The checkered garter snake, Thamnophis marcianus, is not native to NY, and you definitely can not let it go. NEVER release any non-native species. If it is an eastern garter, it may be too late to release it. Either way, to hibernate it, don't feed it for two weeks, then lower the temperature to around 45. 55 is too high.35 is too low. Keep it at that temp for at least two months, better three. This might be done in a garage, basement, attic, depends on where you live. Make sure it has water. The checkered is from a warmer climate than your easterns, so it could hibernate at the higher temp range and shorter period. When you warm it back up, it should be hungry.

That said, most captive-borns and lots of wild-caught don't stop feeding on their own in winter unless they get too cold. Usually you only hibernate them to trigger the mating response after hibernation. The snake should be in top health before hibernating, so make sure nothing is wrong with it first.

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