Here's my story. Found a nest, 6 to 10 inches. Took one to my grandaughter (3 1/2). She loved it; lost it in the car. Brought her three more; found the first one; put them in a large plastic box with sand. She liked one with a yellow belly and yellow neck ring best, and after it bit her, learned to be much more gentle. We knew nothing about garter snakes; gave them worms, bugs and such. one day there were only two. The largest looked placid, the smaller quite active. "Yellow-Bellow" was gone, I assume devoured. Not wanting more trauma, she let them go, but missed them so badly, I found her another small one, bought a terrarium- the cat ate it. I found one about 2 feet long; it shed, and while I was trying to figure out whether to try and keep it (it's late in the year) out came babies. I'm assuming the young would take to captivity more easily, but I'm out of my depth. I need advice, on food, hibernation, etc. Should I release the mother? Should we keep one baby, some, or all? One (of six) opened its mouth wide when I picked it up. Does this indicate hunger or aggression? The mother has not fed in 4 days and shows no interest in superworms or pinky mice. Would appreciate greatly any and all feedback.