{"id":11263,"date":"2018-06-25T06:30:21","date_gmt":"2018-06-25T10:30:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/?p=11263"},"modified":"2018-06-25T12:12:01","modified_gmt":"2018-06-25T16:12:01","slug":"take-5-garter-snakes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/take-5-garter-snakes\/","title":{"rendered":"Take 5: Garter Snakes"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis<\/i>), one of the most commonly seen snakes in Massachusetts<\/a>,\u00a0is also the official state reptile. They sport long, yellow stripes down the length of their\u00a0bodies, which are typically green, brown, or even black, and average about 20-22″ in length, but can grow up to 54″ long.<\/p>\n

You may be startled to encounter one while out for a walk in the woods, basking in a patch of warm sunlight, but there’s no need to worry; garters are non-venomous and generally shy. More than likely, it will quickly dart away into the brush to\u00a0escape. This quick retreat can make it difficult to differentiate a Common Garter Snake from the much rarer Eastern Ribbon Snake, which has additional burgundy stripes and a white eyespot, but if you’re unsure,\u00a0garter snakes are much more common, and likely your best bet.<\/p>\n

Garter snakes eat amphibians, fish, small mammals, earthworms, and sometimes insects. People often mistakenly call this snake a \u201cgarden snake,\u201d because it can sometimes be seen in gardens. However, the name \u201cgarter snake\u201d comes from the old fashion of wearing garters\u2014strips of fabric that hold up stockings.<\/p>\n

Here are five photos of our state reptile from past entrants to our Picture This: Your Great Outdoors photo contest<\/a>. The 2018 photo contest is now open, so submit your beautiful nature photography today!<\/p>\n

\"Common

Common Garter Snake \u00a9 Carole Rosen<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Common

Common Garter Snake \u00a9 Evan Morley<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Common

Common Garter Snake \u00a9 Dominic Poliseno<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Common

Common Garter Snakes \u00a9 Michael Onyon<\/p><\/div>\n

\"Common

Common Garter Snake \u00a9 Catherine Luce<\/p><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), one of the most commonly seen snakes in Massachusetts,\u00a0is also the official state reptile. They sport long, yellow stripes down the length of their\u00a0bodies, which are typically green, brown, or even black, and average about 20-22″ in length, but can grow up to 54″ long. You may be startled […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":68,"featured_media":11266,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[158],"tags":[256,257,83,84,156],"class_list":["post-11263","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-take-5","tag-garter-snakes","tag-herps","tag-photo-contest","tag-photography","tag-snakes"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2018\/06\/344CatherineLuce1099_1.jpg","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p3t87A-2VF","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":17078,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/how-to-tell-a-garter-from-a-ribbon-snake\/","url_meta":{"origin":11263,"position":0},"title":"How to Tell a Garter from a Ribbon Snake","author":"Kaylin D.","date":"September 1, 2022","format":false,"excerpt":"Sitting on a rock in the hot sun is a yellow-striped snake soaking in the sun. With only a glance before it slithers away, it\u2019s hard to determine what type of snake it was. The yellow lining is a feature on both Eastern Garter Snakes and Eastern Ribbon Snakes. So\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Nature Notes"","block_context":{"text":"Nature Notes","link":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/category\/nature-notes\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2022\/08\/ribbon-2.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2022\/08\/ribbon-2.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2022\/08\/ribbon-2.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2022\/08\/ribbon-2.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":14203,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/take-5-gutsy-garter-snakes\/","url_meta":{"origin":11263,"position":1},"title":"Take 5: Gutsy Garter Snakes","author":"Ryan D.","date":"June 8, 2020","format":false,"excerpt":"The most widespread of all snake species in Massachusetts, the Eastern Garter Snake can frequently be spotted out sunning itself on rocks and logs in sunny forest clearings, grassy meadows, backyards, and in freshwater habitats. While garter snakes are basically harmless, they may release an unpleasant-smelling secretion when they are\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "General"","block_context":{"text":"General","link":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/category\/general\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Garter Snake \u00a9 Larry Manning","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2020\/06\/1956Larry_Manning14097.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2020\/06\/1956Larry_Manning14097.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2020\/06\/1956Larry_Manning14097.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2020\/06\/1956Larry_Manning14097.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":9858,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/take-5-sublime-snakes\/","url_meta":{"origin":11263,"position":2},"title":"Take 5: Sublime Snakes","author":"Ryan D.","date":"October 2, 2017","format":false,"excerpt":"Snakes tend to get a bad rap, but they\u2019re actually fascinating creatures that can help control pests like rodents and slugs thanks to their carnivorous diet. Plus, the vast majority of snakes that you\u2019ll find in the Northeast are not dangerous. In fact, of the 14 snake species found in\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Take 5"","block_context":{"text":"Take 5","link":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/category\/take-5\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Common Garter Snakes \u00a9 Michael Onyon","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2017\/09\/1678MichaelOnyon5814_fi.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2017\/09\/1678MichaelOnyon5814_fi.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2017\/09\/1678MichaelOnyon5814_fi.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13050,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/take-5-snake-my-day\/","url_meta":{"origin":11263,"position":3},"title":"Take 5: Snake My Day","author":"Ryan D.","date":"September 2, 2019","format":false,"excerpt":"We've given snakes some love on this blog before, but they're just so cool it seemed like time for a redux. This time of year, as young people everywhere are heading back to school or leaving home for college, the young of many species of snakes are also setting out\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Take 5"","block_context":{"text":"Take 5","link":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/category\/take-5\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"Eastern Milk Snake (juvenile) \u00a9 Ashley Gibbs","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/09\/3483Ashley_Gibbs25071.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/09\/3483Ashley_Gibbs25071.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/09\/3483Ashley_Gibbs25071.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2019\/09\/3483Ashley_Gibbs25071.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":5678,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/where-did-that-animals-name-come-from\/","url_meta":{"origin":11263,"position":4},"title":"Where Did That Animal’s Name Come From?","author":"Rosemary","date":"June 30, 2015","format":false,"excerpt":"Some animals have names with obvious meanings. For example, the white-tailed deer is named for its bright, flashing tail, and the northern red bellied snake has a ruby-red belly. But other names have more mysterious origins, and their meanings have become lost with the passage of time. Here are a\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Nature Notes"","block_context":{"text":"Nature Notes","link":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/category\/nature-notes\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2015\/06\/saw-whet-Jennifer-Johnston.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2015\/06\/saw-whet-Jennifer-Johnston.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2015\/06\/saw-whet-Jennifer-Johnston.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":3743,"url":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/four-reasons-to-appreciate-snakes\/","url_meta":{"origin":11263,"position":5},"title":"Four Reasons to Appreciate Snakes","author":"Rosemary","date":"July 16, 2014","format":false,"excerpt":"The 14 species of snakes in Massachusetts don't get enough love and appreciation. So, in honor of World Snake Day on July 16, we thought we'd share just a few\u00a0reasons that we should celebrate their presence. 1. Snakes eat garden pests Consider yourself lucky if you have DeKay\u2019s brownsnakes in\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "Nature Notes"","block_context":{"text":"Nature Notes","link":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/category\/nature-notes\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/20\/2014\/07\/hognose-500w.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11263","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/68"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11263"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11263\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11307,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11263\/revisions\/11307"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/11266"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11263"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11263"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.massaudubon.org\/yourgreatoutdoors\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11263"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}