winter active rattlesnakes

Question
Why would rattlesnakes be active on top of the ground though very slugest.The nights temp. is called to be adheres .We live in Central Texas ,my 8 year old son almost stepped on one.

Answer
Hi Jimmy.  It may seem strange that a rattlesnake would be active during cold weather this early in the year but it really isn't quite that unusual.  A communal den site is used for shelter during the winter for rattlesnakes. Den sites are typically found within southerly facing rocky outcroppings. Their winter hibernation period may be periodically interrupted during periods of warm weather. This is what you are seeing with the occasional rattlesnake in your area.  The temperatures have gotten warmer and they make their way out of their den.  Also the males think there is a good chance of mating with females if the weather warms up. Best advice...watch where you and your son walk.  Hope this helped and thanks for writing.