10-15 years ago we found a yellow rat in NJ, but we failed to catch it. We did get a positive ID on it though, and we were freaking since it just wasnt expected. Well last year i visited the area and a nearby homeowner I know. They said they saw two huge yellow-orange snakes coiled up by the garbage cans next to some bushes. Now I know these people are familiar with the common snakes in the area, so I dont doubt their observation. Has anyone else had similiar encounters? I would guess they probably could survive the winters since it does get fairly cold in NC (Northern most part of their range). Just wondering if anyone has experienced anything similiar.