Mount Rushmore National Memorial - Reptiles

The chances of seeing a western terrestrial garter snake are small. Why? Snakes are normally secretive and timid; they don’t want to be seen. When approached, a snake will remain quiet to avoid being spotted. They may try to escape given the opportunity and only when frightened or threatened will a snake stand its ground.

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake

The subspecies of the Western Terrestrial Garter snake found throughout the southwest South Dakota is the Wandering Garter Snake. The Wandering Garter Snake prefers areas in or near water; margins of streams, ponds, lakes, and damp meadows. These snakes mate in the spring and the female gives birth to 4-19 live young in late summer/early fall. They eat almost everything, but are partial to slugs, snails, leeches, worms, fish, and salamanders. They do have toxic saliva to subdue their prey, but it is not harmful to humans. The Wandering Garter snake excretes musk; as a defense mechanisms to ward off humans and other predators.

Snakes are some of the most misunderstood animals. It is important to realize the danger some snakes may pose, but it is also important to realize the role snakes play in the ecosystem. Environmentally, they are important because they eat insects and rodents; they are a natural bug trap and rodent trap. Unfortunately, many snakes face extinction because of pesticide use and the destruction of their habitats.