Ecdysis

Common Garter snake

Once again on our walk the other day we came across yet another critter commonly found in Massachusetts. This is a Common Garter Snake and a unique one at that, which is why I chose to catch her. Garter sizes range up to 26" with some reaching 48" - this gal was about 14". I wanted to point out the uniqueness of this snake to Emilie. If you look closely at the picture you just might be able to see why this one is unique too - No, it's not the fantastic manicure of mine but thanks for noticing... I'll give you a clue; look at her eyes.

Her eyes are a bluish-white. This is an indication that this snake has begun the shedding process (Ecdysis). Shedding is the process by which snakes periodically discard the outer portion of their skin. This activity is under hormonal control and associated with growth. Most snakes shed their skin 4-8 times per year. When this occurs the snake's vision is impaired - she can't see, which causes them to be rather unpredictable and sometimes aggressive and this girl was just that! She wanted a piece of me and gave it the ole college try but I watch Austin Stevens the Snakemaster on Animal Plant, so she had no chance. However, most individuals secrete a foul-smelling fluid from anal glands when alarmed and this gal did just that, YUK. I realized this and was careful just the same but inevitably when you handle a garter snake you're gonna get this 'stuff' on you, there's just almost no way around it.

Garter snakes occupy a variety of habitats including pond and stream edges, wetlands, forests, fields, rocky hillsides and residential areas. They are often observed as they bask on rocks, wood piles, stone walls, hedges and swimming pool decks. Although they feed on a variety of small animals, garter snakes' primary prey are earthworms and amphibians. Their saliva appears to be toxic to amphibians and other small animals and a bite may produce swelling or a burning rash in some people.

We checked her out then put her back where we found her and wished her well. Perhaps we'll see her again on another one of our walks only this time she'll have grown and be bigger. Until then we wish her well.