I live in Washington state just north of Seattle and my son caught what appears to be a Pudget Sound Garter (Thamnophis sirtalis similis??) as pictured below.



She seemed really big compared to any snake I have ever seen in this area and we have come to find out she is pregnant. My son was showing her to all the kids that live close by and I think they were a little rough playing with her because a dead baby came out of her.....

Since that has happened we have kept the snake away from the kids and have tried feeding her worms and feeder fish unsuccessfully. My son has become really attached and wants to keep her as a pet but I am not sure how we should care for her now knowing that she is pregnant. We brought her to a pet store and they thought the birth was most likely stress related.

If she birthed one dead baby is there a chance the rest of the litter will survive? Can anyone give me tips on how to care for her so she can have her babies and be a good pet to my boy?

Any info will help.

Thanks!