Yesterday, we got our first glimpse of a snake this year; it was this Common Garter Snake, the most abundant snake species in Maine.
Our State is home to nine species of snakes and – to the tourists’ delight – none of these is venomous. (In days of yore, we had Timber Rattlesnakes.) Garter Snakes were named after “garter straps,” elastic devices once used to hold up socks and stockings.Adult Garter Snakes here usually range in size from 18 to 26 inches, but one was recorded at almost 44 inches.
These snakes prefer earthworms, but will eat just about any living thing that they can get their mouths around. They, in turn, are a favorite snack for many larger predators. (Brooklin, Maine)