Don't feel dejected if you have been searching high and low for eastern garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) eggs. You won't find any. Unlike most snakes, Thamnophis sirtalis is an ovoviviparous creature. Female garter snakes bear live babies. All garter snakes, vipers and boas bear live young.
Garter Snake Reproduction
When hibernation ends in spring, garter snakes mate. Ovoviviparous means the snake incubates eggs internally; these eggs hatch inside the snake and live young leave the female's body. Gestation takes from two to three months and occurs in the snake's lower abdomen. Female garter snakes deliver on average 10 to 40 offspring between late July and October, depending on geographic location. Baby garter snakes receive no parenting. They are independent and find their own food after birth.
References
Resources
- Wild About Snakes: Garter Snakes; Heather L. Montgomery
Photo Credits
-
Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
