Garter snakes are common across North America, found in diverse habitats from forests and fields to suburban gardens. These slender reptiles, recognized by their distinctive stripes, are among the most widespread snake species. They thrive in various environments, often near water sources like ponds, streams, and wetlands. Many wonder about the potential danger these snakes pose, particularly if they are venomous or poisonous.
Garter Snakes: Venomous or Poisonous?
Understanding the distinction between “venomous” and “poisonous” is important. An animal is venomous if it injects toxins, typically through a bite or sting, to subdue prey or for defense. Conversely, an animal is poisonous if its toxins are harmful when ingested, absorbed through the skin, or inhaled. Garter snakes are not poisonous to touch or eat, but discoveries in the early 2000s revealed they are mildly venomous.
Garter snakes produce a mild neurotoxic venom in their saliva, secreted from Duvernoy’s gland at the back of their mouths. This venom is delivered through enlarged, grooved teeth in the rear of their mouths, used to chew into prey. The venom’s primary function is to incapacitate small prey like amphibians, worms, and fish, allowing easier consumption. While technically venomous, its amount and potency are generally considered harmless to humans.
Some garter snakes can also become poisonous by retaining toxins from their prey. For example, those consuming rough-skinned newts, which contain the neurotoxin tetrodotoxin (TTX), can store these toxins in their liver for weeks, making them toxic if ingested. This means a garter snake can exhibit characteristics of both venomous and poisonous animals. However, this secondary toxicity is only relevant if the snake is eaten, not if it bites.
What to Expect from a Garter Snake Bite
A garter snake bite is typically not dangerous to humans, and for most individuals, the effects are minor. The bite usually feels like a pinch or mild sting due to their small, sharp, backward-pointing teeth, designed for grasping prey. Common reactions include localized redness, slight swelling, and mild irritation or itching at the bite site. Minor bleeding may occur if the skin is broken, but it usually stops quickly.
Some individuals may experience an allergic reaction to garter snake saliva, similar to a bee sting. Symptoms can range from increased swelling beyond the bite area to hives or difficulty breathing. If a garter snake bite occurs, remain calm. Clean the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water to prevent infection, as any break in the skin carries this risk. Applying an antiseptic and covering the area with a clean bandage can reduce the chance of infection. Monitor the bite for signs of increased redness, pain, pus, or fever, and seek medical attention if these symptoms develop or an allergic reaction is suspected.
Safe Interactions with Garter Snakes
Garter snakes are generally docile and avoid confrontation, preferring to flee rather than strike when disturbed. They may coil, shake their tail, or discharge a foul-smelling, musky secretion from glands near their cloaca as a defense mechanism. If you encounter a garter snake, observe it from a distance and allow it to move away. Avoiding sudden movements helps prevent the snake from feeling threatened.
Handling garter snakes is generally not recommended, as they may bite defensively if restrained or scared. If a snake needs to be moved, gently guide it using a stick or similar object rather than picking it up directly. These snakes play a beneficial role in local ecosystems, acting as natural pest control by consuming slugs, snails, insects, and small rodents. Their presence often indicates a healthy environment, and allowing them to coexist undisturbed benefits the natural world.