sex determination

[knitnzu]

Hi All, we have a young eastern garter snake temporarily (i think) living on our kitchen table. I put up a pic on my knit blog this morning. Somebody asked, how do you tell he snakes from she snakes? Any thoughts, links to web sites with pics?

[Cazador]

Hi Lisa,

While this graphic is a bit exagerated, it shows you the distinguishing characteristics between males and females (Alan's Garter Snakes - Maintenance of Garter Snakes).

Rick

[knitnzu]

Thanks Rick! I actually recently got the same info from a herp friend w/ fish and wildlife in ME. We let the snake go over the weekend, but got some pics, looks like it might be a male, but we didn't get the greatest pic. Another tidbit, which you all probably know, is that my herp friend said females tend to musk more than males. And we didn't get musked handling it before we let it go. Thanks again!

[adamanteus]

Hi Lisa, and welcome to the forum. So I guess we won't be seeing much of you, as you let the snake go? I've never noticed a tendancy for females to musk more readily than males. I'll be watching for that. It would be interesting to hear from anyone else who has noted this.

[Gyre]

Hi Lisa,
Actually I had noticed that females musk more than males. (I made this observation before I could really determine sex,) but I decided that the big fat ones tended to musk. Afterwards, I translated that info. and realized they were mostly female.
Having said this, the girl I have now has never musked me. So, make of that what you will.

[Cazador]

For what it's worth, that hasn't been my experience either. I think a lot of it comes down to the individual snake's demeanor.

Rick

[Odie]

Hi, from Oregon, Lisa

[Stefan-A]

Welcome aboard, Lisa.

[ssssnakeluvr]

I have been musked by both...haven't noticed any sex doing it more than the other...

[drache]

hi Lisa
welcome from Brooklyn, NY
good to meet you