Garter snakes, common inhabitants of many North American landscapes, often spark curiosity about their potential danger. Understanding their true nature helps clarify their interaction with humans and their role in the ecosystem.
Are Garter Snakes Venomous?
Garter snakes are mildly venomous. They produce a neurotoxic venom, primarily in their saliva, which helps subdue their small prey. However, their venom is not considered dangerous to humans. Unlike highly venomous snakes with specialized fangs, garter snakes have small, grooved teeth at the back of their mouths and lack an efficient delivery system to inject venom into a larger creature.
It is important to distinguish between “venomous” and “poisonous.” A venomous animal injects toxins, typically through a bite or sting, while a poisonous animal releases toxins when ingested or absorbed. Garter snakes can also be considered poisonous because they may retain toxins, such as tetrodotoxin, from amphibians like newts in their liver, making them unpalatable or harmful if consumed by predators.
What Happens After a Garter Snake Bite?
A garter snake bite typically results in mild effects on humans, often compared to a bee sting. Symptoms, if any, are usually localized to the bite site. These can include minor pain, slight redness, and mild swelling. Bruising may also occur. The small, curved teeth of garter snakes are designed for grasping prey, not for inflicting deep wounds.
If a garter snake bite breaks the skin, basic wound care is sufficient. Clean the area with soap and water to prevent infection, and apply an antiseptic to further reduce risk. While infections are possible with any animal bite, the risk from a garter snake bite is low. Medical attention is rarely needed unless there are signs of infection, such as increasing redness, swelling, pus, or fever, or if an individual experiences an allergic reaction.
Garter Snakes in Their Environment
Garter snakes play an important role in their natural habitats across North America, from Canada to Central America. They are adaptable, found in diverse environments including forests, grasslands, and suburban areas, often near water sources. Their diet primarily consists of small animals they can overpower, such as earthworms, slugs, frogs, newts, and small fish. Their mild venom aids in subduing this prey.
These snakes are generally non-aggressive and tend to flee when approached. If threatened, a garter snake might coil, strike, or release a foul-smelling musk from glands near its tail as a defense mechanism. They are active during the day and are known for their ability to swim. Garter snakes often hibernate communally in burrows or rock piles during colder months.