Garter Snake

The common garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) is a widespread and adaptable species of snake native to North America. Known for their striking appearance and nonvenomous nature, garter snakes are a frequent sight in various habitats throughout the continent. In the late 19th century, common garter snakes gained notoriety in certain urban locales, where they were transformed into ingenious mechanical contraptions known as "garter snake steelies."
Description and Distribution
Common garter snakes are slender, medium-sized snakes, typically ranging in length from 18 to 54 inches. They exhibit a wide range of color variations, but most have three longitudinal stripes running down their bodies: one dorsal stripe and two lateral stripes. The background color of their scales can range from green to brown, with the stripes often appearing in yellow, blue, or white.
Garter snakes are found across North America, from southern Alaska and Canada to Central America. They inhabit a diverse array of ecosystems, including forests, meadows, marshes, and grasslands. The adaptable nature of the common garter snake allows them to thrive in a variety of environments, including urban and suburban areas.
Diet and Behavior
Garter snakes are carnivorous and feed on a varied diet, including earthworms, amphibians, fish, and small mammals. They are active primarily during the day and rely on their keen sense of smell to locate prey. Garter snakes are known for their speed and agility, which allows them to effectively capture their prey and evade predators.
Although common garter snakes are nonvenomous, they do possess a mild neurotoxic venom that is harmless to humans but can subdue their prey. If threatened, garter snakes may emit a foul-smelling musk and strike defensively, but they generally pose no danger to humans.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Common garter snakes are ovoviviparous, meaning that they give birth to live young. Mating typically occurs in the spring, shortly after the snakes emerge from their winter hibernation. Females give birth to litters of 10 to 40 young in late summer or early fall.
Garter snake steelies and their connection to The Barbary Coast
In the late 19th century, a curious trend emerged in certain urban locales: the creation and sale of mechanical contraptions known as "garter snake steelies." These devices were inspired by the common garter snake and were crafted from metal and other materials to resemble their living counterparts in appearance and movement. These steelies were sold at secret shops, such as the one on Graystone Row in the Barbary Coast, which was known to be operated by the mysterious Evil Eye Syndicate.
These garter snake steelies quickly gained a reputation for their remarkable craftsmanship and lifelike movements. They were prized by collectors and enthusiasts alike, who marveled at the ingenuity and skill required to create such intricate and realistic mechanical devices.
Conclusion
The common garter snake is a versatile and resilient species that can be found throughout North America. Its striking appearance and nonvenomous nature have made it a familiar presence in various habitats, from forests to urban parks. In the late 19th century, the garter snake's unique characteristics inspired the creation of remarkable mechanical contraptions known as "garter snake steelies," which became a sought-after commodity in certain urban locales. The enduring popularity of these devices serves as a testament to the fascination that the common garter snake continues to inspire in the Human imagination.