Gardner Snake

Question
We live close to a wooded area in CO.  We have many Gardner snakes that live in/around our yard and keep warm in the winter by curling around the heater under the hot tub.  This weekend, we had a big blizzard.  A baby snake came into our basement through the doggy door.  The first time we put it back with the the others.  The second time, it appeared somewhat sluggish so we put it in a container in the house to help warm it up.  We don't want to put it in the weather for fear that it may die from the extreme cold weather.  But, we just saw the prior message re: putting them back in the natural habitat immediately.  Any suggestions?  Will the lil' guy survive in the cold?  

Answer
Hi Sheila,
Sounds like he is liking your basement a lot. Is there a place that you can make him a "nest" of sorts in a protected spot outdoors using rocks of a wall, and leaves, etc, or even a hole he can climb down into?
I really don't recommend trying to keep him....and yes, they should be put back in their natural habitat. What sounds like happened is he was recently born and didn't have a chance to find a hole in the ground for a safe spot. Hopefully the weather changes real soon and he can get out and hunt is food...but finding him a safe spot til then will help him greatly.  If its not possible to find a spot that is safe, then you will have to hang onto him for a few days...Don't do any hands on at all with him...and hopefully you can find some insects for him to eat.... Its not the ideal situation to keep him at all...but sometimes, we do have to go a bit beyond to help.