My concern is definitely for the snake. Although, I do occasionally catch and keep WC's, I never release animals once they have been in my keeping for over a month; this is my quarantine period - newcomers do not come in contact with my collection. I usually make my decision to keep or release within 2 weeks of the catch. I figure if it hasn't eaten yet (and I have had new WC's eat the second day!), it's not going to eat what I feed it, or it just won't eat in captivity.

If you are releasing some acclimated WC's just so you can acquire a couple of new babies (because they are cute when they are little), I totally frown on that! Hope I haven't misunderstood.

I have a small WC population of snakes: Northwestern Ring-necked, Sharp-tailed, Oregon Garter, Coast Garter, San Diego Gopher, and a CA King. In all my keeping of WC's, I have had only one refuse to eat - it starved to death (I tried everything!), and I have had to release perhaps 3 or 4 simply due to eating problems. I currently have a Night Snake, which I fear may also starve.

I am learning my lesson the hard way. Don't mess with animals that are known for being difficult! ...or from San Diego (over 757 miles away!)
Please know that I am wallowing in regret with the catch of my Night Snake.

I should also mention that even if a snake has only been captive a month, it may still have difficulty bouncing back into the wild. Stress alone can interfere with immunities. And who knows who's moved in while the snake was away. A few competing snakes may have encroached on its previous hunting grounds - assuming release is to same locale where found. If the animal is released in a different locality, forget any good chances of survival. A lot of releases lose out to more vigorous competition (no "easy street" terrarium vacation!). This is the same tragedy that befalls all those well-intended rattlesnake relocations. Survival statistics for these poor fellows are very sad indeed.

Anyways, that's my sermon!

All the luck!

Steven