Common garter snake is generally opportunistic in their choice of prey, a factor in the survival of populations and their occupation of a variety of habitats. Wild common garter snake diets range from aquatic invertebrates to young vertebrates such as amphibians, birds and mammals. Many common garter snake specialize in a few prey items, eating the others as they are available or if their usually prey ca not be found. Aquatic garters feed primarily on leeches, small fish, aquatic snails and other aquatic invertebrates, amphibian larvae, small frogs and salamanders.
Larger common garter snake may also snag a fledging waterfowl. Once stuck, the prey is swallowed alive. Large prey may be pushed against a rock to anchor it in place while the snake works its jaws around it. Common garter snake rarely constricts their prey, instead stunning or killing it before eating. Many of the garters must hibernate during the winter due to the severe drop in temperatures and reduced number of hours available for basking. Often this period of dormancy is required to stimulate mating behaviors.
When spring weather arrives, common garter snake the hibernaculum may take two or more weeks to warm up. During this time, the common garter snake slowly come awake, some makes short forays outside the den, returning to the hibernaculum for the night to avoid the still cold spring night temperatures above ground. This feature helps ensure they will not be caught out during a late frost.
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Common garter snake is one of the most common of snakes in the world. Found in a variety of habitats, common garter snake is often the first snake which catches the other species very fast. Varying according to species, garters are generally striped against a plain or checkered background color. Often delicately or subtly colored, even those with vivid red or yellow stripes or yellow ventral scales are quick to blend in with their background in the wild. This snake generally does not grow.
Common garter snake is one of the most common of snakes in the world. Found in a variety of habitats, common garter snake is often the first snake which catches the other species very fast. Varying according to species, garters are generally striped against a plain or checkered background color. Often delicately or subtly colored, even those with vivid red or yellow stripes or yellow ventral scales are quick to blend in with their background in the wild. This snake generally does not grow.
