Hobbies And Interests
Birth
Unlike most reptiles that lay eggs, the garter snake gives birth to live young. Garter snakes are not the same as mammals, whose eggs form into embryos and into live young. Instead, the garter snakes hatch from their eggs while still in the mother. The mother garter snake gives birth to live snakes that are encased in a jellylike membrane.
Amounts
Garter snakes have one of the largest sized litters of all snake species. Most garter snakes give birth to about 50 young, but larger litters of up to 80 young are not uncommon. Litters as small as 20 to 40 babies are possible.
Mating
Garter snakes hold the record for the largest number of snakes gathering in one place in the entire world during mating season. The garter snakes form what is called a breeding ball, where hundreds of male garter snakes pile on top of one lone female garter snake in an effort to mate with her. The female is much larger than the males. She secretes a pheromone to attract them to her. These breeding balls occur in the spring, as soon as the garter snakes come out of hibernation. The male garter snake is able to lure other males to him by secreting pheromones, distracting the competition from the female.
Migration
Garter snakes hibernate in the same place during winter every year, always hibernating at their breeding grounds. To return to these breeding grounds, the garter snake can migrate up to six miles to hibernate before breeding and giving birth.