Open 361 Days a Year: Admissions 10:00am – 3:30pm; park closes at 4:30pm

Due to significant flooding and impassable roads in our region from Tropical Storm Helene, the WNC Nature Center is temporarily CLOSED.

All of our animals are safe and accounted for, and there is minimal damage to the habitats. However, Swannanoa River Road and the main bridge to the Nature Center were washed away, and it will take time to reopen. We will undoubtedly need your support as we rebuild.

Donations can be made at www.wildwnc.org/donate.

Eastern Garter Snake

Appearance: Eastern garter snakes grow between 3 to 4 feet, with females tending to be on the larger side. They are named after the pattern on their scales.

Behavior: Eastern garter snakes are ovoviviparous, meaning they give live birth, and can have anywhere between 7 to 80 live young, depending on the size of the female. Eastern garter snakes tend to be solitary creatures but during the winter months, they will hibernate in larger groups in dens called hibernacula. In the wild, they live between 2 to 4 years; in captivity, they live on average 6 to 10 years with and can live up to 20.

Range: Eastern garter snakes are found throughout eastern North America ranging from Quebec in Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.

Diet: Their diet mainly consists of amphibians, slugs, and worms but can include fish, birds, and small mammals.