Sirtalis ssp?

[Sherrie]

Well I haven't called TPWD yet, but I am going to. Been really busy yesterday and again today, but I did find this. Not sure how old this information is.

Southwestern Center for Herpetological Research - Snakes of the American Southwest - Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis

[EasternGirl]

This is what I have been able to find so far: : Texas Administrative Code

This is the site I always go to when I want to look up snake laws...it is not giving specific info for Texas though: Summary of State Laws Relating to Private Possession of Exotic Animals

I have looked and looked online...I can't find anything that says you can't own a garter in Texas.

[Sherrie]

You can own garters in Texas. The question is if certain species are banned. Here's a link with some info, but it's still not completely clear to me, especially for the selling part.

TPWD:Frequently Asked Questions About Nongame Permits

[chris-uk]

You can own garters in Texas. The question is if certain species are banned. Here's a link with some info, but it's still not completely clear to me, especially for the selling part.

TPWD:Frequently Asked Questions About Nongame Permits

Based on the information in that link -
Keeping of Thamnophis sirtalis is not banned, but you'd need a permit to keep more than six. The blacklist includes T. sirtalis, and as subspecies are not mentioned my assumption would be that all subspecies are on the blacklist.
Keeping of native Texan garters is not banned, but you'd need a permit to keep more than 25.
You would need a permit to sell or trade any of the snakes on either the white or black lists.

But as with any laws, ignorance of the law is no defence, so the only safe option is to clarify the regulations with the department responsible for enforcement.

[guidofatherof5]

On the phone with the Texas State Herpetologist at this moment.

[guidofatherof5]

Here's what I found out from the Texas State Herpetologist (Andy Gluesenkamp-512-389-8722). He said that you make keep as a pet any native(Texas) Thamnophis. The problems come if you breed and want to sell them(you need a permit to sell)
If you purchase any Texas native Thamnophis from a out of State breeder you must have documentation that the parents and babies where not wild caught in Texas.
You may possess 25 Thamnophis from their "White List", this would be T.marcianus - Checkered Garter and T.proximus - Western Ribbon Snake
You may possess 6 Thamnophis from their "Black List", this would beT.s.annectens (Texas garter snake)

He hopes that there will be no wild collection of T.s.annectens - Texas Garter because of their declining numbers.
He suggested contacting Megan Russell in their "Permits" division for further help if needed. (512-389-4481)

TPWD: White List Species

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/faq/huntwild/black_list.phtml

[Didymus20X6]

Who the heck put snapping turtles in the mix?

Steve, as you like to say in your videos, Tank is an exception.

[chris-uk]

There's a couple others on the white list as well aren't there? T. cyrtopsis cyrtopsis?

[guidofatherof5]

There's a couple others on the white list as well aren't there? T. cyrtopsis cyrtopsis?

You are correct. Missed that one.
Western blackneck garter snake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis)

[Sherrie]

He said that you make keep as a pet any native(Texas) Thamnophis.

But does that mean you can't keep or sell non native species?