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!

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