[Snaky]

I don't think it's "needed" per se. At least not for all species of garters. This has been proven in captivity, where there have been breeding without brumation. I know the example of cyrtopsis, which normally has a long brumation in nature, but which has reproduced without any brumation in captivity.

What I do agree on that it's healthier for the snakes and the offspring is also healthier.