There are 150 different snake species found in North America, and only 30 are venomous. While many people view snakes as dangerous and frightening, it’s essential to remember that most of these species are harmless to humans.
Rattlesnakes are venomous. Black garter snakes and black indigo snakes are not venomous but should still be treated with caution. For this reason, it’s critical to know how to identify these snakes and the qualities that set them apart.
If you’re interested in learning more about these fascinating creatures, keep reading for a closer look at each.
Black Garter Snake Overview
The black garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) is a common species of garter snake found throughout North America. These reptiles are typically black or dark brown in color, with three yellow or white stripes running down the length of their bodies. These small to medium-sized snakes can grow from 18 to 42 inches long (46 to 107 cm).
Black garter snakes are nonvenomous and typically shy around humans. They eat small mammals, amphibians, insects, and other invertebrates. Black garter snakes are found in various habitats, including forests, fields, and marshes.
Rattlesnake Overview
There are 36 different species of rattlesnakes found in North America, with the most common being the Crotalus atrox or the Western Diamondback rattlesnake. These giant snakes can grow from 3 to 5 feet (91 to 152 cm) long and are typically brown or olive green in color, with diamond-shaped patterns on their backs.
Venomous snakes, such as rattlesnakes, inject venom into their prey, which is quite potent. It contains hemotoxin and neurotoxin that can cause tissue damage and organ failure. Rattlesnakes are found in various habitats, including deserts, woodlands, and grasslands.
Black Indigo Snake Overview
The black indigo snake (Drymarchon corais) is a nonvenomous species of snake found in the southeastern United States. These giant snakes can grow from 6 to 8 feet long (91 to 244 cm) and are glossy black in color, with purplish-blue highlights when seen in sunlight.
Black indigo snakes are shy around humans and prefer to eat rodents, birds, and other small animals. They are typically found in forests, marshes, and swamps.
| Black Garter Snake | Rattlesnake | Black Indigo Snake | |
| Endangered | No | No | Yes |
| Diet | Earthworms, fish, frogs, and rodents | Rodents, insects and other reptiles | Small mammals, birds, toads, frogs, eggs, lizards, and small alligators |
| Venomous | No | Yes | No |
| Habitat | Meadows, marshes, woodlands, and hillsides | Forest, grasslands, scrub brush, swamps, and deserts | Pinewoods, hardwood forests, swamps |
| Size | 18-24 inches (46 to 107 cm) | 3 to 5 feet (91 to 152 cm) | 6 to 8 feet (91 to 244 cm) |
| Weight | 5.29 oz (150g) | 5 lbs (2.3 kg) | 11 lbs (5 kg) |
| Life Span | 4-5 years | 10-25 years | 17-25 years |
| Sexual Maturity | 1.5 years | 3 years | Males 2-3 yearsFemales 3-4 years |
| Eggs | Garters snakes are ovoviviparous meaning they give live birth to up to 80 small garters. | 4- 25 eggs yearly | 4- 12 eggs yearly |
Black Garter Snake vs. Rattlesnake vs. Black Indigo Snake: Which Is the Deadliest?
Among the three snakes, the rattlesnake is the deadliest. If you’re bitten by a black garter or indigo snake, serious medical effects are unlikely to occur. However, immediate medical attention is needed if a rattlesnake strikes, as its venom can be lethal.
Let’s take a closer look at how these snakes differ:
Black Garter Snake Bite
Garter snakes are non-venomous reptiles that produce a small amount of mild neurotoxic venom. Their neurotoxin’s primary purpose is to help capture and feed on small prey such as earthworms and slugs. While this venom can be rather painful and may cause some bruising and swelling, it’s not dangerous to humans.
One unique feature of garter snakes is their Duverney gland, which produces a mild toxic secretion for defense and luring prey. These snakes are typically quick to bite in self-defense if they feel threatened or encounter humans in the wild.
Despite their mild toxicity, garter snakes are generally harmless and make great pets for experienced reptile enthusiasts. If a garter snake ever bites you, it’s vital to take steps to clean the wound immediately. This will help prevent any bacteria from spreading and causing an infection.
Rattlesnake Bite
Rattlesnakes are venomous snakes that can inflict painful and potentially dangerous bites. Out of an estimated 7,000 people who get bitten each year, only about five die from these bites.
Initial symptoms often include
- Tingling or burning sensations and swelling
- Bruising
- Discoloration in the affected area
You may also experience the following:
- numbness in your face or limbs
- lightheadedness
- weakness
- nausea or vomiting
- sweating
- salivating
- blurred vision
- difficulty breathing.
Ideally, you should seek medical treatment within 30 minutes of a rattlesnake bite to prevent serious complications such as organ damage or even death. If you ever encounter a rattlesnake in the wild, take the necessary precautions to avoid getting bitten.
Black Indigo Snake Bite
Black indigo snakes are non-venomous and rarely ever bite humans. Unlike other species of snakes that may threaten humans, the black indigo snake is generally docile and does not exhibit any aggressive behaviors toward people. However, if the animal feels threatened, it can still inflict some damage, so, as always, tread carefully around it.
How To Identify a Black Garter Snake, Rattlesnake, or Black Indigo Snake
It’s not hard to tell the difference between a black garter snake, rattlesnake, and black indigo snake. If you happen to encounter any of these reptiles in the wild, here are some tips on how to identify them:
How To Identify a Black Garter Snake
The first thing you need to know when trying to identify a black garter snake is the fact that it has some distinctive physical features. As its name suggests, this snake species has dark, dusky-black coloring with three bold stripes running down its body.
