How bad does it hurt to get bit by a garter snake?

How bad does it hurt to get bit by a garter snake?

Some of the species of Garter snake possess a mild neurotoxic venom, but even those bites are not dangerous to humans. There have been some cases of mild swelling and itching in humans after a bite.

Will a garden snake hurt you?

Because of its teeth, the venom is released not in a single, lashing out bite, but by repeated chewing. However, if annoyed, they will bite. It will hurt, but it won’t kill you. If bitten, be sure to clean the wound completely and get a tetanus shot, as you should for any type of bite.

Are San Francisco garter snake poisonous?

Adult San Francisco garter snakes can grow to a total length of 18 – 55 inches (46 – 140 cm). Garter snakes are practically harmless to humans. Their bites are fatal to their prey, but only cause a mild irritation for humans. With mildly toxic venom in their saliva, garter snakes possess no fangs.

Will a garter snake bite me?

Though garter snakes will use their sharp teeth to catch prey, it’s very unlikely these pests will choose to bite a human. They typically only lash out at humans when they are provoked or feel threatened. Many garter snakes will also release a foul-smelling musk just before lashing out at their victim.

Is the San Francisco garter snake dangerous to humans?

Garter snakes are not dangerous. In California, only rattlesnakes have venom that is dangerous to humans. Adult San Francisco garter snakes feed primarily on California red-legged frogs (143 KB PDF) (which are Federally listed as threatened). They may also feed on juvenile bullfrogs, but they are unable to feed on the larger adults.

What kind of frogs does the San Francisco garter snake eat?

The San Francisco garter snake is often considered a specialist on ranid frogs, and California red-legged frogs are a major component of the diet of adult snakes in many locations. Juvenile San Francisco garter snakes will prey heavily on Pacific treefrog ( Pseudacris regilla) metamorphs.

Where are red-sided garter snakes found in California?

Red-sided garter snakes are currently recognized as having a disjunct distribution, with populations being found from coastal Humboldt County south to coastal Monterey County (surrounding the distribution of San Francisco garter snakes). The garter snakes that have been found in Santa Clara County have been identified as red-sided garter snakes.

When does the San Francisco garter snake give birth?

Females give live birth from June through September, with litters averaging 16 babies.