Why do garter snakes group together?
There are benefits to being social, particularly for younger snakes, Miller explains. For instance, a group retains heat and moisture better than an individual. Also, if a predator attacks, each individual in a group has a better chance to get away than one that is alone.
Why do garter snakes smell bad?
It was recently discovered that the saliva of a garter snake contains a very mild neurotoxin. They are the only species of snake in Alaska. When threatened, they release a foul smelling musk. It’s not nearly as bad as the musk released by a northern water snake, but it will get your attention.
Why you shouldn’t kill garter snakes?
“Garter snakes were long thought to be nonvenomous, but discoveries in the early 2000s revealed they do, in fact, produce a neurotoxic venom. Despite this, 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.”
Does a fake owl scare snakes?
The false representation of the owl fools snakes into thinking enemies are lurking in the area. Because there is an “enemy” in the realm, snakes run from the spot. The scarecrow owl, better referred to as a “scare owl,” frightens them off and out of your yard.
How can a cat kill a snake?
Cats attack snakes by batting at it with their paws and their murder weapons, their sharp claws. Once a snake retaliates and strikes in its direction, a cat will bat its head and then pounce at it, grab the snake on its head with its mouth, bite and twist the neck until it breaks which usually paralyzes the snake.
Can I get a snake if I have a cat?
As long as you’re not allowing the snake and the cat to interact (no “cute” photos which have the probability of ending in tears) and keeping the snake in a secure and appropriately sized enclosure, there’s no reason you cannot have a snake and also a cat.