Checkered Garter Snake (Thamnophis marcianus marcianus)
Working our
way up the size category we now say hello
to a typical visitor, the Checkered
Garter Snake. Compared to the South Texas Blind Snake the average Garter snake
is a real giant! An adult ranges from
18-24 inches long with the largest coming in at 42 ½ inches! The Garters that
hang around here are closer to 20 inches. These guys are recognizable by the
thin yellow or white stripe that runs the length of their body. While their
demeanor is calm and non-aggressive, they will strike and bite, but this has only occurred (for us) under
extreme duress and aggravation. Even so, they are non-venomous so while their
bite can hurt (as any bite) it shouldn’t require any outside medical attention.
But do clean the wound to avoid a chance of infection due to dirt and other
contaminates. The best course of action is just to avoid aggravating any snake.
These guys like to feast on insects of all kinds, frogs, toads, and small mice
and rats. And once they’ve had a good meal, they’ll find a nice, out-of-the-way
place to sit and digest (just like most humans after a Thanksgiving meal). So,
if you or your animals don’t mind these guys rummaging around your yard or
sheds for food give them a nod and continue
with your day.
