I agree with Chris, probably has to do with habitat and prey availability. I was in c. OH last weekend where our group found 15 to 20 Eastern garters. My friends were from s.e. Ohio and commented on the lack of garters in their area, an area where copperheads are pretty common. I lived in that area for three yrs. myself and never saw very many garters, usually only if I was around some aquatic habitat.



Last weekend we started very slowly because we were in woodlands. We found two garters. Everyone was disappointed there weren't more snakes, but when we went to an area that bordered open wetlands, we started finding many garters, which is what we were after.



Copperheads are pretty common in Appalachian foothills, which is the habitat you're talking about, I think. Garters in your area are probably around lakes, swamps, or riverine habitats more, especially ribbons or Butler's or short-headed garters. Good luck.



TC

[ Hide Replies ]

• Have any ideas on this? - Langly2112, Tue Apr 27 20:29:20 2004
• RE: Have any ideas on this? - chris_mcmartin, Tue Apr 27 21:43:01 2004
• RE: Have any ideas on this? - Terry Cox, Wed Apr 28 05:03:51 2004
• I'll Mark This Day on My Calendar >>> - chris_mcmartin, Wed Apr 28 06:47:22 2004
• RE: Have any ideas on this? - Langly2112, Wed Apr 28 13:24:36 2004
• Some other hypotheses..... - chrish, Wed Apr 28 08:05:57 2004
• RE: Have any ideas on this? - Nathan619, Wed Apr 28 14:30:34 2004
• RE: Have any ideas on this? - Terry Cox, Thu Apr 29 06:15:42 2004
• general over conditions of the area. - Langly2112, Fri Apr 30 10:49:40 2004
• RE: general over conditions of the area. - Langly2112, Fri Apr 30 10:50:52 2004
• RE: general over conditions of the area. - Nathan619, Fri Apr 30 14:41:27 2004
• please excuse the typos n/p - Nathan619, Fri Apr 30 14:43:53 2004