35 Different Types of Garter Snakes

Garter snakes are common snakes found in gardens and backyards throughout the United States.  When you find one of these snakes in your garden, how do you identify them?  In this post, we list all the types of Garter snakes.

Thirty-five species of Garter snakes are found in North America, Quebec, Southern Ontario, and the Gulf of Mexico. They are the Common, Sierra, Butler’s, Santa Cruz, Mexican, Western Terrestrial, Short-headed, Bogert’s, Goldman’s, Checkered, Plains, and Northwestern Garter snakes, to name a few.

Garter snakes are intriguing and a vital part of the ecosystem.  If you want to know how many species exist, look no further; they are all listed here.

The 35 Types of Garter Snakes

1. Bogert’s Garter Snake – Thamnophis bogerti
2. Santa Cruz Garter Snake – Thamnophis atratus 
3. Butler’s Garter Snake – Thamnophis butleri
4. Common Garter Snake – Thamnophis sirtalis 
5. Short-headed Garter Snake – Thamnophis brachystoma 
6. Conant’s Garter Snake – Thamnophis conanti
7. Golden-headed Garter Snake – Thamnophis chrysocephalus
8. Black-necked Garter Snake – Thamnophis cyrtopsis
9. Western Terrestrial Garter Snake – Thamnophis elegans
10. Sierra Garter Snake – Thamnophis couchii 
11. Mexican Garter Snake – Thamnophis eques
12. Exiled Garter Snake – Thamnophis exsul
13. Mexican Wandering Garter Snake – Thamnophis errans 
14. Giant Garter Snake – Thamnophis gigas
15. Mesoamerican Highlands Garter Snake – Thamnophis fulvus 
16. Godman’s Garter Snake – Thamnophis godmani
17. Sumichrast’s Garter Snake – Thamnophis sumichrasti  
18. Two-striped Garter Snake – Thamnophis hammondii
19. Checkered Garter Snake – Thamnophis marcianus
20. Liner’s Garter Snake – Thamnophis lineri
21. Plains Garter Snake – Thamnophis radix
22. Madrean Narrow-headed Garter Snake – Thamnophis unilabialis 
23. Tamaulipan Montane Garter Snake – Thamnophis mendax
24. Mexican Alpine Blotched Garter Snake – Thamnophis scalaris 
25. Southern Durango Spotted Garter Snake – Thamnophis nigronuchalis
26. Tepalcatepec Valley Garter Snake – Thamnophis postremus
27. Northwestern Garter Snake – Thamnophis ordinoides
28. Western Ribbon Snake – Thamnophis proximus
29. Rossman’s Garter Snake – Thamnophis rossmani
30. Eastern Ribbon Snake – Thamnophis sauritus
31. Mesa Central Blotched Garter Snake – Thamnophis scaliger
32. Narrow-headed Garter Snake – Thamnophis rufipunctatus 
33. Mexican Pacific Lowlands Garter Snake – Thamnophis validus
34. Mexican Black-bellied Garter Snake – Thamnophis melanogaster
35. Yellow-throated Garter Snake – Thamnophis pulchrilatus 

The Garter Snake, the Most Common Type

… Read the rest of the story.

Fox vs. Bobcat

The Fox and the Bobcat are two of the world’s most unique and versatile creatures. Many compare the Fox and the Bobcat as they have an overlap of prey items and habitats, but what are the differences between them?

Foxes are closer to dogs, while Bobcats are true cats. Foxes are omnivores that are found naturally across the entire Northern Hemisphere. Bobcats are localized to North America and are strictly carnivores. Foxes vary wildly in size and variety. Bobcats remain broadly similar across the species.

There are some similarities between Foxes and Bobcats, but there are even more differences. Let’s learn about Foxes and Bobcats to better understand them and to compare them more fairly. Here is a broad overview of Foxes and Bobcats for the purposes of comparison.

Table of Contents

• The Fox
  • Fox Biology
  • Fox Habitats 
  • Fox Diet
• The Bobcat
  • Bobcat Biology
  • Bobcat Habitats
  • Bobcat Diet
• The Fox vs. The Bobcat
• Conclusion

The Fox

The Fox is a species of animal from the Canidae family, which is a family of dog-like carnivoran animals. There are several different species, and sub-species of Foxes found internationally. Some believe there to be more than 30 different sub-species of Foxes.

These animals are fascinating and incredibly versatile. They are found in several different regions and countries internationally and are extremely versatile.

Let’s look a little deeper into some of the important characteristics of Foxes, their habitats, their biology, and their diets, to better compare and differentiate between Foxes and Bobcats.

Fox Biology

Foxes are small to medium-sized animals that are found in several variations of color, size, weight and have varying attributes.

There are 12 true species of Fox, but up to 30 different sub-species found internationally. 

The smallest true fox species is the Fennec Fox, found in North Africa and the Middle East, which typically weighs between 1.5 and 3.5 pounds (0.7 – 1.6 kilograms) and grows to between 13.6 and 15.6 inches (34.5 – 39.5cm) long, excluding the 3.5 inches (9cm) long tail. 

