The notion that snakes hibernate in colder seasons is a common misconception. Snakes, in fact, do not hibernate but undergo what’s called brumation, a reptile-only dormancy.
Although both brumation and hibernation involve reduced activity and energy expenditure, they differ in important ways. Knowing the behavior of snakes in colder climates will provide insight into this behavior and why it’s so vital for their survival.
In this article we will dive into a common question – Do snakes hibernate?
Do Snakes Hibernate?
Snakes don’t hibernate in the same way mammals do. Instead, they enter a state of dormancy known as brumation, which is unique to reptiles. Brumation is what snakes use when the weather turns cold and food becomes scarce. During this time, their metabolism slows significantly, allowing them to conserve energy by eating less frequently.
Unlike hibernating mammals, snakes remain partially conscious during brumation, and they may occasionally rouse themselves to drink water or relocate to a safer place. They seek shelter in:
- Underground burrows
- Rock crevices
- Piles of leaves
These sheltered locations help protect them from cold temperatures.
Brumation is a crucial adaptation that allows snakes to survive long winters and emerge healthy when the season warms up.
What is Brumation?
Brumation is a defense mechanism used by cold-blooded creatures, like reptiles, to cope during periods of cold weather. In contrast to mammals that hibernate by dropping their body temperature and sleeping deeply, snakes are not completely inactive during brumation. Their metabolisms slow dramatically, saving energy when food and heat are hard to come by.
During brumation, snakes experience:
- Lack of movement: Snakes slow down and spend the majority of their time undercover, avoiding unnecessary movements. During this period, they stop eating for weeks and months because their slow metabolism burns so little energy.
- Water needs: Although snakes do not consume food during brumation, they still need water and may even occasionally awake to drink.
This period of dormancy is what allows snakes to thrive when temperatures dip below freezing, without burning too much energy.
Why Do Snakes Enter Brumation?
Snakes are ectothermic, meaning that their body temperature is controlled by the surrounding environment. In cold temperatures, they cannot produce internal heat to maintain normal body temperature. A snake’s metabolism slacks significantly in the cold, hampering its ability to hunt, digest, and remain alert.
Brumation solves this problem by enabling snakes to:
- Save Energy: Since they’re scarcely able to feed in winter, slowing their metabolisms means they won’t have to eat as often.
- Stay Warm: They can avoid freezing by exploring insulated areas.
- Prepare for Spring: When temperatures warm, snakes emerge from brumation and are eager to hunt, mate, and thrive again.
What Do Snakes Do In Brumation?
During brumation, snakes find places to be safe from extreme cold. These locations include:
- Burrows beneath the ground: Snakes may use abandoned burrows left by other creatures to take cover. The soil acts as a buffer against freezing.
- Rock Craters and Caves: Even small openings in rocks or hidden caves may store heat and offer a conducive atmosphere for dormancy.
- Hidden Logs and Debris: Leaf piles, fallen logs, or other natural debris provide a safe haven for snakes.
- Buildings: Some snakes can be seen brumating in basements, garages, or other safe human buildings.
Surprisingly, some snakes also brumate in large bands. Such behavior, called communal brumation, allows them to share their body heat and better cope with frigid temperatures.
How Long Does Brumation Last?
The amount of time required for brumation depends on climate and ecology. In colder climates, snakes may brumate for months, from late fall to early spring. This usually coincides with when temperatures fall below 60°F (15°C) regularly.
In temperate regions, snakes might not brumate at all or go into brumation only during brief cold spells. Their activity is closely associated with temperature, so a slight rise in temperature can trigger a snake to come out to feed or find water.
Differences Between Brumation and Hibernation
Although often confused with hibernation, there are important differences between brumation and hibernation:
| Aspect | Brumation (Reptiles) | Hibernation (Mammals) |
|---|---|---|
| Organisms | Reptiles (e.g., snakes, lizards) | Mammals (e.g., bears, bats) |
| State of Activity | Semi-alert but inactive | Deep sleep; unconscious |
| Metabolism | Slowed, but functional | Extremely reduced |
| Food Requirements | No eating but still drinks water | No food or water intake |
| Temperature Impact | Dependent on external heat | Partially self-regulated |
The key difference is that, while snakes do “wake up” during brumation to drink water or move, true hibernating mammals sleep indefinitely.
Do All Snakes Brumate?
Not all snakes enter brumation. A snake’s brumation patterns will depend, first and foremost, on its species and its environment.
- Cold Climate Snakes: Snakes in cold climates will have to brumate to survive. Garter snakes, rat snakes, and rattlesnakes are examples.
- Tropical Climate Snakes: Snakes in generally warm environments such as pythons and boas don’t brumate because it is rare that temperatures fall below freezing and influence their reproduction.
For snakes in regions with fluctuating temperatures, brumation can be short-term or intermittent.
Conclusion
Snakes don’t hibernate — they undergo a sleep-like phenomenon called brumation to weather the colder months. It is a fascinating adaptation that enables snakes to conserve energy, slow their metabolism, and hide out in protected places until the weather warms up again.
Brumation makes them resilient in situations where food is difficult to come by and the temperatures are too low to keep them active.
By learning how and why snakes brumate, we are better able to understand their adaptations and resilience as cold-blooded beings.
If you learned something from this article make sure you check out Do Bearded Dragons Get Surprised by Magic
Frequently Asked Questions
Does brumation give snakes the chance to wake up?
Yes, snakes wake up occasionally during brumation to drink water or relocate.
Can snakes survive freezing temperatures?
Snakes are not able to cope with extreme cold, but they seek shelter in heated areas during brumation.
How do snakes determine when to brumate?
Snakes are extremely sensitive to temperature and automatically slow down as the weather gets cooler.
What if a snake doesn’t brumate?
Snakes in warm climates are often active throughout the year.