Number of stripes on a garter: 3. One runs down the middle of the back; the others are on each side of the belly with a checkerboard pattern between.
Rows of teeth: 4. A garter's mouth contains several small teeth that point backward. The teeth are used to move live prey down its throat.
Average litter: 18. Live young (not eggs) are delivered in late summer or early fall and mature in two year.
Species of garters: 13. All garters are members of the largest common snake family; Colubridae.
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Did You Know?
The garter snake was named for its resemblance to the garters worn by men and women of generations past.
Without constriction or venom, garter snakes feast on earthworms, fish, frogs, toads, salamanders, mice, and bird eggs.
When annoyed or frightened, garter snakes emit a musky odor and/or defecate. They may also bite but are not venomous; if there is a reaction it is usually only a slight rash.
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