
7 Snakes That Give Live Birth (As Opposed to Eggs).Black Snake with White Stripes – What Could it Be?.Black Snake with Yellow Stripe: What Could it Be?.The snake is diurnal, but their precise daily routine and sleep patterns vary according to regional climate. They are commonly found near water sources like ponds, streams, lakes and rivers, from sea level to mountain altitudes. Although they will live in vacant lots and other urban areas, the snakes prefer to make their home in natural habitats like forests, fields, meadows, wetlands, marshes and prairies. But populations of these snakes are sparse and limited in the desert southwest. Subspecies of the garter snake are found in the United States, Canada and northern Mexico. Garter snakes are an excellent means of pest control in the gardens and urban areas they inhabit.During mating season they form “mating balls” of one or more females and a dozen or more males.They can maneuver their bodies into more defensive postures than other types of snakes.The common garter snake gives birth to between 10 and 40 immediately independent live baby snakes.As the most widely distributed snake in North America, it is common to run across this species while gardening or working outdoors.This unique method for mating takes place because male populations so greatly outnumber females and competition for mating is fierce. Reproduction often takes place in the form of “mating balls.” These balls are made up of one or more females intertwined with a multitude of males all at once, as part of which fertilization occurs. In captivity, their lifespan is up to 10 years.Īnother interesting facet of the snake’s life is how it reproduces.

This adaptation helps the snake survive in the wild where they typically have a lifespan of 4 to 5 years.

The snake absorbs the toxins into its own body, in turn making itself poisonous to predators like birds. 10,400 People Couldn't Ace This Quiz Think You Can? Take Our Brand New A-Z-Animals Snakes QuizĪn interesting characteristic of the common garter snake is its ability to recycle toxins from poisonous animals like the American toad and rough-skinned newt.
