Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've had garter snakes before, but its been years. I found a baby outside crawling around in September, and he's been doing fine in my care since. Really cool snake. He's never tried to bite or defacate on me.

I went on a trip recently, and left the snake (and other critters) in care of my friend. I instructed her to make darn sure the top of the tank was on, but I think I forgot to tell her to snap the lid down. Either way, the snake got loose.

First night, my friend couldn't find him and contacted me for advice. Next day, under my advice, she searched my bay window for him. he was in there under a thin pad I have down. She put him back in his tank and now he isn't moving. My friend can't say wether he's dead or not, but he's definitely not moving...

My friend is worried she might have crushed him when she moved a large heavy plant in the window. I don't think she did, If she had, there should have been a physical injury. Alas I am not home to check it out myself! Arghh!

My big concern is cold. When it starts to get cold, the bay window can get down to 45 degrees F or so. He stayed in the window overnight before being found the next afternoon. Could the sudden change in temp cause a serious problem for him? Does anyone have any advice for things to check? Is he dead??? If so, what killed him?

I hate not being home!

garters are very cold tolerant snakes....45 won't kill him. He could have been injured by the planter. he could have been injured without showing outward signs of injury, could have been internal. get him back in his cage and keep him warm. garter snakes won't die in an overnight temp of 45...I brumate mine in the low 50's, but used to do it in my garage where it stayed in the mid 40's. didn't bother them. I quit doing in when we had a cold spell and it was getting down in the low 30's.
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Don
www.donsgartersnakes.net

So hoping not the case. I told her to do just that, if he did get hurt, there's nothing one can really do. I feel for her, really. If he does die, she will never forgive herself. I, as well, can't reconcile in my mind not explaining to her how to shut the tank, and also not emphasizing the DO NOT drag any of the plants out of the window and be VERY careful! I thought about saying such to her being that I crushed a scared bird by doing something similar in the past. Mrrr. Such a cool snake! He really was the chillest snake I've ever had.