Garter Snake vs. Blue Racer

Question

Baby snake  

Baby snake   My son and I have been discussing the possibility of getting a garter snake as a pet, but last night he found what we initially thought was a baby garter snake. That, of course, led to the discussion of keeping it (since it doesn't appear to have any problems with being handled).

After further investigating and closer inspection, we're starting to question whether our initial belief was incorrect and if it is, in fact, a blue racer. After reading other postings on various sites I'm a bit torn as to whether to release the snake now or keep it, continue handling it, and hope for the best.

Also, as for care information for blue racers, there is relatively little in comparison to garter snakes.  With such a small snake (at its widest, its about 3/4 the size of a pencil), what would a baby blue racer eat?

Answer
Well I too think you have a baby garter snake there...  As to keeping it, if it will eat for you I see no harm in keeping it.  Either of the snakes you inquired about feed on insects, lizards, frogs, mice, and small birds in the wild.  They might also eat other snakes and/or earthworms.  In captivity your goal would be to get them to eat mice and a young one like that would need pinky or newborn mice to start on.  Most pet stores have/can get them.  Try getting him to eat and if he does set up a nice cage and enjoy, if he won't eat for you the best thing would be to release him and obtain a captive born specimen that is already feeding on mice.  Corn snakes/red rat snakes also make VERY good first snakes and usually eat mice with no problems, I usually recommend those to beginners because of their ease of care.