Yeah the dormant period I refereed to is where temps drop below freezing for weeks at a time such as Canadian winters. Here in Northwest Florida and along the gulf coast states as well as western states along the same latitudinal regions I see no reason for snakes to hibernate. They may temporarily retreat below the frost line on cold nights but come up again. I have indeed seen many snakes in winter here in Fla, mostly rattlesnakes and cottonmouths in winter, but other species too, including black racers and coach-whips.

I could see more if I was done with college and able to work around the clock - which I enjoy as I work in the field on restoration and conservation land one county over where the habitat is much better for Floridan snake species. Get all sorts of snakes year round because heavy winter rains (and other seasons too) saturate sand hills which push up snakes that are under ground or in Gopher Tortoise burrows. Its also nice because unlike many areas that are voided of populations by over-collection as well as parks where it is illegal but still done, this land is 100% closed off to the general public which allows all the herps to stay there, un-fettered except for photography by those who work there. Like I said, nice while I'm there and what I see supports all points you have made, but college combined with over-collection in my county as well as extensive farming and housing have really tampered with herp populations.

From the pictures I have seen of areas that you herp in, I think that areas that are more well-kept may also have affect on hibernation patterns too. I have no idea about this though, just speculation as it would take very long term testing in my opinion.

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