Snakes are very active in the warmer months, especially in summer. You must be on your toes in the garden or tending the lawn to avoid a potentially unpleasant interaction. But what happens to them in the winter?
Snakes are not very active in the winter. They enter a state of brumation, similar to hibernation. Their metabolisms slow, they stop eating, and they sleep for extended periods. They may choose to brumate on your property, creating a potential safety hazard for you, as they are not in a deep sleep.
This article will explain what happens to snake activity throughout the winter, including where they go and what they eat.
What Happens to Snakes in the Winter?
If you live in a colder climate, you have most likely noticed that you do not see snakes in the year’s colder months. The last thing you will see is a snake sunning itself on an icy rock.
So, what happens to them in the winter? Let’s take a look at snake behavior in the cold.
Hibernation vs. Brumation
You might wonder if snakes hibernate. The answer is a little complicated.
First, let’s consider what hibernation is. In the winter, certain mammals, such as bears, will hibernate. These animals have some ability to regulate their body temperatures as they are warm-blooded.
On the other hand, snakes cannot do this. Their cold-blooded natures prevent all body temperature regulation. So, instead of hibernating, they go into a state of brumation.
Brumation is similar to hibernation because it involves a significant amount of sleeping; however, the snake will have several wakeful periods. When the temperatures rise to acceptable levels, it will come out of brumation until the temperature drops back down to where it becomes lethargic again, which is generally 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.5 degrees Celsius).
Places Snakes Choose to Brumate
Snakes are very creative when finding cold-weather shelters. When the temperature drops in the fall, they search for the ideal brumation spot: caves, tree stumps, underground, or a hibernaculum.
Multiple snakes, often of different species, will use the same underground spot to create a hibernaculum beneath the frost line. Twining together, they maintain what body heat they can to survive the winter. Another benefit they receive is that their moisture is retained through their proximity.
If your property has cozy options that can serve as a hibernaculum, you may have unwanted guests. Snakes are drawn to garages, sheds, wood piles, basements, and car engines. For them, finding the ideal place to brumate is essential to protect themselves from the cold winter winds.
What Snakes Eat in the Winter
Snakes’ primary food sources, including mice and frogs, are unavailable during the winter. However, this is not a problem for them as their metabolism has significantly slowed with the cold temperatures.
They cannot afford to eat as the food would sit in their digestive tract untouched until it decomposed, creating a severe level of toxicity that would prove fatal. Most snakes will slowly stop eating in the fall in preparation for brumating.
How To Protect Your Property From Brumating Snakes
Because they are not fully asleep like a hibernating animal, a brumating snake can be easily disturbed. This could be dangerous for you if it is a venomous species.
Keeping snakes from finding a spot to brumate on your property is the best solution to keep your family safe.
Don’t Stack Your Wood Piles Directly on the Ground
If you chop wood, do not stack it directly on the ground. Wood piles are a great sleeping spot for snakes. Keep them 12 or more inches (30.48 or more cm) from the ground to prevent easy access. The same is true of any lumber or other construction materials you may have around the house.
Repair Any Entry Points to Buildings
As I mentioned, buildings on your property are great brumation spots. If there are any access points for a snake to gain entry, you must repair them as soon as possible. Snakes will be looking for a winter den earlier than you expect.
Maintain the Landscaping
Thick grasses, leaf piles, and thick shrubbery attract snakes. They are accessible places to hide and can work in a pinch to wait out the winter. Maintaining your yard will make it less inviting and provide fewer places for snakes to hide out during their brumation period.
Call a Professional
If you find brumating snakes, it is best to leave their removal up to professionals. They can become extremely hostile when disturbed, injuring you and the snake. A professional pest control service will know how to humanely remove the snake with no injuries.
Conclusion
While snakes are highly active in the summer, they are all but nonexistent in the winter. Because they are cold-blooded, they need a safe space where they can sleep to conserve as much of their body heat as possible. They may choose a den with other snakes or seek shelter on your property. It is important to remember they are not deeply sleeping and to take care if you find a brumating snake.