Reptile & Amphibian Forums

me and my brother have been trying to catche garters for a long time. i have been for months. i have 3 arces in the country and there are nearby woods, fields , corn fields, and creeks. we just cant find them!!!!! does any body know where and when to look? does anybody know how to makes traps for them or know where to buy live traps? please i need ur help.

I was wanting to know the same exact thing. I sort of rigged up a trap but it didn't work. Anyone else got an idea?

I have found the most Garters in open areas near water. Late morning (like 10 to 11am), especially if you have a large pond or stream with rocks around it. I have found them on the rocks sunning, or in between the rocks. As for traps, I've never heard of a snake trap. Not saying there isn't such a thing, just that I can't help suggest anything. If you have a place you think might be a good sunny spot near water, you can get some comfy lawn chairs and a book and sit out there for a while. You'd be surprised how much wildlife you can see if you sit still long enough. I had a Beaver walk right up to me. Also have had a chipmunk walk right over my feet. Good Luck!

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Lyns Lair
WNY Herpetological Society

0.1 Cat (Mia)
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I agree that walking through the habitat in early afternoon is your best bet. The problem with most traps is that they tend to have a lot of bycatch like small rodents, shrews, etc. These guys tend to die quickly if left without provisions, so I really don't think traps are the way to go.

Instead of a trap, you could lay down things like plywood (the bigger the better) or even large stumps and logs. Snakes will tend to hide under these things. If you know of any areas with such accumulations, you could visit them and start flipping. Just remember, when flipping surface debris it is important to lay it back down in the exact position you found it. This way, it will still be a good retreat for the next animal that comes along.

I found one of my garters, pictured bellow, under a large sheet of plywood at a dump site near a small creek.

-Alice

what are the traps because now i am desperate and will try anything.

Have you tried "the laying sheats of plywood in a field" idea? It's usally a surefire method attracting reptiles. Have you even seen garter snakes in your area? As for traps, the plywood thing is much easier and simpler than rigging up some high tech trap only designed for catching garter snakes.

PS Is there any such thing an actual snake trap? just curious.

Alice, what kind of garter is that?
Todd Hughes

It looks like an eastern black-necked garter. Look at this link and see if it isn't the same snake.
Black-necked garter

that is a checkered garter...thamnophis marcianus marcianus

Traps are illegal in many if not most states. Check your state's laws. They will generally indicate that snakes may be caught by hand or a hand held device only. Idaho was a hold out on this but they recently passed legislation prohibiting the use of traps as well. Exceptions are made for scientific studies conducted under a permit.
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Randy Hallman