Hello All,

Frank here, I just joined, never thought I would be in a position of owning a garter snake. I acquired my new pet by accident while checking the heating system located in the basement of an old house I own, this was just a few weeks ago right before Christmas. I was just getting ready to winterize the house, and with subzero temps (-5) already outside I really didn't think the little one I found would make the quick transition (temp drop) and it looked a little rough, dirty, skinny and lethargic which is what I assume is normal prior to hibernation. Anyhow, I brought it home, much to my wife's dismay as she is not on board with this particular type of pet... we have had fish, birds, ferrets, pet rats, three dogs an iguana and for a brief few days a baby pot bellied pig (re-gifted to a loving couple in the country). So my wife has, ... "over the last 25 years" indulged a man that, as a boy, brought home everything that wiggled walked or crawled which was much to the dismay of his mother. anyhow...

I found your forum after a search to educate myself in the proper care of our new house guest. Great place to visit and learn and after purchasing a habitat and getting our new addition eating (worms) and then on pinkies, I was hoping to have some of the experts out here help identify (and possibly sex) our new pet. My guess is that he is simply a common garter (thamnophis sirtalis) which is native to the western part of ND where I live, any confirmation would be great... as for sexing would it be helpful if I sent a pic of the lower portion "vent" and tail of our new pet?

Oh and for the record "Slinky" will be released this spring back to a splendid grassy wood pile near the house where he was found, would be great to keep this awesome creature but my initial intent was to save this little guy, not keep... it'll be hard as I have already grown quite fond of him/her as the habitat sits right next to my easy chair in the living room and I have really enjoyed watching and interacting with this interesting and inquisitive critter. We are coming up on what I believe will be the first "captive" shed. I have a bowl of water in the enclosure to help facilitate a little higher humidity and to provide a bathing area to help hydrate to facilitate the shed. Slinky loves the water and vigorously rubs nose and mouth on rough edges after a dip... eyes are just starting to haze over. Is there anything I need to do?

Thanks for any and all help/direction. Great site, articles, forum, and pictures!

Frank