Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have an adult WC Texas Rat that has been a guest of mine for a few weeks. We have decided to get another Ball Python, so I would like to release this guy back into the wild to make room. My question is, what would you consider to be the minimum outdoor temp or weather situation for a Rat snake release. The forecast for this weekend is for sunny weather with a high of 70. Is that going to be warm enough? The lows are going to be in the 30s, so I am also concerned abouit giving him enough time to go find a place that will be warm enough to deal with that. Is it a good idea to release him into that situation, or should I just wait until the spring? I posted this in the Rat Snake forum too.

The snake thanks you.

I think I would wait until spring. The daytime highs wouldn't be a problem at this time of year, but I wouldn't want the snake to get stuck out in the cold because it couldn't find a secure place to hibernate.

Put it in the garage for the winter and it should be fine. Let it go in March.
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, Texas

Thanks for the reply, Chris. I certainly would not want this guy to get caught out in the cold either, so I guess he will be my guest for a while longer.