So...for some of the more experienced members...since Common Garter often refers to the eastern garter, T.s.sirtalis, does that mean that easterns are banned from being owned in Texas? That is odd to me. Or is the law saying that any subspecies under Common Garter family is banned? Again...odd to me.

Sherrie...usually, from what I have seen regarding laws on owning non-venomous snakes, they usually do not want people to own species that are not native to the area...they don't want non-native species being introduced into the wild. But, as others have said...it's best to check out the specific laws in your area. I know that there is a site online in Delaware that specifies what species are native and which are illegal to own. In Delaware, you cannot own venomous, large snakes such as pythons and boas, and any non-native garters.