Last Wild Garter of the Year Contest

[Stefan-A]

I am. If it's not too much trouble.

[Cazador]

I sent an e-mail out to confirm the story and will post the reply when I hear back.

[Thamnophis]

I am also pretty sure that there must be populations in Europe. But I haven't heard about it in the Netherlands.

[ytee29]

guess what i found today nov 5 06? a small garter, and im on long island ny

[Cazador]

Way to go. Would love to hear the story. Was it lethargic? What was the temp, roughly?

[ytee29]

hi It looked like a white root cause it was upside down it must be around 40 out today anyway once i had it in my hand it started to move about i brought it inside but id like to feed it any suggestions?

[abcat1993]

I had to wait a week before I brought mine indoors. Although it was a lot warmer when I got it (55-65 I don't remember)

[Cazador]

It may not eat right away. It has already acclimated to the cold and has probably shut off it's production of digestive enzymes. If you're going to keep it, warm it slowly over a period of several days. It may take a week or so, before it's ready to eat. It's hard to go wrong with cut up nightcrawler or fish chunks. Maybe it'll even be interested in catching some guppies out of its water bowl. In time, you may want to convert it over to eating newborn mice (pinkies) that can be purchased at most pet stores that sell reptiles. Tadpoles are also a very nutritious meal, though they contain a lot of fat and oils and should be provided as an occasional supplement rather than a staple. If you post a picture, I'm sure someone will be able to tell you what species/subspecies you've found.

By the way, it has to feel secure in order to eat. Give your new snake a few places to hide in it's terrarium, and make sure the lid is secure or it'll escape after it warms up. Welcome to the world of gartersnakes. There's a lot more to discover, so don't be shy about asking for help and sharing your experiences. Enjoy,
Rick

[ytee29]

do you think it would die if i put it back outside i read that they sleep all together i didnt see any others i want to do whats best for it

[Cazador]

If you're going to release it, you should do so soon. Put is somewhere cool for the night (preferable around 45 degrees), and release it in the morning when the temperatures are rising.

Sometimes they brumate/hibernate in large masses; sometimes they don't. There are few "absolutes" in nature. Most garters don't survive their first winter. Maybe yours will; maybe it won't. Others may have different opinions, but I don't think that you've done any irreparable harm in the few hours you've warmed it.

I hope I didn't frighten you away from keeping it by saying, "it won't eat for a week or so," or "there's a lot to discover." They normally go for months at a time without eating during brumation, so that's not an issue. Garters are fascinating and hearty creatures. There's no right or wrong answer here. You just have to decide if you'll be ABLE to provide good care for it and if you WANT to keep it. Best of luck either way,
Rick