Yes snakes do hybernate! Snakes are ectotherms which means that they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. In the wild snakes typically hibernate during the colder months when food is scarce and temperatures are too low for them to be active.
There are two main types of hibernation that snakes undergo: brumation and aestivation. Brumation is more commonly seen in reptiles and amphibians and aestivation is more common in mammals and birds. During brumation snakes will burrow into the ground or find a secluded spot where they can remain hidden and safe from predators. They will remain in this location for several weeks or months only emerging when the weather warms up and they need to hunt for food. Aestivation on the other hand occurs when conditions are too dry for snakes to be active. In this case snakes will find a cool damp place to curl up and wait out the dry season.
While in hibernation snakes will lower their metabolism and body temperature in order to conserve energy. They will not eat or drink during this time and may even go for long periods without moving. This can be taxing on their bodies so it’s important that snakes have a large fat reserve built up before entering hibernation.
If you have a pet snake it’s important to provide them with a hiding spot and the opportunity to do a “cool down” period before hibernation. This can help them regulate their body temperature and prevent them from going into hibernation too early. If you’re not sure whether your snake is ready to hibernate it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian.
How long can snakes go without eating?
Up to a year.
How do snakes know when to hibernate?
Snakes can feel changes in the temperature and humidity which helps them know when to hibernate.
What do snakes eat before hibernation?
Snakes will eat a lot before hibernation to build up their fat stores.
How do snakes hibernate?
Snakes will find a warm safe place to hibernate.
They will often hibernate with other snakes.
What happens to snakes during hibernation?
Snakes will slow their heart rate and breathing.
They will not eat or drink during hibernation.
How long do snakes hibernate?
Snakes can hibernate for several months.
What do snakes do when they wake up from hibernation?
Snakes will bask in the sun to warm up their cold bodies.
What do snakes need to do before hibernation?
Snakes will shed their skin before hibernation.
What happens if a snake does not shed its skin before hibernation?
If a snake does not shed its skin before hibernation the old skin will constrict the snake as it grows during hibernation.
This can be fatal to the snake.
How can you tell if a snake is about to hibernate?
If a snake is about to hibernate it will be less active and may not eat for a while.
What is the difference between snakes and other animals that hibernate?
Snakes do not truly hibernate.
They enter a state called brumation which is similar to hibernation.
What is brumation?
Brumation is a state that snakes enter where they slow their heart rate and breathing.
They will not eat or drink during brumation.
How long can snakes stay in brumation?
Snakes can stay in brumation for several months.
What do snakes need before they can enter brumation?
Snakes need to shed their skin before they can enter brumation.
What happens if a snake does not shed its skin before entering brumation?
If a snake does not shed its skin before entering brumation the old skin will constrict the snake as it grows during brumation.
This can be fatal to the snake.
