I finally caught one this year.

[Stefan-A]

Would you guys say it was a Common Garter (Thamnophis sirtalis) or an Eastern Garter (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis)? I never knew the difference if there is one.

There is a difference, but not the way you might think. Eastern garters ARE Common garters. One of 12 subspecies of Common garters, to be exact.

Oh and welcome aboard. That's a nice Eastern.