Please help me ID my snake!

[Lacerda]

I live in lower Westchester county New York and I caught this snake about two weeks ago in a neighbors backyard. I tried feeding it minnows, nightcrawlers, and simple earthworms and it won't eat. This makes me wonder if it might be something other than a common eastern garter. Please help

[Stefan-A]

Welcome aboard. :)

That does look like an eastern garter snake.

[ssssnakeluvr]

welcome to the forum!!! yep, it's an eastern....sometimes it can take a couple weeks for snakes to adjust to captivity.

[drache]

welcome to the forum
what else might they be feeding on in your neighbour's yard?
are there frogs or other small animals this garter might be used to?
since it's local, you might even be able to catch it something with that homey taste

[sirtalis01]

welcome to the forum,,,,,thats an eastern garter...

[Lacerda]

Thanks guys. I know snakes can go a while without eating, but its already been two weeks, so I'm getting a little concerned. I guess if it doesn't eat after another week I'll just release it. thanks again

[adamanteus]

Two weeks isn't so long. Don't panic just yet. It's common for these animals to fast when first caught.

[Odie]

Hi, from Oregon, Lacerda :)

[mustang]

I live in lower Westchester county New York and I caught this snake about two weeks ago in a neighbors backyard. I tried feeding it minnows, nightcrawlers, and simple earthworms and it won't eat. This makes me wonder if it might be something other than a common eastern garter. Please help
ITS A SHORTHEAD GARTER Thamnophis brachystoma !!! u keepn it.....ittl take a while b4 it eats

[Lacerda]

UPDATE: Its been almost a month now and my little guy still hasn't eaten. I just offered him a nice juicy wiggling earthworm, and he was absolutely aware of its presence because he pretty much got face to face with it, but was not interested. He is still very active and appears to be just as healthy as the day I found him, but I'm still a little concerned. How long should I wait before I just release him? And are there any signs I should watch out for that could possibly indicate that this just won't work out?

[mustang]

you dont have to release him heres what i did...
1)look up what food a shorthead garter eats
2) put him in a different cage with that food(no substraight but put a water source in it)
3)wait untill ffood is gone mine took over night Put the temporary cage w/snake and food somewhere where it wont be bothered by things such as under a bed or in a closet!!if u need any info on wild caught snakes pm me ill help!!!my snake checker is wild and we get along fine!!!itll be a while before he stops trying to run away ....then hell just poop in your hand when he wants to be put down!