I didn't have much knowledge about them except I knew that they where a friendly species of snake and harmless to us basically. Anyone I hear about that gets scared of a Garter is just silly. When I was in South Dakota fishing, my buddie noticed her and pointed her out but I didn't see her until I decided to go wander around away from the river. I was walking around in sand similar to a desert style climate without the temperatures to match it due to winter being so close. Most Garters with any common sense would be back and forth from a hibernaculum to keep warm and only while its warm outside. It was cold! and there she was trying to escape my footsteps thunder attempting to climb stairs she couldn't reach the top of the first step!

I picked her up very careful knowing she must just be a baby, or very close to one! She was about 6-7 inches long when found wandering about!
Everything I have read has lead me to believe CB snakes are mostly in much better health then a WC snake from the get go. Fortunately for her I gave her a pretty badass house based of the knowledge you guys have provided here and anytime I have a problem or something odd/new happens, I express it with all of you before anyone else in the world knows about it!

I'm just happy she is doing well in captive life and has adapted so well! I owe it all to you guys! Thanks!