Got a new friend today.

[EasternGirl]

To respond to one of your earlier posts...to clarify...common garter is the general name used for any garter of the Thamnophis sirtalis species. Each subspecies of this species has a more specific and accurate scientific name. Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis is actually the subspecies known as the eastern garter snake. Garters will not necessarily strike when scared...it really depends on the snake. Some strike but do not bite, which is known as the false strike, some will bite...but it is basically harmless, some will musk, and some will coil up and retreat. Some will try to get away...and some will just let you pick them up.

It does look like an eastern garter from that one pic that you posted. If you could post some better pics...we could tell you for certain.

[-MARWOLAETH-]

I would highly recommend you get a thermostat so the snake doesn't overheat which is a risk because I hear you Americans having a very hot summer...You Lucky buggers!.The American members could recommend a good thermostat for you.Also get a secure lid for your aquarium so the scrub doesn't escape for the they are slippery little things and escape easily from poor fitting lids

[Yoshi]

I'm using the thermometer from our chicken incubator (which we no longer use) until I get some more money, since I need to buy 1-2 other things also. It has only tried to escape once (with the lid mostly closed) and that was when I first got it, but since then it's stayed in there even when the lid got knocked off a couple times.

[jitami]

Congrats on your new friend... you're really going to need to work on the lid if you want to keep it, though... they have a mysterious way of disappearing even when you think the lid is secure.

[Yoshi]

Well I found my camera, the pictures are just horrible quality but I'll post them anyway. I also got a video of it eating. I'll upload it to youtube and post the link when it's up, unless someone can tell me an easier way to post videos.
DSCN0156.jpgDSCN0155.jpgDSCN0153.jpg

[ProXimuS]

He almost looks a little reddish in the first two pics. Any one think there is any chance he could be a red sided? I know easterns do also come in different colors too, so not sure.

[Invisible Snake]

He almost looks a little reddish in the first two pics. Any one think there is any chance he could be a red sided?

I was thinking the same thing, but it's hard to tell from those pics.

[BLUESIRTALIS]

I would have to say Thamnophis Sirtalis Sirtalis (Eastern Garter snake) the snake was caught in Tennessee where they don't have parietalis. Tennessee only has 1 subspecies of garter and that is the eastern garter. That pic does make it look kind of red though but i think it's just the pic.

[Yoshi]

I just took a closer look at the actual snake and I saw no red. It's head started wobbling a bit and I was wondering if anyone knows what that means? It just started today.

[ProXimuS]

Hmm...That sounds kind of unusual..Sounds a little like it could be something neurological wrong, but without seeing it, I wouldn't be able to say anything for sure. I think some other members could help you a little more. Was it kind of like it was an uncontrolled type of movement?


BLUESIRTALIS, Thanks for that. I hadn't even taken location into consideration