[obol] off topic: garter snakes

[Kyle Spinks]

Hi Tom,
Garter snakes often will overwinter underground or in rockeries in gardens.  I've even seen them under my house during the winter months.  They are very adept climbers.  I've seen them basking atop blackberry canes several feet off the ground.

If at all possible, I recommend you train your dog NOT to kill garter snakes.  Our local garter snakes are great for gardens, eating all sorts of things that you might not want in amongst your flowers and vegetables, such as slugs, voles, and mice.

Thanks,
Kyle Spinks

>>> "Tom Escue" <tom-escue at comcast.net> 4/3/2008 1:58 PM >>>
As I was contemplating mowing my back lawn today I thought about the garter snakes I frequently encounter there.

Since they do not have dens, how do they survive the winter in our urban areas?

Most of the ones I encounter are small. One of our dogs is an expert garter snake killer. Once I saw a mature looking one up in one of my juniper shrubs. I was surprised that it climbed up there.

Tom Escue
Springfield