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I have a wild caught Easter Garter Snake. Is it male or female? the tail is about 1 inch long and goes gradually from large to small. If it is female could it be gravid? It looks a little bit chubby in the belly area. And when I held it today I felt something moving inside its stomach. It is still eating fine. Could it be pregnant? Any help will be appreiciated. Thanks in advanced!
P.S. Should the snake be giving birth soon?
You may have a gravid female, it would be hard to tell since we cannot see the snake. In my area atleast, most live bearing snakes are giving birth, I have yet to see any eastern garter snake neonates, but I'm sure they are there somewhere. Babies are very tiny, very voracious though, I've had them take worms the day they were born.
Michael
Michael's Place
I tried to post a picture in the gallery but it said it exceeds the limit. If it is female will it refuse food before it gives birth? Because it is still eating heavily! What should the tail look like if it is female? Give me a description and I will tell you if it matches it. Thanks again!
Bish
Some refuse food, others don't. A female's tail would be short and somewhat skinny.
Michael
Michael's Place
I finally have a picture here it is. Is it a male or female?
Thanks,
Bish
Sorry for the bad pic it was the best I could do!LOL
Thanks,
Bish
Is this the same garter that's only 17 inches or less? If so, that seems a bit small for a garter snake old enough to breed. And the tail should be a lot longer than 1 inch, unless the tip has been broken off in the past.
The only sure way to determine gender is to have the snake probed by a vet or other qualified indiviaual. An unqualified person easily could injure the snake. Then again, I suppose the if it gives birth, then it's safe to say she's a female! 
Checking the taper of the tail often answers the gender question, but not always. Unfortunately, can't tell from your pic. First, locate the cloaca (vent) on the underside, which marks the base of the tail. Then note the taper across this area, preferably by examining from it's side or belly. If the taper is gradual and uniform, it's probably a male. If the rate of taper changes noticeably across the vent area (narrows more abruptly just behind the vent), it's probably a female.
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MichaelB
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