Mixing species?

[Sonya610]

You seem to contradict yourself in that statement. "probably a lot would survive just fine"... "and I doubt if most could make it on their own."

Sorry didn't see the followup's. What I meant was IF the snake was acclimated to the natural food AND it was released near a den with the same sub-species yes many probably would survive; however I seriously doubt if most of the pet garters released into the wild have those advantages.

Grant it many of the folks on this site go out herping and look for wild garters in their area so they know where the right areas are, but those that buy from breeders or other pet stores do not do that so they wouldn't know (or necessary care) about the best locale with a large garter population and they wouldn't think of making sure the animal has been acclimated to the local food sources before releasing.

Richard you yourself talk about capturing beautiful wild garters and having to release some because they cannot adjust and will not eat. Some will only eat a very limited diet. You know they don't all thrive, and I assume some will die from the stress and lack of food as a result.

Same thing could easily happen with a CB garter that spent his life eating tilapia and pinkies and suddenly found himself in a foreign environment with NO tilapia pieces or pinky parts lying around! He is stressed being in a foreign environment, possibly not being able to find suitable shelter during cold weather, and if he doesn't recognize the food sources he is a goner.