Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Thought I'd share these pics with you. I'm loving my new Banded Water Snake. He eats right out of my hand. Will take frozen or live. Fishes for the live ones in his water bowl. He's always out, never hides. Great snake.

I went hiking today and found two Northern Waters. I was very excited because I've only ever seen them in pictures, never in real life.

The first one was laying in the trail sunning himself...

The second one was laying curled up with several Garter Snakes. He dashed into the water when I approached. I found it interesting that he was laying with the Garters.

Speaking of Garters, I found lots today. I don't know what kind they are, don't really know anything about Garters. I was unable to catch either of the two Water Snakes, but did catch 3 of the Garters. All 3 released after taking their pictures of course.

This was the first one I caught. This was my first "herping" experience, I've never successfully caught and handled a Garter Snake before. I used to be afraid they would bite. This one did lunge at me with an open mouth but I managed to avoid getting bit. All 3 garters calmed down fairly quickly and were surpisingly tolerant of handling once they relaxed.

This is the 2nd Garter, and my favorite. He was big and very friendly. Did not musk or strike at all, even though he was blue.

This little one was very feisty, but even she finally calmed down and was fine.

I had a great day, was very thankful to have found so many snakes and doubly greatful that at least 3 of them let me get up close and personal. Hope you liked the pics!
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Lyns Lair
Frogwatch USA
WNY Herpetological Society

0.1 Cat (Mia)
4.2 Ferrets (Wolf, Shadow, Verdell, Sullivan, Boo, Peach)
1.0 Carpet Python (Bear)
1.0 Malagasy Blonde Hognose Snake (Wilbur)
1.0 Yellow / Everglades Rat Snake (Pumpkin)
1.0 Russian Sand Boa (Fang)
0.1 Normal Corn Snake (Mysty)
0.0.2 Anery Corn Snakes (Suezo & Mocchi)
1.0 Banded Water Snake (Ripley)
0.1 Golden Greek Tortoise (Sunshine)
1.0 Whites Tree Frog (Trevor)
2.0 Solomon Island Eyelash Frogs (Chompy & Gimli)
1.0 AFT Gecko (Cocoa)
5.6 Leopard Geckos (Trouble, Scooter, Simba, Firenze, Teddy, Nala, Mystique, Freckles, Dotty, Zipper, Twister)

Man, that is a big garter #2. It may have been gravid. I could not see the whole body so I can't tell. Not to mention I suck at telling if a snake is rvid unless it is absoluttely obvious.
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Justin

The big one was just big all around. The first one was definitely pregnant. She was small from her head partway down her neck then ballooned out and was big the rest of the way down. Doesn't show good in the picture though...

I got more good pictures of this one (#2) but just realized I didn't upload them onto my site, must have missed them. I'll have to go back and add them later.

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Lyns Lair
Frogwatch USA
WNY Herpetological Society

0.1 Cat (Mia)
4.2 Ferrets (Wolf, Shadow, Verdell, Sullivan, Boo, Peach)
1.0 Carpet Python (Bear)
1.0 Malagasy Blonde Hognose Snake (Wilbur)
1.0 Yellow / Everglades Rat Snake (Pumpkin)
1.0 Russian Sand Boa (Fang)
0.1 Normal Corn Snake (Mysty)
0.0.2 Anery Corn Snakes (Suezo & Mocchi)
1.0 Banded Water Snake (Ripley)
0.1 Golden Greek Tortoise (Sunshine)
1.0 Whites Tree Frog (Trevor)
2.0 Solomon Island Eyelash Frogs (Chompy & Gimli)
1.0 AFT Gecko (Cocoa)
5.6 Leopard Geckos (Trouble, Scooter, Simba, Firenze, Teddy, Nala, Mystique, Freckles, Dotty, Zipper, Twister)

I agree with Justin - that 2nd garter could be a gravid female. Congrats, and thanks for sharing the pics!

(BTW, does anyone know if viviparious snakes also undergo a pre-delivery shed roughly 1-2 weeks before bearing young? )
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MichaelB

I think so. I have not paid much attention.
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Justin

Hi Michael,

I have been monitoring a large population of garters this year. Most of the females look like they are days from delivering their young. I have been finding fresh sheds, blue snakes and normal ones all along. It seems like they go about their normal shedding routine. It's funny you asked, because I have been wondering the same thing.
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Tim

Those are common (or eastern) gartersnakes and very nice ones at that. They all look like gravid females to me, and that is common this time of year because you find them out sunning a lot to develop their young. Northern water snakes and common gartersnakes share the same habitat in their common range. I find them together quite frequently. Both species eat a lot of frogs and seem to get along fine.

Don't let the water snake's reputation scare you. They do bite frequently, but it realy doesn't hurt much. Most of the time they calm down after you hold them a while. They are neat snakes to hold and usually wrap around your forearm. You need to catch one to see their awesome belly pattern anyway. Good luck!
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Tim