PLEASE help identify these snakes?

[mythos_hunter]

Hi, I'm pretty sure that these are garter snakes of some sort, but my dog interrupted them during their 'private time' in our backyard :main_rolleyes:, and I'm worried that one of them nipped his nose. I would really appreciate it if someone could confirm the snakes' harmless nature and take a weight off my mind.

 

[T-ReXx]

garter snakes, no doubt in my mind. Your dog will be fine.

 

[JordanAng420]

Nice mating shots!

 

[mythos_hunter]

Whew, that makes me feel much better, and thank you for your quick reply!

 

[Daidra]

they are garter snakes,and they do have a slight venom it can give a person or animal a allergic reaction but if you haven't seen any within 2 hours after getting bit then he should be okay.

 

[mythos_hunter]

Oh, heavens, I was actually a little embarrassed to intrude on them, but I wanted some ID photos before they went on their way!

 

[mythos_hunter]

I did not know about that venom thing! There hasn't been any swelling yet, I'll keep an eye on his nose though.

 

[mythos_hunter]

Thank you everyone for your replies!

 

[T-ReXx]

Garters have a gland in the rear of the mouth(Duvoid's gland), "venom" is chewed into prey using the back teeth, so unless your dog spent a good amount of time with a snake hanging off his nose it's very unlikely he was envenomated. Just treat it like any other minor would, clean it, and keep an eye on it.

 

[Sunrise Reptile]

Purely based on pattern, I'd say they're probably a pair of Checkered Garters. What everyone's said about venom is absolutely correct. They're definitely no risk to people, and most likely not to dogs either. Their venom is only mildly toxic. I'd say there's probably no cause for concern.

 

[Gregg M]

Garters have no venom delivery system at all... No rear grooved fangs or direct duct to any of the teeth... They are not considered a venomous species even on a technical level...

 

[Sunrise Reptile]

Garters have no venom delivery system at all... No rear grooved fangs or direct duct to any of the teeth... They are not considered a venomous species even on a technical level...

Garters on Wikipedia

Slide down to the section titled "Venom".

 

[Gregg M]

Ok, its Wikipedia... LOL

And it states nothing I did not already post...

Not sure why you quoted me and linked the wikipedia definition...

 

[jfreels]

Ok, its Wikipedia... LOL

And it states nothing I did not already post...

Not sure why you quoted me and linked the wikipedia definition...

Probably because it states the opposite of what you posted.

Taken from that link...

Garters were long thought to be nonvenomous, but recent discoveries have revealed that they do in fact produce a mild neurotoxic venom

They do have enlarged teeth in the back of their mouth

 

[T-ReXx]

Garters do in fact have Duvernoy's glands, but then so do kingsnakes and milksnakes(though they're greatly reduced in those species). In garters and other natricine snakes(and hognose) there have been mild reactions to the saliva noted(swelling, bruising, itching). Hognose, garters, and watersnakes DO have enlarged rear teeth, however they aren't grooved or hollow and don't represent a venom delivery system. More likely is that these teeth are specialized adaptations associated with prey choice, toads and frogs inflate their bodies as a defense mechanism, enlarged rear teeth would allow these snakes to "pop" the amphibians for easier swallowing. There are three types of Durvernoy's gland; ranging from type I(harmless, garters and hognose are in this group) to Type III which includes the Boomslang(an obviously deadly, rear-fanged species). So, by definition, garters aren't classified as "venomous" as they're mouths aren't specifically designed for venom production/delivery, however they do produce a "venom-like" saliva that can cause very mild reactions in humans.

 

[Gregg M]

Probably because it states the opposite of what you posted.

You may want to reread my post...

Garters have no venom delivery system at all... No rear grooved fangs or direct duct to any of the teeth... They are not considered a venomous species even on a technical level...

This is the fact of the matter... They are not considered a venomous species in any circles... Their bites are harmless... They are not considered a rear fanged species... They have teeth, not fangs... There is a difference...

Also quotes from Wiki are just as good as posting your personal opinion...

 

[Sunrise Reptile]

Also quotes from Wiki are just as good as posting your personal opinion...

I think we both know that that last statement was not only uncalled for, but it's a total load of malarkey! :main_rolleyes: