December Garter Snake

I didn't expect to find a snake outside yesterday while delineating a wetland in Columbus, Indiana. He was lying there motionless, and I thought he might be dead, until I poked him with my finger. He sprang to life and made several valiant attempts to land a strike. Since he was only a foot long Garter Snake, I did not worry too much. It was fun to get to see him up close. The air temperature couldn't have been much above freezing, but maybe the ground was warmer. I suppose that he will winter in the wetland, since wetlands do not usually freeze solid. Maybe in a crawdad hole. Reminded me of the time I saw one out on a snowy February day.