Some photos of wandering garters from Wyoming :)

[ssssnakeluvr]

That snake was photographed in Cache county, just north of you. Perhaps different populations have slightly different coloration?

2 of my gravid girls are from Cache county. they vary even there..... they have quite a variety of variations, I have a gravid girl that bred this year that was found a block from my house. she has a brownish background color and an exaggerated checkered pattern. will have to get some pics this weekend and post them =)

[norcalj]

2 of my gravid girls are from Cache county. they vary even there..... they have quite a variety of variations

Yeah, I know what you mean. Around here, Coast Garters (Elegans Terrestris) have that same kinda variation. Along the outer coast they're usually either a bright crimson red, or a dull brick red. Heading East in the flatlands, specimens are usually black/w yellow stripes or black with with a suffusion of red or orange spots along their lateral stripes. The latter bears a strong resemblance to the 'Flame' T.s.sirtalis from the East Coast. When you go further inland up in the hills, they tend to be brownish. For someone who isn't familiar with garters, these animals can look like totally different species.