Additionally, its long, slender body shape and pointed snout make it easy to recognize from other commonly found types of snakes in the area. Other important characteristics include the keeled scales along the snake’s back and its preference for damp, moist areas such as marshes and riverbanks.
How To Identify a Rattlesnake
As one of the most feared snakes in North America, the rattlesnake is also one of the easiest to identify, thanks to its unique physical features. These include a rattle at the end of its tail, which the reptile uses to make a loud buzzing sound when it feels threatened.
Additionally, rattlesnakes have triangular-shaped heads, narrow bodies, and pit organs between their eyes and nostrils that help them sense heat. Rattlesnakes are also typically much bigger than other types of snakes, with some species growing up to 8 feet (2.4 m) in length.
Finally, their venomous fangs are another identifying feature, as they are not present in nonvenomous snakes.
How To Identify a Black Indigo Snake
The black indigo snake is a striking but somewhat elusive reptile with several key characteristics that can help you identify it.
This species is typically black in color, with varying shades of brown or red along its jawline, cheeks, and throat. Additionally, the chin and upper lip of the black indigo snake are typically bright pink or red in color. Other identifying features of this species include patterns on its dorsal scales that have a honeycomb-like appearance and a kink near the end of its tail.
With these distinctive traits in mind, anyone who comes across a black indigo snake can be sure that they are indeed dealing with one of these fascinating reptiles.
Black Garter Snake vs. Rattlesnake vs. Black Indigo Snake: How Do They Hunt?
The three snakes mentioned in this article all hunt differently. Each has its own way of finding and capturing prey. What is most fascinating is how these different tactics have helped these snakes survive and thrive in their various ecosystems.
Here’s a closer look at the hunting habits of these three North American snakes:
How Do Black Garter Snakes Hunt
Black garter snakes are expert hunters, using their sense of smell and vision to find their prey. They employ various hunting techniques, such as stalking, to capture their prey quickly and efficiently.
Furthermore, black garter snakes typically utilize the poisonous qualities of their saliva to make it easier to take down smaller meals. These snakes hunt and devour small mammals, insects, and other reptiles with remarkable skill.
How Do Rattlesnakes Hunt
Rattlesnakes are well known for their distinctive venomous fangs and ability to hunt and capture small mammals. While many people might assume that rattlesnakes are aggressive predators, the truth is that rattlesnakes typically rely on ambush predation to catch their targets.
This hunting strategy relies heavily on the specialized Jacobson’s organ found in the rattlesnake’s mouth. This gives these snakes a highly-developed sense of smell. By detecting subtle changes in carbon dioxide levels or the scent of potential prey, rattlesnakes can remain still and wait until an unsuspecting animal comes within striking range.
Once they have detected their prey, rattlesnakes swiftly attack, sinking their fangs into their target and injecting venom to immobilize it. With this effective hunting strategy, rattlesnakes can successfully capture a wide variety of small mammals, from rodents to rabbits and birds.
How Do Black Indigo Snakes Hunt
Black indigos are the longest and most powerful snakes in North America with jaws strong enough to crush their prey. These snakes use their hunting tactics to overpower and consume their prey, typically smaller mammals such as rabbits and rodents.
Biologists believe that black indigos are immune to rattlesnake venom because they have been known to hunt and consume them frequently. Despite their size and strength, though, eastern indigos are still vulnerable to other predators like hawks and coyotes.
To survive in this harsh environment, these impressive snakes must be intelligent and adaptable, using all the tools at their disposal to capture and consume their next meal.
Black Garter Snake vs. Rattlesnake vs. Black Indigo Snake: Habitats
While all three snakes are found in North America, their habitats vary considerably. Let’s take a closer look at where these snakes can be found in the wild:
Black Garter Snake Habitat
Black garter snakes are found throughout the United States, particularly in the Southeast. They are typically found in grassy or wooded areas, such as meadows, marshes, and woodlands. Their ideal environment is moist and sheltered, such as near lakes, ponds, or streams.
No matter where they live—natural environments or human-made ones—black garter snakes are versatile creatures that can be found in a wide range of habitats. Black garter snakes typically prefer natural habitats. They are also known to do well in suburban areas with plenty of covers to hide (for example, under rocks, boards, or debris).
Rattlesnake Habitat
Rattlesnakes are found throughout the western United States, Mexico, and Central America. In Arizona alone, there are 13 species of rattlesnakes. They typically inhabit dry, open environments such as deserts, grasslands, and scrub brush. However, they are also capable swimmers and can be found in swampy areas such as the Everglades.
Rattlesnakes are shy creatures that prefer to stay hidden in their natural habitats. They occasionally venture into human-made areas with a food source, such as rodents or other small mammals.
Black Indigo Snake Habitat
The Black Indigo Snake is native to the Southeastern United States. This species is found in various habitats, including pine woods, forests, and areas surrounding swamps.
They can be found throughout Florida and southeastern Georgia and prefer to live in warm, humid climates with plenty of vegetation for cover. Unfortunately, due to their popularity as pets and dwindling habitat, these snakes are listed as endangered by MYFWC. Thus, protecting their natural habitats is critical for the survival of the species.
Final Thoughts
All three of these snakes are impressive predators in their own right. Black garter snakes use their camouflage and quick strikes to capture small prey. Rattlesnakes use their venomous fangs and sense of smell to take down larger mammals. Last but not least, black indigo snakes use their size and strength to crush and consume their prey.
Despite their different hunting strategies, all three snakes share one quality: they’re all found in North America. So, if you’re ever lucky enough to spot one of these snakes in the wild, take a moment to (cautiously) appreciate them.