[flakgunner]

hey, Chances are no,
When reptiles/snakes started to become popular,back in the early 70's,it was okay to have some garter snakes in a collection,but by the late 70's,they where labeled novice/beginner reptiles,fairly easy to care for,yet somewhat difficult to handle.
If you mentioned you had Garter snakes,you where laughed at,if you went to a meet and asked,you where given the evil eye.
That hasn't changed much today,they show up from time to time,2 months ago I went to a swap meet,and a guy had a bucket of Plains Gartersnakes,$5.00 ea.,illegal seeing that their native to Illinois,but then most dealers at least around here,could care less about the laws,going for the $$,they'll take their chances.About 6 months ago,I saw 2 red-sided Gartersnakes for $20.00 ea.,and could have easily talked it down to $15.00,maybe even $10.00,but at the time,I had nowhere to put it,I'am regretting now.Theirs a nearby swap/meet tomorrow ,I'll need to go,I need mice/fuzzies/pinkie's for my Ratsnakes,Kingsnakes.Crickets for my Dragon's.I also need a Yellow and Gray Ratsnake,someday hope to find a TransPecos Ratsnake,and any Gartersnake other than Plains!
Want to have some fun!while your at the meet,ask those "dealers" that sell those multi-$100 designer Pyhons and Ratsnakes,if they have any Gartersnakes,watch the expression on their face when they tell you NO!I don't understand why anyone would spend so much on a reptile ,thats going to end up being a medical nightmare,I had a few Ball Python's,always sick!My son has 8 Ball Python's,in 1 year,he's racked up $1,000 in vet bills.Good God!as I think about all of the Gartersnakes and non-Designer Ratsnake I could have bought with that.
Thats why,when I came across this site for "Gartersnakes!"I was beyond thrilled!Wo!Hoo!,In my 35+ years of caring for snakes.I've always had Gartersnakes in my collection,their fun and fascinating.

Joe