Don't fear snakes; appreciate their role in the garden

Never mind that unfortunate incident in the Garden of Eden. We were meant to live with snakes. They're here, we're here, and mostly we stay out of each other's way.

I've never understood why these reptiles strike so much fear, loathing or, at the very least, wariness into the human heart. A few are poisonous, but those are the ones most likely to avoid us. Far more common are the ones such as garter snakes that can be seen slithering about the yard -- the domestic snakes.

You can recognize a garter snake by its yellow stripes, running lengthwise against a dark background. Most are less than three feet long. You'll find them quietly sunning themselves on stones or in warm grass. Unlike birds and mammals, snakes don't make their own heat and must pick it up from sunshine.

I once had a garter snake in residence all summer long in a crevice between the stone steps of my house, slithering out of the way as people came in and out the front door. I took pains to protect it from those who felt like stomping it with their feet.

I'll admit that the sight of a snake can be startling. Even the sinuous motion of a windblown, snakelike stem lying on the ground can make you jump. Just tell yourself that a resident snake is not after you. It wants grasshoppers, toads and frogs. It might be on the prowl for rodents. If one is patrolling your compost pile for rats, give it a salute.

One summer when the meadow vole population had peaked, to the great detriment of our garden, I watched as a snake devoured one of the furry plant-destroyers on our terrace. It held the creature aloft in its fangs, weaving back and forth before enjoying its meal. This year I'm seeing little young ones, fattening themselves up for winter.

Snake haters will readily point out that if you keep brush piles, wood piles, stone piles and other such accumulations, snakes may take up residence. Grassy verges, especially around ponds and other wet places, also attract them. Tidying up may make them scarce, but I'd rather encourage them by leaving some areas natural and wild.

Snakes are indiscriminate carnivores that will consume earthworms and other garden helpers that you like to have around. But they won't nibble your salads or gnaw the bark of your young trees. They'll gobble up slugs instead. Snakes themselves are prey for owls, hawks and foxes, whose presence, in turn, also helps keep rodent populations in balance.

You may not see your snakes, even if you have them, though you might come upon the silvery skins that they shed as they grow, a fascinating find, especially for kids. Teach yours to look around for snakes, admire their beautiful, silent motion, and let them be.

Damrosch is a freelance writer and the author of "The Garden Primer."