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.
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.
