wild caught garters?

[adamanteus]

I have had many wild caught snakes, some of them Garters and some not. Generally speaking, if it's a species which readily adapts to captivity (like Garters do) it makes little difference if the animal is wild caught or captive bred. Obviously some individuals settle down quicker than others, but on the whole, a wild caught Garter, given the correct captive conditions, should settle down well enough.

[adamanteus]

Yes indeed Rick, wholesale collection for re-sale is very damaging, but taking one from the wild for your own collection is not going to be a problem.

I agree, wild caught snakes often carry parasites and pathogens, naturally one would treat a new acquisition for these, if they prove to be present. Also, I believe Chris has no established collection which could become contaminated.

given the correct captive conditions,

Otherwise I believe my "generalization" to be pretty accurate....Wild caught Garters usually settle readily to a captive environment. Generally speaking!