When we think of animals in the winter, hibernation often comes to mind. Many creatures, like bears, sleep through the cold months, conserving energy until spring arrives. However, snakes have a different way of dealing with the cold. Instead of hibernating, they enter a state called brumation. Similar, to hibernate, but not quite the same.
Understanding this behaviour is crucial for snake owners and enthusiasts. Knowing how snakes cope with winter can help them to stay healthy and safe during the colder months. Let’s dive into what brumation is and why it matters.
What is Hibernation?
Hibernation is a natural process where animals go into deep sleep, during the winter to survive the cold. During this time, their body temperature drops. And, the process of breathing and heart rate to save energy also decrease. This helps them get through the harsh winter months when food is scarce and the weather is too cold for snakes to stay active.
Hibernation is just one-way animals cope with winter. There are other forms of dormancy, like brumation in snakes, which are similar but have some key differences. While hibernation is a deep sleep, other types of dormancy might involve fewer extreme changes, but they all serve the same purpose—helping animals survive when conditions are tough.
Do Snakes Hibernate?
As we mentioned above, snakes don’t hibernate; instead, they go through a process called brumation. Brumation is similar to hibernation, but there are some differences. Let’s discuss it and clear up your confusion.
Differences Between Brumation & Hibernation
| Brumation | Hibernation |
| In the process of Brumation, Snakes slow down significantly but may still move around occasionally on warmer days. | In the process of Hibernation, animals enter a deep sleep and remain completely inactive throughout the winter. |
| During Brumation, Metabolism also slows down, but not as much as in hibernation; snakes use minimal energy while remaining semi-alert. | During Hibernation, metabolism drops to very low levels, conserving energy while the animal sleeps. |
| Snakes may stop eating or eat very little, depending on the temperature and their energy needs. | Animals typically do not eat at all during this phase. |
| Allows snakes to conserve energy and survive the cold, but without completely shutting down. | This process helps animals survive extreme cold by entering a state of deep, energy-saving sleep. |
The Process of Brumation
Brumation is a period of reduced activity for snakes during cold weather. Before brumation starts, snakes look for safe and suitable places to spend the cold months. They might find spots like burrows, under rocks, or in hollow logs. As they prepare for brumation, snakes gradually slow down their activities. They eat less and become less active, getting ready to conserve energy during the winter.
During brumation, snakes slow down their bodily functions to conserve energy until temperatures rise again. As temperatures drop, snakes enter the brumation. When temperatures rise again, they start to become more active. Shorter days can also signal to snakes that it’s time to enter brumation.
What Happens to a Snake’s Body During Brumation?
During the process of brumation, a snake’s body temperature drops and matches the surrounding environment. Their metabolism slows down, which means they need less food and energy. They become much less active and might not move around often. And, their digestive system slows down or stops working, so they eat very little or not at all.
How Long Does Brumation Last?
Brumation usually happens during the coldest months of winter. Their time depends on weather conditions and the place where the snake lives.
Differences Between Brumation in Wild VS Captive Snakes
- Wild Snakes: In the wild, brumation is influenced by natural temperature changes and daylight cycles. They may find natural shelters like burrows or under logs to stay safe and insulated.
- Captive Snakes: In captivity, brumation can be controlled by adjusting the temperature and light in their habitat. This helps mimic natural conditions but can be managed more easily to ensure their health and safety.
Where do snakes brumate?
- Burrows: Snakes like Rattlesnakes, Gopher Snakes, Hognose Snakes, and Kingsnakes choose burrows for brumation because these underground spaces stay warmer and protect them from extreme cold.
- Tree Roots: Snakes like Garter snake, Smooth green snake and Common Adders find comfort in the roots of trees. These spots offer insulation and protection from freezing temperatures.
- Man-Made Structures: In areas with human activity, snakes might use man-made structures like old buildings or pipes. These can provide a safe place to stay warm and sheltered during brumation. Corn snakes and Rat snakes use man-made structures to brumate.
How Different Types of Snakes Handle Winter?
North American Snakes:
- Garter Snakes: Garter snakes often brumate in large groups. They gather in dens, which are special places where they can stay safe and warm together.
- Rattlesnakes: Rattlesnakes brumate in rock crevices or burrows. These locations provide protection and keep them insulated from the cold. The burrows or crevices offer a stable environment where they can stay dormant until they warm up.
- Corn Snakes: Corn snakes are adapted to handle colder temperatures better than some other snakes. They may slow down their activity and eat less in winter. In captivity, it’s important to manage their environment carefully to prevent them from getting too cold. Keeping their habitat at a suitable temperature helps them stay healthy.
European Snakes:
- Common Adder: Common adders brumate together in communal hibernacula, which are natural sites where multiple snakes can stay warm and safe through winter. These are often located in secluded, protected areas where temperatures stay stable.
- Grass Snakes: Grass snakes prefer damp and protected areas for brumation. They might seek out places like old compost heaps or under logs where they can stay moist and insulated. These areas help them stay warm enough to survive the winter months.
Tropical Snakes:
- Pythons and Boas: Tropical snakes like pythons and boas don’t brumate because their natural habitats are warm year-round. If they encounter cooler environments, they might reduce their activity but don’t go through brumation.
- Sidewinders and Other Desert Species: Desert snakes handle temperature changes by finding shelters that protect them from extreme heat and cold. They might brumate in sheltered areas like under rocks or in burrows, adapting to the fluctuating temperatures of their desert environments.
How Snake Owners Should Handle Brumation?
Tips for Snake Owners with Pets that Might Brumate:
- Know Your Snake’s Needs: Different species of snakes have different needs. Research if your snake naturally brumates and how it affects them.
- Prepare Their Environment: Make sure their habitat is set up to support their needs during brumation. This includes having a suitable temperature range and a safe hiding spot.
Should You Let Your Pet Snake Brumate?
- Consider the Species: Some pet snakes like ball pythons, corn snakes, milk snakes, kingsnakes and Rosy Boas especially those from warmer climates, don’t need to brumate. If your snake comes from a colder climate, it might benefit from brumation.
- Consult a Vet: It’s a good idea to talk to a vet who specializes in reptiles to understand what’s best for your snake.
How to Safely Manage Brumation in Captivity:
- Temperature Control: Adjust the temperature in your snake’s habitat to match the conditions they need for brumation. Avoid extreme cold or heat.
- Monitor Health: Regularly check on your snake’s health. Look for signs of illness or distress and consult a vet if needed.
- Provide a Safe Space: Ensure there’s a proper hiding spot where your snake can feel secure and insulated during brumation.
Conclusion
Understanding brumation is important for both conservation efforts and caring for pet snakes. For conservation, knowing how wild snakes manage winter helps protect their natural habitats and ensure their survival. For pet owners, it means providing the right environment and care during the brumation period to keep their snakes healthy and safe.
Overall, this knowledge benefits snake owners and enthusiasts by helping them better understand and support these fascinating creatures, ensuring they thrive throughout the year.
