The snakes are out!!!!

[anji1971]

According to the Peterson Field Guide to Eastern Reptiles and Amphibians- Butlers have a side stripe on half of row 2, all of row 3, and half of row 4. Easterns have a side stripe confined to rows 2 and 3.

I had a close look at his scales, and compared them to Deejay. I am almost 100% sure that I do indeed have a Butler's garter. And I am definitely NOT sure I'm pleased about it, because it means I'm going to have to release him back to his natural habitat.
We have pretty clear government guidelines to endangered species, and I certainly don't want to commit any offense against those acts.
Besides, as someone who would be the first to yell at anyone deliberately taking or damaging the habitat of a threatened species, it would be a bit hypocritical of me to keep one for my own selfish purposes.
So little Twister is going home as soon as I can get him back there. But, I am going to contact the people at our local nature reserve, and let them know that I have found Butler's in the location I did, just in case they aren't aware of them being there. Maybe they can do more to protect that area, so the snakes can be safe and thrive.
Of course, I'm crying my eyes out as I type this, 'cause I really really am going to miss the little guy.

[EdgyExoticReptiles]

aww anji you dont have to let him go, hell be safer with you, and i doubt that any1s gunna know that u have a butler or the people who do wont care

I had a close look at his scales, and compared them to Deejay. I am almost 100% sure that I do indeed have a Butler's garter. And I am definitely NOT sure I'm pleased about it, because it means I'm going to have to release him back to his natural habitat.
We have pretty clear government guidelines to endangered species, and I certainly don't want to commit any offense against those acts.
Besides, as someone who would be the first to yell at anyone deliberately taking or damaging the habitat of a threatened species, it would be a bit hypocritical of me to keep one for my own selfish purposes.
So little Twister is going home as soon as I can get him back there. But, I am going to contact the people at our local nature reserve, and let them know that I have found Butler's in the location I did, just in case they aren't aware of them being there. Maybe they can do more to protect that area, so the snakes can be safe and thrive.
Of course, I'm crying my eyes out as I type this, 'cause I really really am going to miss the little guy.

[EdgyExoticReptiles]

u could even get another butler (secretly) of the opposite sex and breed them and release the babies into your backyard to help repopulate them

[Loren]

aww anji you dont have to let him go, hell be safer with you, and i doubt that any1s gunna know that u have a butler or the people who do wont care

Yeah, no one will know.
Reed, dont forget, we are on the world wide web.

[Loren]

Anji, you do what you decide- its your desicion.
But there are plenty of other garters out there that arent protected, and would make wonderful captives that dont keep you nervous a little bit in the back of your mind all the time.
And that field guide quote was just one field guide quote, you are free to do further research.
Am I flip flopping enough for you?

[EdgyExoticReptiles]

aha..woops

Yeah, no one will know.
Reed, dont forget, we are on the world wide web.

[anji1971]

Anji, you do what you decide- its your desicion.
But there are plenty of other garters out there that arent protected, and would make wonderful captives that dont keep you nervous a little bit in the back of your mind all the time.
And that field guide quote was just one field guide quote, you are free to do further research.
Am I flip flopping enough for you?

I've checked out at least a dozen websites, and they all have the same info. I'd love to believe that somehow I'm mistaken, and he's not a Butler's, but alas, though I'm not the studious, intellectual sort, I am fairly confident in my counting ability!
There were zillions of regular, definitely Eastern garters out there, and I'm sure that once I get over feeling sorry for myself, that one of them will work it's way into my heart as well.........

[enigma200316]

That is a beautiful snake, and I dont know what it is, but remember, its not really what you say it is that matters, but what your local Fish and Game says it is.

According to the Peterson Field Guide to Eastern Reptiles and Amphibians- Butlers have a side stripe on half of row 2, all of row 3, and half of row 4. Easterns have a side stripe confined to rows 2 and 3.

thats not totally true tho, because Easterns can also some times have a little on 4 as well...........I 've seen it and since the only Garter I get to see here are Easterns I pay close attention to markings, not to mention
the wide veriety of pattern, and colors...........

[anji1971]

Can the Easterns have the stripe on 1/2 of both the second and fourth row, though??
Combined with his small head, lack of noticeable neck and colouring which is identical to every picture of a Butler's I've looked at, it doesn't look too promising.

[enigma200316]

Anji, would u be able to do some more close up pics, maybe outside in some better light, pay attention to head and side of the body then post for another look before u let it go..................