In Ontario, the Butler’s Garter Snake is an endangered species that may not be kept or collected without a licence from the Ministry of Natural Resources; such licences are not given out frivolously. Northern Ribbon Snakes and Common Garter Snakes may be collected under a small game hunting licence issued by the MNR .
Can you buy a pet garter snake?
Garter snakes are available at pet stores, online, reptile expos and breeders. Talk with your local pet store or breeder to determine whether a snake you are interested in is wild-born or not.
Are Canadian garter snakes poisonous?
So, are garter snakes poisonous? No, they’re not considered poisonous to humans. With the exception of a few species, which are capable of causing anaphylaxis in certain individuals that are bitten due to their mild venom but are still not considered dangerous to humans.
Are garter snakes legal in BC?
All snakes in British Columbia are protected by law under the BC Wildlife Act and it is an offence under the Act to harass them or to attempt to capture or possess them without a licence or permit. Anything that causes stress to these wild creatures, such as picking them up, is harassment.
Are garter snakes protected in Ontario?
The species has no protection under the Ontario Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act and is not listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Do garter snakes like being held?
Many garter snakes, particularly if they are captive bred, are gentle and do not mind being handled, and handling them is simply a matter of picking them up and letting them explore your hands. If you have experience handling other snakes, it’s important to remember that garter snakes are not constrictors.
How much do garter snakes cost?
While this is much more than a bird or a rodent, it’s more affordable than a dog or a cat.
The average price for a pet snake is about $75.
| Snake Species | Average Price |
|---|---|
| Garter Snakes | $20-$300 |
| Corn Snakes | $40-$1,000 |
| Hognose Snakes | $100-$700 |
| Sunbeam Snakes | $50-$125 |
What happens if a garter snake bites you?
Bite. While most species are classified as harmless (non-venomous), their bite can cause minor swelling or itching in humans, and anyone bitten by a garter snake should clean the bite thoroughly. It is not ultimately a cause for concern.
Why should you never pick up a garter snake?
If you’re in the latter category, be careful. While garters are relatively harmless, if you pick one up, it may try to defend itself with a bite — a relatively harmless bite, but a nip nonetheless. It will also struggle and emit a foul smell from its anal gland.
Will garter snakes hurt you?
Garter snakes don’t have fangs and aren’t venomous. However, they do have a few rows of small teeth and can bite. Their bite can become infected if not cleaned and cared for properly, and some people are allergic to their saliva, although this condition is rare.
Do pet garter snakes bite?
While they’re relatively harmless, they do have some small teeth and can bite. We’re not talking about fangs, but still some tiny teeth that can give you a nasty bite that could become infected if not cared for properly.
Do garter snakes carry rabies?
Reptiles, amphibians, fish, birds, and insects do not get or carry rabies.
How big do garter snakes get in Canada?
Description. The common gartersnake is a small- to medium-sized snake that can reach a total length of 1.37 m, although few individuals attain sizes larger than 90 cm. Females are larger than males. The scales are “keeled,” meaning each scale has a central ridge, giving the snakes a rough look and feel.
Should I remove a garter snake?
These snakes do produce venom, but not in such high quantities that they will gravely injure or kill people. Still, garter snakes might bite and bruise you if you step on them by accident, and if you have small children around, it’s best to remove these snakes from your home environment.
Do garter snakes bite hard?
Garter snakes are not particularly dangerous to humans. Their bite force is fairly weak, and their venom is not potent enough to kill or harm humans. Additionally, they are usually non-aggressive and tend to avoid people.
Are garter snakes playful?
A garter snake will often come to enjoy being out of its cage while being handled. Garters are very inquisitive by nature, and they seem to have an almost playful nature.
Do garter snakes have teeth?
Garter snakes don’t have fangs and are not venomous, however, they do have small teeth and can bite. Their bite can become infected if not cleaned and cared for properly. Although the condition is rare, some people are allergic to garter snake saliva.
Do garter snakes smell?
Whenever a Garter snake feels threatened, they produce a foul-smelling musk. They use this odor to defend themselves against predators. This musk comes in handy because the Garter snake has many predators. The species of Garter snake that live in colder climates spend their winters in hibernation.
Is it OK to keep a wild garter snake as a pet?
While garter snakes are abundant in the wild, especially around bodies of water, such as lakes and streams, in Canada, the U.S., Mexico, and Central America, these wild animals should not be kept as pets, as they are illegal to take from their natural habitats in most locales.
Can garter snakes be tamed?
With persistent gentle handling, garter snakes can be tamed. In fact, many can be handled immediately with no show of bad temper. However, a few will strike energetically whenever disturbed, resisting taming for some time.
Why are garter snakes good pets?
Garter snakes are relatively small, which makes them easy to house. It also allows many beginning keepers to handle them more confidently, and it means they don’t present any serious safety issues. Garter snakes are rarely irascible, and they’re not as likely to bite as some other species.