How to Care for a Garter Snake: A Beginner's Guide to Keeping Them as Pets

Reptiles known for their interesting nature, manageable size, and low maintenance requirements have made garter snakes popular pets. We will go into the world of garter snakes as pets in this thorough guide, covering topics such as common species kept in captivity, their natural history, and important things to think about if you're thinking about bringing one of these adorable snakes home. The Enthralling World of Garter Snakes: The genus Thamnophis has a wide range of non-venomous snakes that can be found all throughout North America. The size, color, and preferred habitats of garter snakes vary, with over 30 species and multiple subspecies recognized. Their name comes from the fact that they resemble the striped bands that are traditionally used as garters to keep stockings up. Natural History and Behavior: Proper care of garter snakes in captivity requires an understanding of their natural history and behavior. Due to their diurnal nature, garter snakes are mostly active during the day. Additionally, they are semi-aquatic and are frequently found close to water features like ponds, marshes, and streams. Small prey items including insects, earthworms, amphibians, and small fish make up the majority of their diet.