cleaning the tank?

[Lee]

Don't be afraid of wild caught garters, if you want to handle him, just leave your hand in for while, as he slithers by touch him, let him get used to what your hand is/feels like and he shouldn't be so scarred. Just know, like with any snake there is a chance you will get bitten. In all my years of having kept WC garters, I've never had one bite me, they have tried, but they all settle down easy enough. I had my big aggressive female striking at me when I found her on a path, after a few feeds and getting to know me I could take her out and sit next to the outdoor fireplace and not worry about getting bit.

[adamanteus]

For day-to day cleaning I just leave the snake in the tank and clean around it. When a thorough clean is needed I put the snake in a deep bucket until I'm done, then I put it back.

[Odie]

Hi, from Oregon, Nelda

[drache]

Hi Nelda
I do partial cleanings, but even then I sometimes take snakes out
some snakes get in the way more, because they're either curious or agitated
nice to meet you

[CrazyHedgehog]

You could always wear gloves? gives you a false confidence, so if it bites, then it wont get through the glove so it will be ok, just put it into a pillow case while you clean....also this method will help you get over the fear, if you take him out a few times wiuth gloves on and he doesn't try to bite then is he likely to bite you? (just make sure you have no food on your hands!!)