A Snake in the Grass
Snakes hibernate by seeking refuge below the winter frost line, which is usually below two feet (0.6m) underground.
Snakes possess a backbone and well-developed skeletal structure and are therefore considered vertebrates. Like lizards and turtles, their bodies are covered with scales, which classifies them as reptiles. Snakes and other reptiles are poikilothermic, which is derived from Greek terms meaning "variable temperature." This means that their body temperature depends largely on the temperature of their surroundings. Snakes must move into and out of various temperature zones to regulate their bodily functions. Basking in the sun is vital to physiological processes such as temperature regulation, digestion and egg development.
Pictured above is an eastern garter snake, which is particularly interesting because it inhabits many areas including city environments and might be seen by some of WPC's volunteer gardeners in urban areas.
More about WPC's Efforts to Protect Wildlife Habitat.
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