Snakes tend to head for shelter when heavy rains hit their habitats. While some snakes may hunker down in their usual hideouts, extreme precipitation can drive them to seek drier ground and more substantial protection. Their behavior depends on the species and local environment, but snakes primarily want to stay dry and regulate their body temperature during storms.
Do snakes drown in heavy rain?
Most snakes can swim and will not drown in rainwater alone. However, flooding that causes rivers and lakes to overflow can threaten a snake if there is no escape to higher land. Smaller, weaker swimmers like rattlesnakes are more at risk of drowning than adept swimmers like water snakes. Still, all snakes will become exhausted if forced to tread water for too long while waiting out a major flood. Their best bet is to find a dry perch above the waterline.
Where do snakes hide in the rain?
Snakes seek shelter in burrows, rock crevices, hollow logs, caves, and other natural hideouts when it rains:
Underground burrows
Many snakes live in abandoned burrows built by mammals like gophers, prairie dogs, and chipmunks. The tunnels provide protection from rain, cold, heat, and predators. Snakes will quickly retreat below ground when storms hit. Even heavy rainfall is unlikely to flood a snake’s deep burrow.
Rock crevices
Rocky areas with boulders, ledges, and outcroppings contain lots of nooks for a snake to curl up inside. These crevices stay dry and also help snakes regulate their body temperature.
Hollow logs
Rotting, hollow tree trunks are prime real estate for shelter-seeking snakes. The cavity provides insulation, and elevated logs will not flood.
Caves
Where available, caves make ideal refuge from the elements. Their depth keeps humidity and temperatures stable. Some species even make permanent homes in caves.
Leaf litter
In forests and jungles, snakes will burrow into piles of fallen leaves. The layers provide excellent insulation and concealment.
Other natural hideouts
Snakes might also take cover under rocks, in thick vegetation like brambles, or in other sheltered spots. Any place that is high, dry, and obstruction-free works. They want to be able to get in and out easily.
Do snakes seek shelter in manmade structures?
Snakes may end up hiding in barns, debris piles, basements, crawl spaces, and abandoned vehicles when suitable natural sites are scarce. However, they prefer their wild habitats and will primarily rely on burrows, caves, and other secluded outdoor nooks for protection from storms. Snakes that do take cover in buildings are usually just passing through while traveling and got caught in a downpour.
Barns and sheds
Rural snakes can find refuge from rain in barns, sheds, silos, and similar outbuildings. They will hide among the straw, tools, and unused furniture until storms pass.
Basements
Basement window wells, cinderblock openings, and crawl spaces may provide snakes unintended shelter when the rain is heavy. They will leave as soon as the sun comes out.
Debris piles
Piles of wood, compost, trash, and other debris mimic a snake’s natural habitat enough to seem inviting when rain drives them into the open. Tight spaces within the heap offer cover.
Abandoned vehicles
Old sheds, buses, cars, and the like are convenient shelters from the rain. Their small entrances allow snakes to retreat inside and stay relatively dry.
How do snakes behave in heavy rain?
Snakes exhibit the following behaviors when heavy rains hit:
– Seek shelter in the nearest suitable hideout
– Remain inactive and coiled up until rain stops
– Rely on camouflage rather than fleeing if caught in open
– Immerse nearly their entire body in water or mud if no dry shelter available
– Flattened posture against ground to avoid getting swept away in floods
– Vibrate tail to stabilize themselves in high winds and heavy rain
– Open mouth to breathe if head is submerged in water
– Migrate to higher ground if flooding occurs
– Become more defensive due to stress
– More likely to bite if stepped on while hiding in a shelter
Why do snakes become defensive in heavy rain?
Bad weather puts snakes on edge. The noise, sudden temperature drop, and flooding are extremely stressful. Hunkering down in a shelter restricts their ability to see, hear, and flee threats. So snakes become more likely to bite defensively if approached or handled when seeking refuge from rain.
