Sandy soil.

[infernalis]

Wayne-What substrate mix do you use for your boscs?

Dirt from out back, mixed with a lttle play sand.

I don't think that the habitat they are from should make any difference in your substrate choice. Some substrates are a poor choice for garter snakes, others are good. I don't think it makes any difference what type of habitat your garter inhabits in the wild. Also, if you're going to use sand, I think it's important to consider that not all sands are created equal.

I am rather confused Richard, so am I to assume this means we know better than the animals about what they need or prefer, so we should take away control from them and force the animal to live in a fashion that is what we feel is best for them??

Not taking a jab at you or anything, but the statement you made almost sounds like Garter Snakes don't know what is best for themselves.