I am a semi-beginner herper and i am interested in garter snakes and ribbon snakes...i live in Northern KY and i have seen some large checkered garters around my yard. I want a snake a little younger but i dont no how to get it. What are some ways to attract Garter snakes or Ribbon Snakes into my yard where i can catch and keep it for a little while?
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Attracting Garters, Ribbons, etc...
LizardLuva
Oct 11, 2003 12:32 PM
Replies (3)
duffy
Oct 11, 2003 09:22 PM
Put some boards or pieces of plywood, etc, around at strategic locations, especially near any water sources, woods, or where you have seen them. Leave the boards alone for a few weeks and then look under them. It's getting a little late in the season, so you may want to put the boards out in the spring.
chris_mcmartin
Oct 12, 2003 12:58 PM
What are some ways to attract Garter snakes or Ribbon Snakes into my yard where i can catch and keep it for a little while?
I wouldn't recommend "keeping it for a little while," as this could introduce pathogens (spread from your herps, no matter how clean you keep them)into the existing wild populations when you release them, not to mention the fact that it's probably against the law (it is in many areas).
You could do as the other poster said and spread trash around your yard for them to hide under, and they'll frequent your yard. You wouldn't HAVE to keep them, but if you provide suitable shelter, they'll keep coming back, and it'll be sort of like "free-range pets."
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Chris McMartin
www.mcmartinville.com
I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet
michaelb
Oct 12, 2003 06:23 PM
Doubtful in northern Kentucky, as the natural range of the Checkered Garter goes no farther east than western Oklahoma and central Texas. You're probably seeing spotted-phase Eastern Garters.
To attract snakes, you sorta have to think like a snake. They need food, water, and shelter - not much else (except during mating season! 
) And they won't stick around if there are predators in the area (natural or otherwise). Garters eat mainly frogs, tadpoles, earthworms, and small fish. So setting up a small pond, and stocking it with frogs and small fish, might help. Put plenty of flat rocks or boards around it, to provide shelter/hiding spots. Dogs, cats, birds, raccoons, etc. all can be considered predators, so they'll have to be kept away.
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MichaelB
