Feeling a little special...lol

[ChareiHeals]

Was on my way home from work picking up some crickets for Greenie (green snake), when my phone rings. One of my friends said "hey, there's a huge female and a couple male garters out by the parking lot." This parking lot is where the big rigs I used to drive park their trailers. He knew to call me because the building next to the parking lot is where I found Steve back when I used to work there.
Anyways. So the hubby and I run back up to the parking lot, and end up bringing home a huge female 2 males and a tiny little 6-8 inch scrub. There was another snake too, but he was the smart one that found a hole to dart down before I could grab him.
Normally, I wouldn't remove the snakes from their area, but there is a large amount of vehicle traffic in and around this area, and the people I used to work with are very averse to snakes, so they would have more than likely been killed. Plus, I think these are Steve's family, so I had to save them. I'll try to get more pictures in the coming days, when they are a bit more settled.

[guidofatherof5]

Looking T.radixy. :D
They are definitively in your range.

[ChareiHeals]

Looking T.radixy. :D
They are definitively in your range.
In my range? LOL
i would venture to guess that the female is about as big as Your Enforcer. I mean, she's massive. Well, massive compared to what I'm used to seeing.

[guidofatherof5]

That's a good size radix.

[rickymar81]

I wish I had those over here in california:(.
But you caught some good looking snakes:)

[Billy_80]

Good for you. I used to drive big rigs, and I can say from experience, some snakes are attracted to the low pitch and vibrations of an idling truck.

[ConcinusMan]

I wish I had those over here in california:(.


...says the guy living in a state that is home to several of the coolest garters in existence. Need I remind you that these reside in California? Steve might protest but I think they're fair compensation for the lack of radixes.:cool:

http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/gallery/data/500/DSCN7135.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/5025191308_f8e3d92066.jpg

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w80/Schell_19/Wildlife/CaliforniaRed-sidedGartersnake01.jpg

[guidofatherof5]

No protest from me. Beautiful snakes.

[chris-uk]

In my range? LOL
i would venture to guess that the female is about as big as Your Enforcer. I mean, she's massive. Well, massive compared to what I'm used to seeing.

Possibly gravid?

[ChareiHeals]

That's my first guess.

[rickymar81]

...says the guy living in a state that is home to several of the coolest garters in existence. Need I remind you that these reside in California? Steve might protest but I think they're fair compensation for the lack of radixes.:cool:

http://www.geckosunlimited.com/community/gallery/data/500/DSCN7135.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/5025191308_f8e3d92066.jpg

http://i173.photobucket.com/albums/w80/Schell_19/Wildlife/CaliforniaRed-sidedGartersnake01.jpg
Ok you got me there....:)

[ChareiHeals]

Got a few more pictures of Big Momma. And one with the little male for size comparison.

[guidofatherof5]

Got a few more pictures of Big Momma. And one with the little male for size comparison.

Male radixes like big girls................small girls and medium girls also.:D

[ChareiHeals]

I have some plans in the works to repurpose a turtle tank to house Big Momma until I can find out whether or not she's gravid for sure. I'm guessing she is, but the males I caught her with are harassing her nonstop, so if she isn't already, she will be soon. The hubby thinks he saw a lockup yesterday, but we weren't sure. Gravid snakes/giving birth is a new realm for me, and I'm kind of nervous about it. But I know you guys are incredibly helpful in what to do and what to look for when it comes to this sort of thing. She ate 6.5 worms yesterday, we were very happy about this. The others, on the other hand haven't eaten a thing. They look at the worms like they know what they are, but none of them have taken any yet. We tried pinkies and they just stare at them. I figure they might still be adjusting to having humans around all the time and their new environment. It's been about 4 days ish. I guess I'll start worrying if it gets closer to a week and half/2 weeks.

[guidofatherof5]

This is prime mating season for T.radix. I wouldn't think she would be gravid yet, especially if the male is still courting her.
Many times courting males will be in a "zone" and not interested in food until their work is done.;)

You can always release the babies back in the area the mother was found. Must keep the wild populations strong.