Caught a wild garter!

[Calift]

I just caught a wild garter snake on a shrub in my yard. It's fairly small, probably 6 inches long....and wasn't too aggressive either. I've put him/her in a container that I had pre-setup for hatchling corns. I'd like to take some pictures of it once it calms down....and perhaps keep it for a bit?

Or is that really cruel? Garters are a common species around here (and everywhere )....and I have the proper enclosure, time, and feeders.

If I do keep this guy around for a bit- any advice??


(Ohh and I noticed half of it's mouth doesn't close with a tight seal...possible old injury?)

[Mendel's Balls]

I just caught a wild garter snake on a shrub in my yard. It's fairly small, probably 6 inches long....and wasn't too aggressive either. I've put him/her in a container that I had pre-setup for hatchling corns. I'd like to take some pictures of it once it calms down....and perhaps keep it for a bit?

Or is that really cruel? Garters are a common species around here (and everywhere )....and I have the proper enclosure, time, and feeders.

If I do keep this guy around for a bit- any advice??


(Ohh and I noticed half of it's mouth doesn't close with a tight seal...possible old injury?)

You should probably first identify it and then check your state's laws.

For example, to catch and keep any herp in PA you must have a fishing license. Furthermore, our state puts seasonal limits as well as daily catch and possession limits on species. Some reptiles and amphibians have NO open season and the daily catch and possession limit is ZERO-meaning that it is illegal in our state to catch and keep those species. I am not sure of the reason, but the Shorthead Garter Snake is on that list (go to http://www.fish.state.pa.us/fishpub/summary/repamp.html and scroll down after the first chart to see for yourself). You should also consult an endangered and threatened species list for your state as it is illegal to catch and keep any species on that list as well. Finally, some species in some states require a permit if you want to keep them.

Now will you get caught if it is an illegal herp?.....Probably not-but the herps on the endangered/threatened lists or the No open season list, in theory, are on there for a reason. For example, you should think about other people and their children if it is on an endangered list, if you keep it, it wont have the ability to reproduce in the wild and then those people may not experience finding that species when they are field herping.

Hope that helps.

Posting pics here may allow others to help you identify it.

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

actually, to catch and keep a herp in PA, you do not need a fishing liscense unless the animal is actually taken out of the waters of PA. I always thought you had to have one for all herps too, until this year, I re read the manual and it clearly says, this is directly off their website:

A fishing license is required to catch or take reptiles and amphibians from the waters of the Commonwealth. A fishing license is not required for reptiles and amphibians on land.

Thamnophis brachystoma, the shorthead garter snake is on the zero limit list because it is a species of special concern and is threatened.

I have also spoken with some game officials at shows and what not, and color morphs, such as white sided black rat snakes are not of any concern (obviously because they are not WC animals)

[Mendel's Balls]

actually, to catch and keep a herp in PA, you do not need a fishing liscense unless the animal is actually taken out of the waters of PA. I always thought you had to have one for all herps too, until this year, I re read the manual and it clearly says, this is directly off their website:



Thamnophis brachystoma, the shorthead garter snake is on the zero limit list because it is a species of special concern and is threatened.

Thanks for the clarification on the law-that makes sense! Thanks also for the species information.

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

I just caught a wild garter snake on a shrub in my yard. It's fairly small, probably 6 inches long....and wasn't too aggressive either. I've put him/her in a container that I had pre-setup for hatchling corns. I'd like to take some pictures of it once it calms down....and perhaps keep it for a bit?

Or is that really cruel? Garters are a common species around here (and everywhere )....and I have the proper enclosure, time, and feeders.

If I do keep this guy around for a bit- any advice??


(Ohh and I noticed half of it's mouth doesn't close with a tight seal...possible old injury?)

to answer your questions, provided it's legal to keep it, which it most likely is but check just in case, no it isn't cruel. Garter snakes adjust to the captive life VERY quickly, usually in less than a week I can get one eating from my hands. I would definitely move it into a large cage though, they don't like being cooped up. A 10 gallon tank will comfortably house a male for his entire life, a female usually will get too large, but that really depends on the subspecies you have. They like lots of things to climb on, basking lights and of course hideys! Especially with WC's, the basking light can actually make the difference as to whether the snake eats or not for you! They really love light during the day (go figure, huh?!) Also provide a water bowl that is large enough for him to take a little swim as, thamnophis are semi aquatic. Make sure if you are feeding any fish that it's a thiaminase free species for the health of your snake, this means no goldfish, no catfish!!! Most species generally will take a worm as their first meal with ease, often on the same day as capture, once they are calmed down. They are very easy to convert to f/t pinkies, if the snake already won't take them straight away. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!!! I can always help and I have more garters than most people know even exist!!! They are not just the little brown snake you see in your backyard... they are so much more!!

[mainbutter]

I used to catch reptiles and amphibs and keep 'em for an afternoon, and then let them go. It was a fun outdoor activity for a young kid, kept me away from the tv.

[Calift]

Thanks for the help!

I did double check my state laws and eastern garters are legal to keep....which isn't to say I won't release this guy soon. I'd like to try and see if I can get him/her to eat though- but the biologist in me thinks he/she would be happier outside.

Anyway, I did snap a few pics....I couldn't get any close-ups of the mouth problem- but I will try once I get the snake fully settled in. And I will be moving him/her into a much larger container.

As for the light- should I provide it right now as well? I always thought you should keep them covered to avoid stress....but I know garters like to bask (which it was doing when I grabbed it )

[Calift]

Okay...here's a slightly better picture...but it still doesn't fully show the mouth problem...

[aSnakeLovinBabe]

it looks like you have a very healthy young GRAVID female eastern. I can't tell for sure because I can't see the whole snake in the photos but in the last photo you can see how chubby she is and usually at this time of year any female you find is gravid. I would recommend releasing her soon, or else you are going to have a lot more than one garter snake!!!

[Calift]

Oh asnake- I will post some more pictures now if you're still online.

You think she's that big? I just assumed I had caught a tiny baby....haha she's small compared to corns.