Friday, July 30, 2010

Common Garter Snake

There are 17 different species of snakes found in Minnesota. That is a pretty small sample of the over 3000 snakes that are found around the world, however considering the cold climate that we have here in Minnesota I think that it is a respectable number. I think that most people living in Minnesota would be surprised by that number. Many have probably not seen many of the different types living here but most have probably seen the common garter snake.
Garter snakes are named for the yellow stripes that run down their body which resemble the stripes on garter belts. The common garter is usually small to mid sized, although they can grow to lengths of over three feet long, and can be found in a variety of different habitats. The common garter eats small mammals, slugs, worms, insects, reptiles and amphibians, which it finds by following their scent. The snake will use its tongue to sample and collect trace chemicals in the air and the environment around it. It transfers these chemicals to the Jacobson's organ, located on the roof of the mouth, which transfers the information to the snakes brain. So even though they have nostrils these snakes, in effect smell, using their tongue.

9 comments:

Hootin Anni said...

Ewwwwwwwww, I have a deep-rooted fear of snakes. Even if the ARE harmless. Ewwww.

LETTER TO GOD [written by a DoG] You'll need to scroll down a bit beyond my 3-D movie rant.

Have one super weekend!!

Unknown said...

Great find! The bottom shot is fantastic.

Nikki - Notes of Life said...

Lovely shots! That first one looks like a backwards "S".

Misty DawnS said...

Unlike most women, I think they are cute. ;-)

ruthi said...

OMG... I wouldn't dare take that last shot. Thanks for sharing some important information about this snake too.

DeniseinVA said...

Very interesting and wonderful photos as always.

Dave Cawkwell said...

Nice capture. How far away were you to get that 2nd shot it's great? We only have 3 varieties of snake in the uk so getting shots like this is nigh impossible.

Animor said...

Fantastic capture, looks very neat. It's very close shot, I hope ur not that close on the snake too.

Unknown said...

i have one in my backyard :)