While walking in the woods the last week I've seen several Common Garter Snakes sunning themselves in openings. I love to see them reemerge in the spring after their hibernation.
I do not yet have Garter Snakes in my yard but I am working on providing the ideal habitat for them by piling some rocks, fostering vole and rodent holes and leaving all the leaf litter and branches on the ground.
In late April you will see masses of Garter Snakes writhing in the leaf litter, also called "mating balls". The males emerge first and wait to mate with the females. Males outnumber females so there is heavy competition. (Source)
Look for "mating balls" near water in mid to late April in Minnesota.
Garter snake habitat is highly variable including prairies, woodlands, grassy meadows and wetlands.
In summer they hunt for prey during the day. I often see Garter Snakes taking refuge in rock crevices like this man-made stone pillar.
Garter Snakes hibernate in winter in "underground mammal dens, crevices and foundations". (Reptiles & Amphibians of Minnesota Field Guide)
Do you have Garter Snakes in your yard?
Very interesting! We used to have these snakes when I was growing up in WI. There were still plenty of fields left undeveloped. I had no idea about the mating ball. I hope one chances upon your yard this year. Sure that would be really exciting! Me, I am hoping for a toad this year.
ReplyDeleteOh I have seen an abundance of these snakes at our pond this year for the first year...I have plenty of voles and as yet they have not gotten to them..I am hopeful they will or the snakes will be moved to the forever green pond...my pond is small and I see the larger snakes hunting the tadpoles...I do so prize my frogs so I hope they can all live in harmony
ReplyDeleteI have lots of garter snakes in my garden and love them. I have never seen a mating ball though.
ReplyDeleteHi VF,
ReplyDeleteWe have many toads in our yard. I'm hoping that will be an added bonus once my snake arrives :) I would think with your proximity to the river you would have plenty of amphibians. Good luck with the toad search.
Heather
Hi Donna,
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good balance of predator and prey. I have been thinking of adding some sort of water feature to attract more amphibians.
Heather
Hi Carolyn,
ReplyDeleteHow lucky you are, send some my way.
Heather
That last photo is pretty amazing. I'm wishing I had snakes to take care of my vole over population! Perhaps i need to consider better habitat for them. A rock pile would be a good start.
ReplyDeleteHi Marguerite,
ReplyDeleteI need a beter rock pile too to attract snakes. I have so many rocks in the yard that it should be pretty easy to do.
Heather