Surprise Baby Snake

So I was sitting at my desk reading the forums and my cat comes up to me with something in her mouth. Not uncommon so I reach down to see what it is and if she wants to play fetch and this is what she gives me.

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wuTm77pue5c/TN...0/DSCF0872.JPG

And next to a quarter to give it perspective:

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_wuTm77pue5c/TN...0/DSCF0872.JPG

Any guesses to what kind it is? I am searching now, I have an idea but I want to make sure. I suppose I will let it go outside but I am very curious as to where it came in from. I think it must be hiding under my basement.

Looks kinda like a garter snake

Definitely a garter baby. I'm gonna say checkered or Eastern...but I don't know my garters that well so I could be wrong. Cute lil bugger, though. Gonna keep em?

Looks like an eastern garter.

Not going to keep him. He sneaks out of every cage I have :) I put him in the "cave" under my basement. Doesnt get too cold there and lots of little things to eat. There is a way out too :-p

yeah a garter they pretty much the main snake in a our area. unless near a pond.

He's a cutie. :P

Nice of your cat to see if you wanted it :D