Snakes

ABOUT SNAKES

• In North and Central Saskatchewan, only the harmless Garter Snake is found. Species include:
  • Plains garter snake
  • Red-sided garter snake
  • Wandering or Western Terrestrial garter snake

• They will sooner hide or flee than risk a confrontation with potential handlers or predators, including humans.

• A Garter snake will not bite unless you are trying to severely provoke, harm or capture it. In the rare event that you are bitten, treat it as you would any cut, and consider seeking medical attention to ensure that it's properly cleaned.

DID YOU KNOW? Garter snakes are not venomous and are not aggressive by nature.

Snakes in my back yard

First, please recognize that Garter snakes pose no threat to you, your family or your property. In fact, they are natural allies who help control mice and other small creatures.

Snakes favour cool, damp places, such as brush, rock piles, tall grass and shrubbery for shelter, and may take residence under or even inside buildings. They seek places to hibernate in fall.

Keeping snakes out of your house

• To prevent snakes from entering your house through the basement or crawl space, check for any cracks in the foundation (especially those ¼ inches or bigger) and seal them with mortar, caulking compound or 1/8 inch hardware cloth.
• Snakes can pass through very small openings under doors or around loose fitting screens and windows. Check for holes or cracks around doors or windows, or around electrical wiring and water pipes, and ensure these openings are sealed.
  

It is not recommended that you make use of snake repellents (either commercial or home-made), as there is no conclusive data supporting the effectiveness of such products.