Red-sided Garter Snake |
When red-sided garter snakes come out of hibernation, the males flock to the nearest female, eager to mate. The females emerge from hibernation a few days after the males do. According to Live Science, "when males catch the pheromone scent of a female, they will swarm over her, forming a 'mating ball.' " (Live Science). Sometimes the males will try to suffocate the female. When she panics, she will open her cloaca to discharge feces, giving males an opportunity to engage in intercourse.
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Citations
1.) Castro, Joseph. “Animal Sex: How Snakes Do It.” LiveScience, Purch, 27 Oct. 2014, www.livescience.com/48212-animal-sex-snakes.html.