The Social Lives of Garter Snakes
Image: Andrew Interisano @theotterbiography
Residents of Georgian Bay know that life on its rugged landscape can be harsh. To get through the toughest days, we rely on our neighbours and communities for support and companionship. But did you know that this way of life on Georgian Bay is not exclusive to humans? Georgian Bay’s Eastern Garter Snakes also have a secret social life.
To avoid freezing during winter, Garter Snakes retreat underground below the frost layer to hibernate in rock crevices, animal burrows, root systems, and even beneath the foundation of your cottage. However, being thin-bodied and cold-blooded means that they quickly lose body heat to their surroundings. As we mammals know, one of the best ways to stay warm is by cuddling with your loved ones, and Garter Snakes know this too! In Georgian Bay, entire communities of Eastern Garter Snakes regularly hibernate together, often in groups of over 100 individuals at a single hibernaculum (the name for an underground place where snakes spend the winter). This social hibernation behaviour has earned Garter Snakes the distinction of forming the largest known social congregation of any reptile species on the planet.
Image: Andrew Interisano @theotterbiography
As the snow melts and the ground begins to warm in spring, Garter Snakes emerge from their hibernacula and engage in one of the most unique reptile social behaviours. Males exit first and wait near the entrance for females to appear. When a female emerges, numerous males surround her, each competing for the chance to mate. This creates a large cluster of intertwined snakes known as a “mating ball.” While the scene may appear chaotic, it plays an important role in reproductive selection, allowing only the strongest males to pass on their genetics. Females are well equipped to handle this process, as they are often nearly twice the length and weight of males.
Image: Andrew Interisano @theotterbiography
Although snakes are often mistakenly viewed as simple cold-blooded predators, the social lives of Eastern Garter Snakes challenge this perception. Garter Snakes are capable of recognizing and remembering many individuals within their local population and frequently form long-lasting social bonds similar to human friendships. These relationships are built on non-random social preferences that extend beyond mating needs and provide benefits such as improved thermoregulation, reduced stress, and increased protection from predators. For that reason, Garter Snakes will pair up with their friends after emerging in spring and stay together for the active season.
As it turns out, getting by with the help of your friends is not just a way of life for humans on Georgian Bay, but also for Georgian Bay snakes too!