Do snakes ever drown in flooded burrows?
It is possible but uncommon for heavy rains to flood a snake’s underground burrow enough to drown them. Most burrowing species dig far below the water table and have multiple escape routes. But freak localized flooding could trap a snake. Young, old, or sick individuals are most vulnerable. Healthy adult snakes can likely dig to the surface or swim out through another opening if rising water fills their burrow.
| Snake Species | Drowning Risk in Flooded Burrow |
|---|---|
| Rattlesnakes | Low – typically found on slopes and ridges |
| Garter snakes | Low – often near water anyway |
| Rat snakes | Moderate – burrow in floodplains |
| Hognose snakes | High – weak swimmers |
Prevention
Snakes can reduce their risk of drowning by:
– Digging burrows above flood level
– Having multiple access points
– Moving to higher ground when flooding is imminent
– Swimming to the surface or escaping out another opening
Do snakes ever get swept away in floods?
Snakes can get swept away by rushing floodwaters if caught exposed without shelter. Smaller, weaker swimmers are most prone to getting swept away. Snakes will try to stabilize themselves against the ground or debris. But fast moving water can overwhelm them. Swept away snakes face injury, starvation, displacement, and greater risk of predation. A flash flood early in the season can wipe out whole local populations.
Risk factors
Snakes are more likely to get swept away if:
– They are small or weak swimmers
– No escape to high ground available
– Flood hits suddenly before finding shelter
– Hiding spot gets dislodged or destroyed in the flood
Prevention
Snakes can reduce drowning risk during floods by:
– Staying alert to rising water levels
– Moving proactively to higher elevations
– Anchoring themselves to sturdy objects
– Swimming across flow to reach shore
– Allowing flood to carry them to safety
Do all snakes react the same to heavy rain?
No, snakes’ responses depend on the species and local habitat:
Rattlesnakes
Rattlesnakes hate getting wet. They will quickly seek cover in burrows, crevices, rock piles, or brush during rain. Cooler weather in rain triggers brumation. So they become largely inactive while sheltered.
Garter snakes
As semi-aquatic snakes, garter snakes don’t fear rain. But they still avoid flooding by moving to higher land. They are excellent swimmers and can wait out rain showers in the water.
Corn snakes
Corn snakes dislike rain and will hide in any tight space – boards, trash, pipes, logs, buildings. They may cluster together communally while sheltered.
Water snakes
Water snakes thrive in rain since they inhabit swamps and marshes. Heavy rain and flooding help them hunt by driving prey from cover. They readily swim and climb through flooded areas.
Tree snakes
Arboreal snakes like pythons and boas will descend from the treetops and conceal themselves in hollow logs, burrows, and vegetation at ground level to stay dry during rain.
Do snakes ever die from exposure to heavy rain?
Healthy snakes are well equipped to survive rain exposure – their scales retain moisture and insulate their internal body temperature. But extremely cold, prolonged rains can threaten snakes not able to find adequate shelter. Hypothermia is more likely for:
– Small, thin snakes with little fat reserve
– No escape from chilling rains
– Forced immobility if flooded
Persistent precipitation can also lead to fatal fungal or respiratory infections. Seeking good shelter is key to a snake’s survival in heavy rain.
Protecting snakes from rain
To protect pet or wild snakes from rain, provide:
– A warm, dry hiding spot
– Extra bedding and insulation
– Supplemental heat source
– Temporary indoor housing
Monitor for signs of respiratory infection or lethargy after rain exposure. Consult a vet if concerned.
Conclusion
In summary, snakes employ a range of strategies to cope with heavy rain, from seeking natural or manmade shelters to altering behavior. While capable swimmers, they could drown or get displaced by severe flooding if caught in the open. Snakes prefer to remain safe and dry in a sheltered hideout until normal weather resumes. Providing supplemental refuge can help vulnerable snakes survive prolonged storms and chilling rains.