“How does a snake digest its food?” This is a question you might find yourself pondering one day when you nearly trample upon a snoozing garter snake lying in a sunny patch of gnarly grass along a forest trail in the Upper Delaware River region (as I did). Here is the answer, along with additional information about this frequently encountered reptile.

The Eastern garter snake is native to North America and important to its ecosystems as both predator and prey in the food chain. As a semi-aquatic carnivore, it sources food such as frogs, toads, salamanders, slugs, worms and small mammals from both land and water. 

Prey is swallowed whole, thanks to the ability of the snake to expand and manipulate its jaw to accommodate sources of sustenance larger than the width of its own body. 

Salivary glands lubricate the prey as it moves into the esophagus, requiring the aid of muscles of the entire body to push the food into the snake’s J-shaped stomach. Once the prey enters the stomach, that organ begins secreting acid and digestive enzymes which gradually break down the skin, flesh and bones of the prey. Hair, feathers and claws are later excreted.

Depending on the size of the snake and its meal, this can take several days to a few weeks. Digesting such a meal requires considerable energy, so snakes are often dormant or nearly asleep while their food is being processed. Soaking up sun increases the metabolic rate of a snake and helps with digestion. 

As I photographed the garter snake and the “food bulge” described in this column, the snake remained still, although its unmoving body was hard at work.

Garter snakes adapt well to a variety of environments like forests, grassy fields, farmland and moist habitats along lakes, ponds and bogs. They are also fans of our backyards and gardens, where they provide a natural form of pest control by feeding on small rodents. 

If a garter snake has decided to live in your local landscape—fear not! Consider it a compliment and embrace the opportunity to observe the wild life it leads.