wild garter found out in freezing weather

[guidofatherof5]

Sounds like there is something wrong(sick).
A Vet. visit would be great if that's possible.
Not sure what a Vet. can do at this point though.
Keep your snake warm, give it access to water and a place to hide.
Best of luck.

[EasternGirl]

Here are some vets near you that take reptiles:

Aston Vet Hospital
Media, PA
484-466-6643

Animal Wellness Center
Chadds Ford, PA
610-822-3375

Keystone Vet Emergency and Referral
Havertown, PA
484-466-6524

Windcrest Animal Hospital
Wilmington, DE
302-415-3927

[d_virginiana]

Hm... It probably is sick, but I wouldn't lose hope just yet. Especially if it's only flailing around when something surprises it or its environment changes. That's definitely not a normal reaction, but I wonder if being out in near freezing temps for that long could be partly causing it. Except in the case of natural brumation and 'waking up' in the spring, I imagine that going from near freezing temps to acceptable ones over a fairly short period of time would probably be very painful, especially if its systems had already begun to shut down.

[garter newbie]

The flailing does seem to occur primarily when it's approached... it's upsetting to watch. I just hope it's not suffering too much. So if it's related to the sudden change in temp should I keep the heating stuff off for a while or what. He seems to want to lay under it at times, though.

[chris-uk]

Maybe give him some more cover in the viv if he seems to react to you approaching? I'm sure I read that you have some hides in there, have you got a couple of places to hide, and is the substrate deep enough to borrow in?
I'd probably keep the heating on if you're providing a gradient and the snake is moving between hot and cooler areas. It's a good sign if he is doing this and regulating his temperature.

[d_virginiana]

Yes, definitely continue to keep him warm. I was just thinking it might be a bit like frost bite in people; no matter how gently you warm it up, it's going to be uncomfortable.

If he's moving around fine and then flails only when approached then that's a good sign. Like Chris said, the more hiding places he can have right now, the better. I've had wild snakes death roll and thrash when handled, so maybe you're lucky and he's just freaking out at being in a new situation.

Best wishes for the little guy!

[EasternGirl]

I am hoping everything is okay with the snake...

[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.

[dieselbaby]

anxiously awaiting a good new update on the little one. Sure hope no news is good news.