Wild Garters in my area

[xStatic]

I stumbled across a couple old pictures I got of some wild garters in my town. One picture was taken by my dad who has a NICE camera XD and the other by me. I don't have a nice camera. I am really really terrible at identifying garters as I've never bothered to learn the distinguishing characteristics (though I should). I was wondering if anyone wanted to try and ID these snakes so I have a better idea of what is living around me? Neither of the photos are very great for identification but I'm hoping you geniuses will be able to tell anyway! (:

PS: These were both found around the same area, but at different times of the year. There are always a lot of garter snakes over there and I almost always spot one swimming in the river.

[guidofatherof5]

T.elegans (Western Terrestrial Garter Snake) I believe.
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake - Caresheets

[xStatic]

Do people keep this species in captivity? There wasn't any discussion in the discussion lol

EDIT: Okay never mind stupid question! I didn't realize how many different subspecies/names there are for this species (: of course people keep them!

[ssssnakeluvr]

that's a wandering garter, thamnophis elegans vagrans, western terrestrial, or coast garter is found in California =)

[Stefan-A]

that's a wandering garter, thamnophis elegans vagrans, western terrestrial, or coast garter is found in California =)

Western terrestrial is T. elegans, the species. The coast garter would be T. elegans terrestris and T. elegans elegans would be mountain garter.

[guidofatherof5]

Thanks Don. I thought T.elegans ranged in Montana?

Terrestrial Gartersnake - Montana Field Guide

[xStatic]

Is there a large difference between those subspecies? Do wandering garters make good pets? Are there any negative drawbacks to them like bad attitude, bad feeding response, etc.? They are fairly easy to find around here in the summer (:

[Stefan-A]

Do wandering garters make good pets?

Damn good ones if you ask me. All of the ones I have, have been far better pets than most of the common garters I've had.

Are there any negative drawbacks to them like bad attitude, bad feeding response, etc.?

The attitude is great and the feeding response phenomenal, but they do require solo housing because there's a risk that they'll try to make a meal of their cagemate regardless of its size.

[infernalis]

Is there a large difference between those subspecies? Do wandering garters make good pets? Are there any negative drawbacks to them like bad attitude, bad feeding response, etc.? They are fairly easy to find around here in the summer (:

I have two, and they are both awesome captives. Stefan already covered it...

[katach]

From what I've read on here they can be aggressive toward other garters. I have no experience with them though. I think i_heart_sneakie_snakes found one not too long ago. I don't know if she kept it though.