Eastern Snakes Forum: Re: snake hibernation

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Re: snake hibernation

Posted by Alex, forum owner on January 25, 2010, 12:32 am, in reply to "snake hibernation"

Yes, it is usually underground, often in a cave or rock crevice, but in the deep South, it can be in the middle of a rotted out stump, somewhere below the frost line.
Most times they don't get flooded due to soil drainage, at least in this area. Often, they den up in old groundhog, chipmunk, field mouse or other burrow, always below the frost line. In some small cave systems, it is possible to see several species, some of which are natural enemies, both predator and prey, all sleeping peacefully, or so I have heard.
I think the snakes instinctively pick a hibernaculum that is unlikely to flood, as I have never heard of that happening. If it did, the snakes would likely drown...

--Previous Message--
: If snakes hibernate in a den is it
: usually underground? and what do they
: do if the den gets flooded?
: Thank you
:

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snake hibernation - Lou January 23, 2010, 3:58 pm

Re: snake hibernation - Alex, forum owner January 25, 2010, 12:32 am

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[quote] Yes, it is usually underground, often in a cave or rock crevice, but in the deep South, it can be in the middle of a rotted out stump, somewhere below the frost line. Most times they don't get flooded due to soil drainage, at least in this area. Often, they den up in old groundhog, chipmunk, field mouse or other burrow, always below the frost line. In some small cave systems, it is possible to see several species, some of which are natural enemies, both predator and prey, all sleeping peacefully, or so I have heard. I think the snakes instinctively pick a hibernaculum that is unlikely to flood, as I have never heard of that happening. If it did, the snakes would likely drown... --Previous Message-- : If snakes hibernate in a den is it : usually underground? and what do they : do if the den gets flooded? : Thank you : [/quote]

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