Is it about time to see them outside?

[Foxrun402]

I am curious because I was at the archery range this Sunday 3-31-13 and when I was walking I always watch my step and sure enough there was a nice sized male sitting out sun basking! I was kind of shocked because of how low the temps get around here this time of year and was kind of cool at the same time... he looked like he was due for a shed and felt rather rough when I handled him... Lots of tongue flickering but didnt strike or show aggression at all!

I just moved him out of the walking path into a patch of sun off to the side and let him rest there, and he just coiled up and stayed.... I didnt have my phone or I would have taken pics but isn't it still a bit cool for them to be out and about wandering around? lol?

[guidofatherof5]

Was it a T.radix (Plains Gater) or a T.s.parietalis (Red Sided Garter)?

[Steveo]

It's about that time, but it mostly depends on the temperatures. They may sun themselves and go back to the brumation chamber if the nights are still too cold, but I'm not surprised you found one already.

[gordonthegarter]

Found my baby on Saturday while it was 50 out, and she was in a very shady place. Probably why she enjoyed hiking wrapped around my hands so much! A brave few are starting to come out, and I'm sure a lot more are to follow.

[Foxrun402]

It looked like a plains garter to me... let me do some research quick...
8495
Very similar to this but lighter green in color and no checkered pattern or any pattern for that matter... just a solid orange stripe on the top and green sides with a yellow underside

[ConcinusMan]

Just how cool is "cool" ? From what I can see of your temps I would expect to find snakes out

[Stefan-A]

Air temperature is far less important than the ground surface temperature. An air temperature of 50F/10C is about 10C higher than the conditions where I found an adder yesterday.

[Selkielass]

I've only seen males out sunning in se Michigan for several weeks now, on sunny afternoons.