They're starting to move around this area as of last week with the sun coming out and warming things up. I haven't seen yet the numbers as I have in recent past years, but there are a few. Hopefully they're just sleeping in and will be more evident as the warm temperatures increase. In my experience they seem a bit more high strung than our other native species the wandering garter.
Oh I agree. Oregon and WA fitchii are the same way. A bit high strung like infernalis'. Never tried to keep any fitchii I caught, mainly for that reason. They don't seem like they want to settle down into captivity at all. They seem to remain very nervous, defensive, and a bit hostile. I'm sure there are exceptions though.
From now on, I'll treat others like they treat me. Some will be glad, others should be scared