I've been kind of busy, so the story continues... I released the brown snake a month later(last year) back to her original spot where i caught her, so she would have enough time to eat and find a hibernation spot, in case she needed to travel to it. I did not have the time to attempt a slug colony or worm farm. So i wasnt about to risk her life for my own fascination and addiction to observing. This year with more knowledge, I went to the same area (a month ago)and got to see a lot of garter snakes of various sizes. I also spotted and held a tiny snapping turtle(a mini "Tank", Guido/Steve) to be continued...