I know that in like Louisiana people keep Gators for pets, and people find baby snakes and keep them (that aren't really dangerous) and I read that Garter snakes are harmless, and aren't a big snake. So if i were to find one, could i bring it home and keep it as a pet?

Garter snakes are fine as pets, however they can and will bite if cornered. They're not poisonous, but the bite is painful

It is illegal to keep native animals as pets, not to mention it is kind of unethical to take an animal that is healthy and happily living in the wild and try to keep it as a pet. Garter snakes in particular are not venomous but are usually pretty aggressive, being a water snake that eats small and fast prey. They spray a nasty smell from the butts when even slightly aggravated and need a large large home with climbing places, land, burrowing places, and a running and filtered stream/pond. Gators are not good pets either and should never be kept.

In the US, it's illegal to keep wild animals as pets, you cannot legally remove them from their habitat. (even if that animal is commonly kept as pets.)

pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com

Ex. Those people with gators: if they didn't legally purchase it and if they don't have a license then they can't keep one. They've only recently been taken off of the endangered species list. Ever watch some show like "Cops" or something, see them break into someone's home for whatever reason, and find a gator? It's taken away and they're fined thousands of dollars.

In the garter snake case, it's very unlikely anyone would care or notice. However keep in mind that law is there for a reason, animals taken from the wild don't do good in captivity. (Even if by rare chance the "owner" has done a little research on how to take care of them) They often don't eat and then die of stress.
If you want a garter snake and have enough money for a tank, furnishings, and food then it shouldn't be much of a stretch to pay for the snake itself. They're about $15-$40 at any Petco, PetsMart, Pet City, Prehistoric Pets etc etc These snakes are bred in captivity and have spent their whole life used to living in a glass box, being handled, and living off of food they wouldn't always find in the wild.

Be kind to nature, respect it don't steal it. ;)

Theoretically, yes. Practically, no. Any wild caught snake is not going to be tamed very well, if you can tame it at all. Plus, wild caught snakes are very prone to biting and having parasites. And its unethical and illegal to capture a wild snake and keep it permanently as a pet. If you want one, there are many beautiful colorations of garter snakes you can buy from a breeder or online that are captive bred, and therefore easy to handle and aren't a strain on the wild populations. Garter snakes are one of the cheapest snakes you can buy. In the long run, buying a captive bred snake is worth it and a much more fulfilling experience.

Snake owner, breeder, and have a good understanding of the law, both legal and moral :)

"that in like Louisiana people keep Gators for pets"...Stereotype much? How many people do you know in Louisiana who actually have gators for pets? I'm born and raised in La and don't know anybody with a pet alligator. Now people who eat alligator that's a different story.

yeah i did just remember that it can climb slick glass so get a tight top for the aquarium or a tall aquarium for it to live in.

i have two

All I have to say is that people like Amanda Snow and Deridovely need to do some research before they go around incorrectly quoting the law.

yes

moo