The largest species of fox in the world is the Red Fox, which is found widespread in … Read the rest of the story.

Fox vs. Raccoon

Both foxes and raccoons can be found in the wild and urban environments all over North America and other countries worldwide. I have often wondered what some of their similarities might be and how they might differ. It turns out there is lots of information on the topic, so what differences and similarities are there between foxes and raccoons?

Foxes are nocturnal, social creatures; fur color ranges from white, red, orange, and black to silver, with bushy tails. Raccoons are nocturnal, antisocial creatures with a mixture of brown, grey, and black fur, striped tail with mask-like markings around their eyes. Both animals are omnivorous.

Foxes and raccoons share some fundamental differences and some interesting similarities. There are many other aspects of these animals’ lives that might be just as interesting, so let’s take a closer look at foxes vs. raccoons.

Table of Contents

• Fox vs. Raccoon: What are the Physical Differences?
• Fox vs. Raccoon: What are the Differences in Size?
• Fox vs. Raccoons: How Do their Habitats Differ?
• Fox vs. Raccoon: How Do their Diets Differ?
• Fox vs. Raccoon: What are their Different Habits?
• Fox vs. Raccoon: How Do they Raise their Young?
• Conclusion

Fox vs. Raccoon: What are the Physical Differences?

Foxes have triangular snouts, flattened skulls, and fluffy tails. Their fur comes in many colors; for example, the Arctic fox is either white or blue morph, changing color with the seasons. The white morph is gray or brown in the summer months, turning white to match the snow in winter.

The blue morph is brown or dark grey all year long.

Red foxes are considered the most common fox, coming in many colors, including black, silver, and orange or a mixture of all three. Humans have also bred foxes to get the color variations they want in their fur, including white with black or grey streaks, red and black patches, and pink noses with peachy-white fur.

The raccoon’s most characteristic feature is their face mask, black fur covering their eyes. These markings have been hypothesized to help them see in the dark, reducing glare and enhancing their night … Read the rest of the story.

4 Different Types of Kingsnakes

Kingsnakes are some of the most gentle-natured and calm snakes in the world. They’re all non-venomous and subdue their prey via constriction. This is why they have been encouraged as one of the nicest pet snakes to own, even for newer snake owners. But exactly how many types of kingsnakes are there? And which ones make for the best pets?

Whether you’re looking to own one of these docile creatures or simply want to know more about them, this article is for you. Let’s dive right in and have a look at some of the different types of kingsnakes.

Table of Contents

• 1. Milk Snake
  • Appearance
  • Habitat
  • Behavior
  • Diet
  • Hunting Style
• 2. Mexican Black Kingsnake
  • Appearance
  • Habitat
  • Behavior
  • Diet
• 3. California Kingsnake
  • Appearance
  • Habitat
  • Behavior
  • Diet
• 4. Scarlet Kingsnake
  • Appearance
  • Habitat
  • Behavior
  • Diet
• Conclusion

1. Milk Snake

Milk snakes are brightly colored and beautifully patterned nonvenomous New World snakes. Milk snakes are classified into 24 subspecies.

Milk snakes got their name from a folktale about a snake slithering into a barn and drinking the milk from nursing cows; however, this story has no basis in truth and is completely impossible because snakes do not possess lips and cannot absorb that much milk.

Appearance

Milk snakes vary in appearance and colors among the 24 subspecies, but they all have banded coloration. These bands might be white, red, or black in hue, and alternating bands of different colors are prevalent.

They might use white, yellow, or orange to separate the colored bands. The darker stripes have a black outline. The necks of many milk snakes have a light-colored Y or V form.

Milk snakes range in length from 14 to 69 inches. Central and South America are home to the world’s longest snakes. Milk snakes do not exceed 51 inches in length in the United States and Canada.

Milk snakes have smooth scales that are arranged in 19 to 23 rows. There is only one anal plate on these snakes. Males and females of milk snakes are sexually alike, meaning they reach the same length and all have the same colors and … Read the rest of the story.

2 Types of Sunbeam Snakes

Sunbeam snakes are beautiful, but what makes them so intriguing?  Let’s find out why they are so sought after by reptile enthusiasts.

The Common Sunbeam snake and the Hainan Sunbeam snake are the two types of Sunbeam snakes. When Sunbeam snakes slither into the sun, their bodies shine iridescent, like a sunbeam; that’s why they are also called Iridescent Earth snakes.

Sunbeam snakes are fascinating pets; before you go out and get one, it is essential to do a little research about them.  In this article, we discuss everything you need to know about these snakes.

