| s are an intriguing group of animals. Often | | | | be made of heavy galvanized screen, about three |
| misunderstood, they are an integral part of many | | | | feet wide with a quarter-inch mesh. The fence should |
| natural habitats. Knowing more about them can help us | | | | slant away from the garden at a thirty-degree angle |
| enjoy the outdoors and appreciate the many different | | | | and be buried six inches below the soil surface. |
| kinds of wildlife that surround us. This publication is | | | | Remove or closely mow any vegetation that may be |
| intended to help people identify the snakes of Indiana, | | | | near the fence. |
| increase the awareness of snake conservation and | | | | Facts About Snakes: |
| biology, and correct many misconceptions about | | | | Snakes are reptiles, a class of vertebrates that also |
| snakes. | | | | includes lizards, turtles, crocodiles and the tuatara, a |
| Garden snakes are one of the most common snakes, | | | | small group of lizard-like animals found in New Zealand. |
| generally in North America. They are recognized as | | | | As a group, reptiles share many common |
| ‘a snake’ by most people as they live in | | | | characteristics. All reptiles have scales. They grow by |
| meadows, hillsides, forests, marshlands and gardens, | | | | literally “crawling out of their skin” two to |
| vacant lots, drainage ditches or backyards and have | | | | four times annually- they must regularly shed the |
| resisted man's encroachment. | | | | outside layer of their skin as they get bigger. Reptiles |
| Even though snakes that are found in the garden are | | | | have a body temperature that is the same as their |
| generally harmless, few people are comfortable having | | | | surroundings. They regulate their body temperature by |
| them there. If you have put in the time and effort | | | | basking in the sun when cold, or seeking shade and |
| necessary to create a water feature in your garden, | | | | reducing activity when warm. Therefore, ambient |
| you will probably not welcome the arrival of | | | | temperature influences the daily activities of all snakes. |
| semi-amphibious garter snakes. Though non-poisonous, | | | | For example, snakes tend to be more active during |
| these pests can mean the end of fish, frogs and | | | | the middle of the day in the spring and fall when |
| turtles that contribute to the pleasure of having a pond. | | | | evenings are cool, and more active in the morning and |
| To prevent garden snakes, construct a snake-proof | | | | evening during the hot summer months. |
| fence around your garden. A snake-proof fence can | | | | |