what type of garter

[abcat1993]

here it is. I was wondering if it was a butlers in which case i would let go.

[Thamnophis]

It is impossible to determine if this is a T. butleri drom this picture.
Where (Country & County) did you find it?

[abcat1993]

I found it in southeastern wisconsin in the US where it is a threatened species

[abcat1993]

I need to know soon so HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Boots]

It is hard to tell from the picture, but if you even think it might be a protected species, I would not even think twice. If it is listed as a threatened species, but not protected, I would still release it since I would rather leave the wild garter in the wild. There are more then enough captive breed garter now a days, and more are relatively inexpensive. If you have only had it a couple of days, it would be better to release it and purchase a captive breed garter, then risk keeping one that is threatened or protected. Just my two cents!


Jason

[Thamnophis]

Thamnophis butleri does appear in South-East Wisconsin and as far as I know it is a protected/threatened species overthere.

My advice: release it on the same spot where you found it. Just to be sure it can prepare for hibernation.

[abcat1993]

wil it be okay to release it after a week or two?

[Thamnophis]

I do not know what the weather is in your neighbourhood. When it is getting cold it already is too late. When the sun still shines every day, you can release it.
Personally I wouldn't wait another two weeks. Why should you do that?

[abcat1993]

Well i live about 2 hours from where i caught it and I probably won't go back to my grandparents house (where I caught it) until then. So unless you think that I should let it go in my local forest preserve (I live in Winnetka IL, which is a small suburb of Chicago on Lake michigan), I will wait.

PS: If you don't know where that is just go to Mapquest

[abcat1993]

here are some more pictures of it and it's current tank.