They are called “garter” snakes because of the patterning on their sides, which resembles that of garters once worn by men to hold up their socks.Garter snakes have teeth (but no fangs or poison), and do tend to bite you when first picked up. They also produce a smelly fluid intended to make you release them. The garter snake is an important link in the food chain. It provides food for many larger birds and mammals including hawks, skunks, larger snakes, and raccoons.Garter snakes’ primary prey are earthworms, frogs, fish, and occasionally mice.