Concerns about venomous snakes, particularly the copperhead, often lead people to seek natural deterrence methods. A common question is whether garter snakes can keep copperheads away. Understanding the distinct behaviors and ecological roles of both species provides clarity on their interspecies relationships.
Garter Snakes and Copperheads: Understanding Their Worlds
Garter snakes are common across North America, typically reaching 18 to 26 inches. They often have longitudinal stripes of yellow, green, or blue against a darker background. These non-venomous snakes inhabit various environments, including gardens, woodlands, and areas near water sources. Their diet primarily consists of small invertebrates like earthworms and slugs, and amphibians such as frogs.
Copperheads are venomous pit vipers, distinguishable by their hourglass-shaped bands, wider on the sides and narrower along the spine. Adults commonly grow to 2 to 3 feet. These snakes favor wooded areas, rocky outcrops, leaf litter, and suburban environments where cover and food are plentiful. Copperheads are ambush predators, primarily consuming rodents, small birds, and large insects.
The Reality of Interspecies Interactions
Garter snakes do not actively deter or “keep away” copperheads. The notion that one snake species would naturally exclude another is largely unfounded. These two species do not engage in direct predatory or competitive interactions that would drive one out of a shared habitat.
Their distinct dietary preferences mean they are not competing for the same food resources. Garter snakes primarily hunt small invertebrates and amphibians, while copperheads target warm-blooded prey like rodents. This divergence minimizes direct competition for sustenance. A garter snake is not a predator of a copperhead, nor does it pose a significant threat to an adult copperhead.
When their habitats overlap, garter snakes and copperheads typically coexist without significant interaction. Both species are primarily concerned with finding food and shelter, not territorial disputes. The belief that garter snakes deter copperheads often stems from a misunderstanding of snake behavior and ecological dynamics.
Effective Copperhead Deterrence and Safety
Since garter snakes do not provide a reliable deterrent, individuals concerned about copperheads should focus on habitat modification and personal awareness. Removing potential hiding spots is a primary strategy for making an area less appealing. This includes clearing leaf litter, keeping woodpiles and rock piles away from structures, and maintaining mowed lawns.
Controlling rodent populations helps reduce a copperhead’s food supply, making the area less attractive. Sealing cracks in foundations and around pipes can prevent snakes from entering homes or outbuildings. These measures directly address environmental factors that draw copperheads.
Practicing caution when working outdoors, particularly in gardens or wooded areas, enhances safety. Wearing appropriate footwear, such as closed-toe shoes or boots, offers protection against accidental encounters. Avoiding reaching into blind spots, like dense shrubbery or under logs, minimizes risk. If a copperhead is observed on a property, contacting local wildlife control or animal services for professional removal is the safest approach.