I'm not 100% positive on this, but I don't think garters are considered venomous over here. I know Hoggys are, because of the way you described garters. But I don't think I've read anything published in the US that considers garters that way.

I'll have to do more research.

Then WHY the eyes? I want to know. Luck of the draw? Crocs aren't nocturnal - yes, I realize you said not always.

This is going to drive me nutz. I'm really curious about this.