Table of Contents

• Common Sunbeam Snakes –  Xenopeltis unicolor
  • Habitat and Diet
  • Behavior
  • Lifespan
• Hainan Sunbeam Snake – Xenopeltis hainanensis 
  • Habitat and Diet
  • Behavior
  • Lifespan
• 16 Points to Remember When Keeping Sunbeam Snakes as Pets
• Types of Food to Feed Sunbeam Snakes
• Conclusion

Common Sunbeam Snakes – Xenopeltis unicolor

The common Sunbeam snake is not native to the United States.  It is found in Southeast Asia in countries like China, Laos, Singapore, Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, and some parts of Indonesia.

They belong to the more primitive group of snakes that include pythons and boas.  Sunbeam snakes have two lungs instead of one lung found in more modern species and do not have the pelvic girdle.

Their scales overlap with tiny ridges that run along the snake’s body length, reducing the friction that helps when they burrow under the ground.

Common Sunbeam snakes are slender and measure 3 feet long when fully grown that can weigh 2.2 lb.  It has a wedge-shaped head, robust body, rounded snout, and small eyes with a short tail.  Some records show Sunbeam snakes that grew four feet long. 

The wedge-shaped head of the Sunbeam snake helps them dig into the ground when making a burrow and is slightly thinner than their body.    

Their brown bodies glow iridescent rainbow colors when in sunlight.  When in the shade, the colors on the Sunbeam snake’s back appear black to dark purple.  Their scales have a blue, green, yellow, and red sheen when exposed to sunlight. 

There are nanostructures that cause the … Read the rest of the story.

Fox vs. Eagle

I read somewhere that eagles are admired worldwide for their symbol of freedom and power and that the fox is just a timid animal! But how would we compare fox vs. eagle?

Foxes are mammals and nurture their young in dens. They are omnivores feeding off vegetation and meat and are nocturnal animals who hunt at night. Eagles are birds of prey and raise their chicks in nests. They are carnivores living off fish and meat and are diurnal who hunt in the day.

The fox and the eagle are two very different species but do we know more interesting facts about how they raise their young, where they live, how they hunt, and their physical features!

Table of Contents

• What are the Physical Difference Between the Fox and the Eagle?
  • The Fox
  • The Eagle
• Other Features and Facts of the Fox and the Eagle
  • Foxes
  • Eagles
• Where Do the Fox and the Eagle Live?
  • Foxes Live In:
  • Eagles Live In:
• Family Life of the Fox and the Eagle
  • How Do Foxes Raise their Pups?
  • How Do Eagles Raise their Chicks?
• What Do Foxes and Eagles Eat and How Do they Hunt?
• Who are their Predators?
• Conclusion

What are the Physical Difference Between the Fox and the Eagle?

The Fox

Foxes are mammals that are small to medium in stature.  The ears are upright and triangular, and the snout is slightly upturned. 

Foxes have bushy tails, and their pelts are denser in winter, thinning out once a year when they molt.  The colors are red, brown, or black.  They walk on their toes and have partially retractable claws.

The Eagle

Eagles are powerful birds of prey with strong muscular legs, powerful talons, and large hooked beaks. The body of an eagle is light in weight, allowing easy takeoff action, and is strong enough to swoop down to grab its prey and, still in flight, carry it to its feeding ground.

Eagles are excellent fliers, and their wings are remarkable; made from keratin, they are wide and reach a wingspan of over 8 feet long.

The eagle’s eyes are large and take up 50% … Read the rest of the story.

Coyotes: How Fast? How High Do They Jump?

Ever wondered if you could outrun a coyote or if your fence is high enough that one couldn’t jump over it? These are questions I’ve often wondered about myself, so I decided to research the matter and found some interesting information! So, how fast can coyotes run, and how high can they jump?

A coyote can reach a maximum speed of 43mph; studies on injured or crippled coyotes recorded maximum speeds of 32mph. They have been recorded to jump distances of 14 feet and over obstacles 8 feet high. They are also known to be able to climb 14-foot fences using their back legs.

Coyotes are found in most states in Northern America, from Canada down to Central America, and have spread into urban areas. Due to this, humans come into contact with them more often as they go about their daily lives. Now that we know that coyotes can run pretty fast and get over high obstacles, it’s a good idea to take a more informative look at coyotes’ speed and jumping abilities.

Table of Contents

• How Fast Can Coyotes Run and How High Can They Jump?
• How Can You Prevent a Coyote From Getting into Your Yard?
• How Can You Make Your Yard Less Attractive to Coyotes?
• What Can You Do if You Come Into Contact with a Coyote?
• Conclusion

How Fast Can Coyotes Run and How High Can They Jump?

How fast a coyote can run will depend on the age, health, and physique of the animal in question, it will also depend on the situation at hand. Is the coyote being chased, or is it hunting?

Studies conducted in 1976 by BC Thompson showed that crippled coyotes could reach speeds of just under 32 mph.

The test subjects were three injured coyotes caught in steel traps and, as a result, could not use one of their feet. The studies included releasing the injured coyotes, singularly, into a fenced-off area and then chasing them on foot. They might have reached higher speeds if they were chased by a car.

Uninjured coyotes can reach maximum speeds of 43 … Read the rest of the story.