Very UNUSUAL garter...

Sometimes the first response is an emotionally driven response; not a logically driven response.

Did somebody accidently spilled the bleach?

After much thought, many conversations, and loads of research, it is clear to me that I can not do anything more with this snake. In fact, I would not even be allowed to keep the offspring of the snake after 12 months of age. (among many other specific laws).
I admit it is a huge disappointment and seems like a "waste" of potential, but it was a great experience to observe and study such a unique being. I hope that in releasing him/her more fantastic mutations like this will develop in the population.
Thank you everyone for your help, interest, responses and most of all advice.
Allison

She's not going against the law at all here. All Thamnophis species in Arizona have a 4 count bag limit per year. As far as what you do with them, thats up to the collector... There's no law against that either. If that were the case, I wouldn't have had half of the stuff I've had.

I wish I could see the darn thing, but the pics aren't showing up! Allison, you'd be surprised to see how far north some of the checkereds can make it. I found some up by San Fran peaks one summer.

Has he/sh/it started eating for you? A word of the wise (if you go the fish route)... stay away from Goldfish and stick to Minnows. Or go buy him a trout and slice off itty bitty pieces for him. Good luck with him, and I hope to see it soon! If you need help, let me know. We're not that far away

I would love to see the pics--- They say they are deleted????

I hope that means the snake is in a "better place" now!

the law leaves open how "one defines words"
(as they pertain to one's own self)
that's why there's "loopholes".
I sincerely hope "a better place" isn't a hole in the ground.
;D

Is there a place where you have some photos of the garter that are working?