Garter snakes are among the most commonly found snakes in North and Central America. Often incorrectly thought of as a species, the term garter snake is the common name for many small to medium-sized snakes belonging to the genus Thamnophis. To date, there are 35 recognized snake species within this genus, with many of these species further being divided into subspecies.
Nearly all species of garter snakes have been bred by reptile enthusiasts and breeders. As a result, just about every species and subspecies of this genus have made their way into the pet trade. So, do garter snakes make good pets? Yes, for the new reptile enthusiast, the docile nature and small size of several garter snake species make them a great choice as far as pet snakes are concerned.
In this article, we look at the reasons that garter snakes make great pets, why they might not, and some general tips for keeping them as pets. Let’s get started!
Garter Snake General Info
| Lifespan: | 7 to 17 years, depending on the species |
| Average size: | 18 to 50 inches (46 to 130 cm), depending on the species |
| Care level: | Easy |
| Temperament: | Generally docile but can be defensive when wild caught |
Garter snakes come in a wide variety of colors depending on the species, but they almost universally have a distinctive trio of longitudinal stripes running down the length of their bodies. These stripes are mostly yellow but they can vary among species.
Garter snakes are interesting because some species of these snakes hold the unique distinction of being both venomous and poisonous. The poisonous aspect comes from their diet; as such, if they are not eating poisonous frogs then they would be poisonous. In addition, both their venomous and poisonous aspects are medically insignificant; they would be extremely unlikely to harm even a human baby. However, this can make them notably dangerous for some other pet species (which they shouldn’t be housed with).
In the wild, they inhabit a variety of habitats, including grasslands, wetlands, and forests, but they generally like to be close to water. They are fast reptiles that are generally terrestrial but can be found climbing small trees and shrubs, and most species are excellent swimmers. These small snakes have many predators, and when threatened, they give off a foul-smelling musk to ward them off.
Garter Snakes as Pets
Federal laws in the United States prohibit the ownership of certain garter snake species. As such, you should ensure that a pet you intend to adopt is legal for you to own.
There are positive aspects to keeping garter snakes as pets, but like all reptiles, there are negative aspects too. Most enthusiasts find that the good outweighs the bad, though, especially for novice snake owners. Still, it’s important to know what you’re getting into. The positive and negative aspects of keeping these snakes as pets include:
- Their relatively small size makes them easy to house and look after and for beginners to handle.
- Their habitat requirements are comparatively inexpensive to meet (when compared to some other exotic pets).
- They are beautiful and come in many different morphs or colors.
- They are relatively inexpensive to purchase.
- They are social snakes that can sometimes be housed with other snakes of the same species.
- They are unlikely to bite and pose a minimal amount of danger to humans.
- There are over 30 different species available.
- Some species are mildly venomous and can cause pain and swelling after a bite.
- They are easily spooked and will discharge a foul-smelling musk when they feel threatened.
- Most garter snakes for sale are wild-caught, making them difficult to handle and tame. In addition, this also raises ethical concerns about their ownership, as displacing a wild animal from their natural habitat is not without its drawbacks and concerns.
- In general, they are not comfortable being handled and can easily squirm out of your hands.
- Some species are threatened or endangered, and their continued capture for the pet trade is concerning, as this disturbs the balance of the ecosystems in which they reside.
Garter Snakes: The Ethical Dilemma
The primary concern with garter snake ownership is that many individuals are wild-caught. These snakes are often exploited for the pet trade, especially in the more northerly regions, in which large groups are caught at brumation; as cold-blooded animals, they cannot quickly escape from capture when ambient temperatures drop. Though one may have the best intentions when adopting a snake, their ownership is still controversial as the decision to purchase a snake would likely feed into the demand for these snakes, which would displace more individuals from the wild.
All animal species play crucial roles in their natural habitat and help maintain ecosystem stability and integrity. A wild-caught snake may also pose biological threats to you and other pets in your house, as you never know what they may be carrying or harboring, either.
The excessive capture of garter snakes has resulted in some species becoming endangered, such as the San Francisco garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia). In addition, the populations of other garter snake species are in constant decline due to capture, climate change, and the introduction of other invasive species in their natural habitat.
It is important to fully understand the importance of thoroughly researching the individual from whom you purchase or adopt your snake. We do not encourage the capture of wild snakes, as their ownership is considered controversial.
Basic Care Requirements for Garter Snakes
Garter snakes are easy to care for in general, but as with any animal, you’ll need to research them thoroughly to properly provide for their needs. There are important factors to consider, but here are the basic requirements for these snakes.
Housing
Housing a garter snake is easy, and a large plastic storage container with the correct furnishings is ideal. At a minimum, you’ll need about 15 gallons of space per snake, depending on their size. Smaller individuals won’t need this much space, but larger species will likely need double this. That said, their enclosure should not be too big either, as it can make it difficult for them to find their food.
Temperature and Lighting
The ideal temperature for your Garter will depend on their species and where they come from. In general, room temperature, or around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, is ideal, with a warmer basking spot. They do not need any direct lighting and gentle, ambient light is perfect.
Substrate
There are a variety of substrates that can work well for garter snakes, including soil, coco fiber, and peat moss, but even newspaper can work. The accessories that you add are up to you, but your snake will appreciate hiding spots such as rocks or logs, live or fake foliage, and small branches to climb on.
Feeding
Garter snakes are great in that you don’t need to feed them mice or pinky mice, something that often puts off many would-be snake owners. Small, live fish, slugs, worms, and small frogs are all acceptable food for garters. The only difficult aspect of feeding them is that they need to feed more often than many other snake species, and this can be a challenge for owners.
Are Garter Snakes Good Pets?
Garter snakes make ideal pets, especially for beginners. They are generally docile, easy-to-care-for animals with easy housing and feeding requirements. If possible, it’s always better to purchase captive-bred specimens because they are easier to tame and handle.
If you are a beginner and looking to dip your toe into the world of keeping reptiles, a garter snake is an excellent point of entry!
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Featured Image Credit by: Matt Jeppson, Shutterstock
