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 you pet a garter snake?
Garter Snake Handling and Temperament
Most captive-bred snakes have gentle dispositions and don’t mind being handled.
Can I pet snake in Canada?
Amphibians and Reptiles
Amphibians (such as salamanders, frogs, toads, newts) and reptiles (such as snakes, crocodiles, caiman, iguanas, excluding turtles and tortoises) are not regulated.
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.
Do Canadian garter snakes bite?
Though garter snakes will use their sharp teeth to catch prey, it’s very unlikely these pests will choose to bite a human. They typically only lash out at humans when they are provoked or feel threatened.
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.
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.
What reptiles are legal in Canada?
There are no regulations on the imports of reptiles and amphibians, except for turtles and tortoises, which require an import permit from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. Pet turtles and tortoises must have been in the owner’s possession in the country of origin and must accompany the owner into Canada.
What kind of snakes are illegal in Canada?
The Rattlesnake is the only species of snake in Canada that is considered to be dangerous and therefore pose threat. Out of the 25 species which are found in Canada none is considered to be fatal and therefore they are protected by law and the related organization.
What pets Can you not own Canada?
Prohibited Animals
- Cattle, goats, sheep, pigs – and other Artiodactyla.
- Coyotes, wolves, foxes, hybrid wolf dogs – and other Canidae except dogs.
- Bats such as fruit bats, myotis, flying foxes – and other Chiroptera.
- Anteaters, sloths, armadillos – and other Edentates.
What do garter snakes eat in Canada?
Common gartersnakes primarily eat amphibians and earthworms, but they also consume a variety of other prey, including insects, spiders, leeches, slugs, snails, crayfish, mice, fish, other snakes, and occasionally small birds and bird eggs.
Where do garter snakes live in Canada?
These small snakes are found from Vancouver Island to the Maritimes, north into the Northwest Territories, and are absent only from Newfoundland. They live in a wide variety of habitats, but are generally found near water.
Are garter snakes rare?
Common garter snakes are some of the most common and abundant snakes throughout the eastern United States, at least partly because they do well in urban and suburban areas. Despite the fact that they are harmless snakes, they are often persecuted by humans.
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.
Is it safe to pick up garter snakes?
Garter snakes don’t harm any humans, are mostly docile and can be fun to watch. I still love picking them up and wrapping them around my hands in amazement. So keep your shovel in the shed and make some space in your garden for the garter snake.
Do garter snakes get lonely?
Most snake species do not get lonely. They are asocial and only seek out others of their own species when mating. One exception to this is the garter snake. This snake seems to enjoy the company of other snakes, and so it’s quite possible garter snakes suffer from loneliness when alone.
Do garter snakes like baths?
Garter Snake Water
Garters love water and will often soak, especially before shedding. A water area large enough for swimming is ideal but not necessary.
Do pet garter snakes smell?
Most importantly, garter snakes give off a distinct, foul smell that can infiltrate your home and some experts say garters may be one of the smelliest snakes. While garter snakes are generally solitary creatures, they generally hibernate in large numbers to prevent heat loss and keep their bodies warm.
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.
How long do pet garter snakes live?
10 years
Thus, these relatively small snakes are perfect for children to hold as long as they are supervised by adults and don’t squeeze the animals too tightly. When fed and cared for properly and handled often, these snakes are docile and friendly and can live up to 10 years in captivity.
How long does a garter snake live?
3 to 4 years
Females give birth to a litter of 10 to 40 live young in summer. Young are five to nine inches long at birth. Garter snakes typically live 3 to 4 years.