Gartersnakes are the most abundant snake in Ohio, and many Ohio residents have seen this snake slithering through their backyard in the spring and summer. In winter though, no food to eat means that gartersnakes must hibernate. Hibernation is different in reptiles than in mammals though, as gartersnakes do not live off fat reserves like bears. Instead, a snake’s metabolism slows down and it uses virtually no energy over the winter. Since snakes are ectothermic (cold-blooded), they also need to get below the frost line. Animal burrows or rotten tree stumps are potential hibernation sites, and many snakes may hibernate together.
Reptiles of Ohio Field Guide: http://ow.ly/HDvi30bbSOX