The garter snake, belonging to the genus Thamnophis, is one of the most widely distributed and commonly encountered reptiles across North America. These slender snakes are easily recognized by the longitudinal stripes that run the length of their bodies, often in shades of yellow, white, or green against a darker background. Found in diverse environments from forests and fields to suburban gardens, they are highly adaptable and frequently live near bodies of water. Their preferred diet consists of amphibians and worms. Their small size, typically ranging from 18 to 49 inches in length, makes them a familiar sight throughout the continent.
Understanding Garter Snake Bites
Garter snakes will bite, but it is purely a defensive mechanism reserved for when they feel threatened, cornered, or are being handled. These snakes are not aggressive toward humans and usually try to escape or deploy a foul-smelling musk before resorting to biting. When a bite does occur, it is generally a quick nip or a superficial scratch because their dentition is adapted for grasping small, slippery prey rather than delivering a deep puncture.
The snake possesses small, sharp teeth that line the jaws, and the sensation of a bite is typically described as a minor pinch or a pinprick. The small wounds may draw a tiny amount of blood, but they rarely penetrate deeply into the skin.
Assessing the Threat Level
Garter snakes are not considered dangerous to people. For many years, these snakes were thought to be non-venomous, but scientific discoveries revealed they produce a mild neurotoxic secretion from a gland known as Duvernoy’s gland. This mild venom is primarily designed to immobilize small, cold-blooded prey like frogs and salamanders, allowing the snake to consume its meal more easily.
The delivery system for this secretion is extremely inefficient against a large mammal like a human, as the snake lacks specialized fangs. They have grooved teeth located far back in the mouth, meaning the snake would need to “chew” on the skin for a prolonged period to introduce any significant amount of the mild toxin. Even in rare instances where a small amount of the secretion enters the wound, the result is almost never more than localized, temporary swelling or slight bruising near the bite site. Medical intervention is generally unnecessary for the venom itself, confirming they pose virtually no biological threat to human health.
Safe Encounters and Prevention
The best method for avoiding a bite is to simply leave the snake alone whenever you encounter one. Garter snakes will not pursue or attack a person, and bites only happen when they perceive an immediate threat, most often from being picked up or restrained. Clearing debris like woodpiles, tall grass, and rock mounds from your immediate living area can reduce the likelihood of close-range encounters, as these areas serve as ideal habitat and cover.
Should a bite happen, the only real concern is the risk of a secondary bacterial infection. The first step is to remain calm, as the bite is harmless, and then thoroughly clean the area with soap and warm water. Applying a common antiseptic ointment and covering the wound with a clean bandage will minimize the chance of infection. Monitoring the area for several days for signs of redness, increased swelling, or discharge is prudent, but medical attention is rarely required unless these signs develop.