I grew up in the country in McMinnville Oregon. I remember encountering Gartner snakes around my yard growing up. I would often catch them and bring them home to observe them. I learned that they were harmless except for the skunk like smell they would sometimes release as a defense mechanism.
Today as I was taking photographs in Oaks Bottom, I met a family that had captured a garter snake and they were in the process of examining it. I asked permission to take a picture and was glad I had my macro lens with me.
Their daughter seemed fascinated by this young Gartner snake. The snake seemed very calm and did not try to escape or deploy the skunk smell. Obviously this young girl was a Gartner snake charmer.
In the past, I have encountered Garter snakes in Oaks bottom. I also find them to be very fascinating creatures. They have very round pupils which is usually an indication of a non poisonous snake. One unique trait is their long tongue. They use their tongue as a detection device. It is similar to how we use our noses for smelling. When I was photographing a young Gartner snake I noticed it checking me out by constantly sticking out its tongue at me.
Garter snakes are generally harmless. They may bite if provoked. Some species have a mild neurotoxin that is not dangerous to humans. There have been some cases of mild swelling and itching after a bite. I found a snake when I was fixing my sprinkler system. I brought it into my kitchen and was able to get some amazing closeups. I released the snake back into my garden after the shoot. Hopefully it will eat the slugs that are eating my strawberries.
