Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Anyone here ever caught wild garters? I have a relative doing some construction this spring, and it will wind up destroying the home of a large colony of garter snakes. There is nothing but empty field for miles around their property. I tried to talk them out of it, but they don't care about the snakes. I'm going to try to catch a few, hopefully it will be warm enough for the snakes to come out BEFORE they start the construction. I'm just wondering if anyone has any advice or opinions on this subject. I live in ohio, so I'm limited to only taking FOUR snakes, I have the permit application already. Should I try to take adults or babies?

I live in Ohio Too. Where Do you live mabey I could help you get some snakes I would be allowed to keep about 4 also! Email me at jkjjborn@hotmail.com or just update this forum.

When you say there's empty field for miles...What kind of habitat are they in right now? Will they have the "empty field" to live in after the current home is destroyed? Depending on the situation, they may be better off staying put unless I misunderstand your post. Is there a water source close by, and is it being destroyed (does a stream or something run through the property?). Are you talking FARM field?
As for keeping a few, I would suggest taking 4 of the smaller ones you find, unless you happen to find a slightly larger one that has really interesting coloration. Another option would be to take in a few, see which ones will eat readily for you in captivity, and "trade in" any non-eaters, relocating them as best you can. Depending on the exact layout of the property, you may consider relocating some of the other snakes a short distance to part of the field.
I also live in Ohio. What county are you talking about? Duffy

right now the snakes are living amongst some grape vines and underneath a lot of old lumber and several live INSIDE some old engines. The whole area is getting cut down and all the lumber and the engines are going to the scrap yard. I guess empty field was inaccurate, the yard is surrounded by farm fields (empty right now, but not in the summer time) I always wondered where they got their water from since there is no obvious source. There is a patch of woods about a mile across one of the fields. Should I trust the snakes instinct to find themselves a new home, or should I try to relocate them to the woods.

Anything closer than a mile? A fenceline maybe, that is overgrown, or a patch of brambly field that does not get farmed?
Since you can only keep 4, moving at least some of the snakes out of harm's way just prior to the 'dozing might be a good idea.
The shorter the distance you have to move them, the better off they will be, as long as they have some cover, etc. If there is an unused corner of a field (or fenceline), you might even move some of the boards and other cover (not the engines, I guess) to a close area for them. Let us know what county you are in, maybe one of your neighbors will give you a hand relocating.

Duffy

They are probably concentrated in this one area in part because of the farm machinery in the surrounding habitat. If they scatter before planting or harvesting the mortality rate may be high. Perhaps you can locate a Herpetologist club within suitable distance that can provide manpower and interest in this project. You may also contact College biology departments to see if they will post a flyer for you. Some student may find it a suitable project. I bet a scouting troop would also find it fun and rewarding to participate in a wildlife rescue. Maybe the property owner will supply them a picnic lunch. If you get enough folks you may be able to relocate and/or collect as many individual animals as possible. A college or herp society may be able to provide a productive liaison with State authorities so you can circumvent bag limits etc. I know other states have encouraged flora and fauna salvage operations prior to developments. Another idea (if feasible) is to start removing habitat cover early so the snakes will seek other habitats while it is safest for them to migrate. This of course depends on the construction schedule and the timing of farming operations, as well as the size of the area in question. Just some more ideas to consider.

Good Luck,
Randy

Firehouse Herps