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The latest question of people-versus-creature comes from Minnesota, Land of 10,000 Lakes, soon to be renamed Land of 10,000 Snakes. Corinne writes, “In Minnesota, how do I get rid of garter snakes?”

I'm not quite sure what kind of situation we're dealing with here, Corinne. Have garter snakes invaded the deep interior of your home? Do they watch TV and not pick up after themselves? Or do you just see them cruising around in your lawn or garden and freak out?

If you're just seeing them outdoors, Corinne, what's the big deal? I mean, they're just snakes. Sure they have no eyelids or legs, and in Western Civilization they are an enduring symbol of Evil, but a garter snake? The worst they'll do is leave a few papery socks of shed skin on your property, and if you pick them up they'll squirt this really foul-smelling paste on your hand, and the smell won't entirely go away the first time you wash it with soap. And in your yard or garden, they'll do all sorts of good things: control insects and other invertebrate creatures, including some that would love to chew on your favorite plants. Really, you're lucky to have them around.

If the problem lies (and slithers) indoors, that's a whole different can of serpents. I have no idea why a garter snake would want to be in your house. I'm sure it's a nice house for people, don't get me wrong, but snakes have different tastes in decor and such. I've never heard of a garter snake wanting in. (A few thousand more of these electronic cards and letters, though, and I'll believe just about anything.)

Indoor or outdoors, if you simply can't take the snakes any longer, Corinne, get on the web and contact the Minnesota Herpetological Society. Your state has an especially active chapter, and there's probably someone in your region who would be willing to stop by and capture any garter snake that you don't want.