Semi sad update.
I was mowing the lawn earlier today and I hit a garter (likely this one) with the mower. It was only the tail, but unfortunately I couldn't tell if it was below the vent or not.
I'm rather upset about it. I'm telling myself it will eventually recover and it will just have a stubby back end.
I love having wildlife around my house and go out of my way to coexist with everything.
I'm really hoping it was a lower tail injury with a non crippling recovery.
I have the blades on the 2nd highest setting, and I was surprised this happened.