I know that garter snakes don't typically warm up to people, so I've considered myself very lucky. Lucy has been sweet and affectionate since day one. Even the vet is amazed at how she seems to like people and to be held. She is never scared and has never gone to the bathroom on me or released musk on me. I've had her for two years.

In the past couple of weeks, something has changed. When I pick her up, she's fine for about a minute, then she freaks out trying to get away from me. She releases the gooey musk and I have to set her down. I wait a few minutes, then when I reach into the cage for something else, to remove her bowl or something else, she snaps at me. She hasn't bitten me, but she opens her mouth and snaps in my direction. She's bumped me, but hasn't sunk her teeth in. Yet.

Anyway, my heart is broken. She is like this every time now. She is the only garter I have. Is she lonely?