Will Snakes Hibernate

There are two types of Columbus snakes; the one that will hibernate and those that will not. Hibernation is a state when the snake’s breathing, heartbeat, and body temperature will be greatly reduced that will help them conserve their energy. Most snakes will go to hibernation mode once the temperature drops. There are also some Columbus snakes that will be less active. This behavior is known as brumation that is an act to slow down the metabolism of the animal.



Snakes That Will Hibernate
The Georgia snakes that will hibernate during the winter months will not be picky with their companions. They may share the burrow with other animals and species of snakes. It is not rare to discover different snakes in the same hibernation den. For instance, when the snakes in the South Dakota hibernate, it will not be uncommon to discover a hibernaculum, with garter snake, rattlesnake, and bull snakes.

Brumation
Some snakes will appear like they are hibernating. However, they are actually awake but due to brumation, they will appear very lethargic. When the fall season arrives, the snakes will start to move in the den that they used in the previous year. Should the cold weather will catch them while they are on the move, their rate of survival will be extremely low. It is not uncommon to encounter more than 100 snakes in a single den. Just like the different cold-blooded animals, the snake will have to spend the winter months by being dormant or inactive. This is because they have no option in staying warm. The snakes will be escaping in various areas that will save them from the unforgiving cold such as the cave, tree cavities, or holes in our house.

Building Body Fat
Before they go to a state of hibernation, the snake will need to build up their body fat that will help them increase their chance of survival. Sadly, not all snakes will be able to survive. In the case that the snake consume enough food and digested those properly before the cold season arrive, then they will most probably be fine. However, in case the food remains in their intestine, the food can rot that will eventually kill them. Vipers may also enter a state of torpor. They will do this in response to extreme changes in the weather.

Once the warm days arrive, the snake will come out of their hibernaculum. During this time, it will not be impossible for the humans to encounter the snakes while they are basking in the sun. When the hiker startled them, they will be ready to attack. The rattlesnake will end their hibernation on the month of March to April.

Snakes that live near the equator will be active all through the year. The snake will need a temperature that is around 60-degrees Fahrenheit in order to remain active. On cooler region, they will go through hibernation since the snake will require a huge amount of energy to stay warm. Because there will be a scarcity on food during this time, it will be better for them to enter a hibernation mode.

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