We collected an eastern ribbon 3 weeks ago in the Catskill mountain area, 2 hrs from home. It finally ate last week, today it had babies. Not what I signed on for! It's hard to believe a snake that slim was gravid.

Among the release options (unless someone near Jersey City wants them) are local freshwater ponds in Hudson County NJ. They're urban but with a fair amount of habitat. Or I can take them this weekend to Long island NY and release them in the Peconic River wild area near Riverhead. While the Ribbon is considered indigenous to both areas, I have no idea of the odds of a population in either location.

Also, should I consider releasing the mother also and keeping several babies who might tame better than a wild snake?

Boy, it's never simple!