Brown Snake with White Stripes in Water

The Eastern Garter Snake is a common sight in Virginia, and it's easy to identify due to its unique characteristics. One of the most distinctive features of this snake is its brown coloration with white stripes running down its body. But what else makes this snake so special?

Firstly, these snakes are known for their ability to release a foul-smelling musk when disturbed, which helps to deter predators from attacking them. They also have a unique way of defending themselves - they can bite and then release the musk, prompting the predator to let go.

Despite its relatively small size compared to other snake species, the Eastern Garter Snake is still impressive in terms of length, reaching up to four feet when fully grown. This snake is beneficial to humans because it feeds on small rodents and insects that are considered pests, but it can also consume fish, worms, frogs, eggs, leeches, and even other snakes.

These snakes are very arboreal, often found in trees, barns, or attics. They have a distinctive black and white 'checkerboard' pattern on their belly, which helps to identify them. As their name suggests, they primarily feed on rodents, making them an important part of the ecosystem.

Despite their size, Eastern Garter Snakes are generally docile and will flee at the first chance when encountering people. They are also very common in Virginia, with more than thirty species of snakes found in the state.

In this article, we've taken a closer look at the Eastern Garter Snake, its unique characteristics, habits, and what makes it an important part of the ecosystem. Whether you're a snake enthusiast or just want to learn more about these fascinating creatures, this information should provide a good starting point for understanding more about the brown snake with white stripes in water.

Brown snake with white stripes in water