what do i have and what should i do?

[Odie]

i don't know what kind it is. it's black with a grey/yellowish stripe down each side and a same color spot at the dorsal back of the head. and i'm thinking its a baby since it's only ~7in long and ~1/4in in diameter.

Got a Pic

since i found it, it hasn't eaten anything; i've tried store bought freeze dried meal worms and garden dug worms(including making sure the food never touches my skin)
snake is still active and has been seen drinking several times

All good

but seems scared when someone is in the room(this is espec so when i take the cover off for maint or feeding)

Leave the cover off Lets the snakes get used the to movement

i've not handled the snake much other than for removal for cleaning and such.

Good

[Stefan-A]

All good

Except for the mealworms.

[infernalis]

Agreed, toss the meal worms.

You can pick up the worms with your hands, most of us do it all the time.

And make sure none of the dug up worms look like this one...Red Wigglers are really bad for snake food.

I have had snakes die after eating them.

[guidofatherof5]

The care sheet on the home page is a great place to gather information on all the different garters. Especially food items.
http://www.thamnophis.com/caresheets...itle=Main_Page