Garters

Photo: Ingrid Taylar

One of the spectacular events to witness in the spring is the emergence of garter snakes. In the fall, as temperatures decrease, these snakes enter their wintering dens or hibernaculums. They hibernate in groups or aggregations. On a warm, sunny April day, these snakes emerge and get right to it – mating, I mean. Seeing dozens of garters emerging from a den is a true sign that spring has arrived. April is derived from the word, aperire, which is French for open. Throw open your doors and venture out. Let me know what you see.

Learn more about garter snakes:

• Videos of garter emergence and mating:
  • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNVNipoEUrY
  • http://animal.discovery.com/tv-shows/other/videos/fooled-by-nature-garter-snake.htm
• Websites with garter snake information:
  • http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/Portals/9/pdf/pub307.pdf