Baiting snakes

[greyhawk]

From the looks of that garters cloaca, I think it looks all crusty like that because it has been mating. I once found a garter that had a weird cloaca and I thought it was injured but then I read it happens from mating.

[Cazador]

Another awesome story, Terry, and who (other than us) would ever believe such stories without those pictures as proof? Would you have believed it a year ago?

BTW: The picture of the messy cloaca definitely included uric acid crystals and a bit of feces. The mating plug is hydrophobic (not easily washed off with plain water).

Rick

[stonyloam]

After a couple of minutes of swimming around, she cleaned up pretty nicely. I guess if I had not had a BM for 4 or five months I'd be kinda crusty too. When wet she is a beautiful golden color. I'll keep posting as interesting things happen. My next quest is to find my "blue"garter. Wish me luck.

[Snaky]

Again it was a very interesting continuation of the plot. Thanks for the posts!

[drache]

Terry
thanks so much
it's all so cool
you lucky guy
and I feel I get to be there a little bit myself
when you post with stories with details and pictures
thanks

[stonyloam]

Hi everyone: Before I go any farther I wish to thank everyone who took the time to read my sometimes rambling narrative (I thought it was great when it got to 200 views), and to help me learn about these fascinating snakes. I thought that it was about time to write an ending (for now) with a couple of photos just to let you know what has been happening. Most of the snakes are gone, big green, the “guys” MS#2 have not been around for a few weeks, and Ladybug has a new home in the woodpile. MS#1 had been hanging around up until a couple of days ago, and I caught him a couple of times, and he would drink from my snake water bowl while I held him. I was a little worried that he may not have been able to find his way out, so I caught him and took him outside, released him next to the “snake hole”. He promptly crawled inside and I found him in exactly the same spot the next day. So much for the lost snake theory. So right now I am left with one snake, my “buddy” he is there nearly every day and I have been handling him regularly. Been feeding him worms, and this morning he let me pick him up and he sat in my hand while I dug him a couple. I must be feeding him enough because He did poop on the floor (it looked pretty healthy). With a little luck they should be back in the fall.

[mikm]

Thank you Terry for sharing your unique experience with all

[Thamnophis]

Yeah Terry, thanks for that.

I don't think you really realise how unique this all is.

[adamanteus]

Yes, Terry, thankyou so much for sharing these events. I've really enjoyed reading about your guys and seeing the pictures. I'm a little bit concerned that you say "an ending". I hope we will still see you on the forum, even though your snakes may have scattered far and wide. It is not a prerequisite of this forum that you must own a Garter. Your continued contributions would be eagerly welcomed. So don't go away!

[GarterGuy]

Very cool Terry, thanx for sharing this with us...it was really nice to see how these "wild" snakes were coexisting with you.
Roy