A-luring Tails
Posted by Mona Grams on October 24, 2005
Q: My husband and I found a redbelly snake in our shop yesterday. He took it outside and it looked like it was going to dye, so we put him in a container and brought him home. We put two worms in with him and it looks like he's at least bitten one of them. My question is, I don't want to keep him, and we do have woods outside our back yard, if I release him out there do you think he will make it? Especially if he's the only one, I read they hibernate in groups. Thank you for your help.
A: If your snake wasn't injured, I see no reason why it won't be just fine if you release it. I'm not surprised that it didn't eat as snakes are getting ready to hibernate and their systems are slowing down. You are right that many snakes will congregate in specific areas to hibernate and your snake will "know" what to do. Although one may find many snakes in a given hibernation site, each comes to the area on its own - they seem to know just how to get there. You didn't say where you live but you'll want to release your snake well before the temp gets too cold. Thanks for asking and thanks for caring!
John Wiessinger ( October 25, 2005)