wild garter found out in freezing weather

[ConcinusMan]

Another explanation that I've seen a time or two, is that the snake chose an active rodent den as shelter. I've seen northwestern garters get "evicted" by rodents in the middle of winter. Last time I saw that happen, it was only 22 degrees (F) outside. The snake couldn't move and was stiff. I thought it was dead, but once I warmed it up it did just fine. No apparent harm done.

[infernalis]

Another explanation that I've seen a time or two, is that the snake chose an active rodent den as shelter. I've seen northwestern garters get "evicted" by rodents in the middle of winter. Last time I saw that happen, it was only 22 degrees (F) outside. The snake couldn't move and was stiff. I thought it was dead, but once I warmed it up it did just fine. No apparent harm done.

That may explain the strange injuries on that yellow eastern I plucked off the ground out back not so long ago.

He was cold, stiff and barely moving, and had a chunk out of his tail.