should only be handled by trained individuals when necessary. I have training in reptile and amphibian handling, and after a brief photoshoot our little friend was returned exactly where they were found.

Here’s a not-so-fun fact: many snake bites happen when people try to pick up, kill, or otherwise harass a snake. Most snakes aren’t aggressive. Imagine you’re minding your own business when a giant hairless mammal suddenly levitates you into the sky. You’d probably be a little defensive too!

So the next time you see a garter snake sunning itself on a trail, remember that it’s helping keep nature in balance, providing free pest control, and is probably far more afraid of you than you are of it.