The Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalus) is the most common snake in New Jersey and can be found throughout the state, often around residences. They range in size from 18" to just over 4' in length and can be found in a variety of habitats including meadows, marshes, woodlands, and hillsides. They tend to prefer moist, grassy environments and are often found near water such as the edges of ponds, lakes, ditches, and streams. Occasionally garter snakes will hibernate under the siding of a home’s south facing wall. These snakes are the first to emerge in NJ, and can often be seen in mid-March during warm spells. The adult garter snake’s ground color varies from olive to brown to black and typically has three stripes, one on the back and one on each side extending from head to tail. The stripes are usually yellow, but may be greenish, brownish, or bluish, and stripes are occasionally absent. There is often a black or reddish, checkered pattern between the stripes which is more distinguishable on juveniles. The belly is pale yellow to pale green. They have keeled scales.
Garter snakes may be active by day or night and are often found under boards or other debris. Young are born in late summer and they are viviparous (give birth to live young) sometimes having more than 50 babies. Common garter snakes feed on worms, slugs, frogs, toads, salamanders, fish and tadpoles. They may be active throughout the year, including warm winter days.
Garter snakes were long thought to be nonvenomous but recent discoveries have revealed they do in fact produce a mild neurotoxic venom. Garter snakes cannot kill humans with the small amounts of comparatively mild venom they produce and they also lack an effective means of delivering it. They do have enlarged teeth in the back of their mouths but their gums are significantly larger. The Duvernoy's glands of garters are posterior (to the rear) of the snake's eyes. The mild venom is spread into wounds through a chewing action.
Cache is a small camo'd lock-n-lock just off the yellow "Mine" trail in Norvin Green State Forest. As always please take the time to re hide it the same way you find it.
*Parking is available in the Weis Ecology Center parking lot from 9AM until dusk.
**Please do not park in the turn around at the end of the street because it is private property.