Snakes are fascinating creatures that have unique sleeping habits compared to humans and other animals. As ectotherms, snakes rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. This means their sleep patterns and sleeping locations are driven by thermoregulation needs. Snakes do not have fixed sleeping locations or schedules like humans do. Instead, they will sleep in locations and during times of day that allow them to maintain their optimal body temperature. Some key questions about snake sleeping habits include:
- Where do different types of snakes prefer to sleep?
- Do snakes sleep at night or during the day?
- How do snakes position themselves when sleeping?
- Do snakes hibernate or brumate during colder months?
The answers to these questions depend on the snake species and their natural habitat. Snake sleeping habits are adapted to allow each species to thermoregulate effectively in their native environment.
Preferred snake sleeping locations
Snakes sleep in locations that support thermoregulation. The specific sleeping sites snakes use depend on whether the species is terrestrial, arboreal, fossorial, or aquatic.
Terrestrial snakes
Terrestrial snake species like garter snakes and rattlesnakes sleep in underground burrows, crevices between rocks, holes, and burrows made by other animals. These sites allow snakes to get out of the external elements and maintain more stable body temperatures underground. Specific sleeping sites used by terrestrial snakes include:
- Under flat rocks – these create cool, humid spaces for snakes to sleep during hot days.
- Inside fallen logs or stumps – the insulating wood helps regulate temperature.
- Old animal burrows – snakes take over abandoned burrows from mice, voles, prairie dogs, and other burrowing mammals.
- Cracks and crevices in rocks – these shaded spaces protect snakes from predators and weather.
- Self-dug burrow holes – some snakes dig their own sleeping burrows in dirt or sand.
Arboreal snakes
Arboreal snake species like green tree pythons and emerald tree boas sleep in trees. Their preferred sleeping sites include:
- Tree branches and forks – snakes wedge themselves into spaces between branching limbs.
- Knotholes – snakes curl up inside holes in tree trunks.
- Canopy foliage – snakes sleep atop bunches of leaves or epiphytes like bromeliads.
Sleeping on branches allows arboreal snakes to bask in sunlight to warm up while remaining hidden and secure from predators. The height in trees also keeps them safe from many ground predators.
Fossorial snakes
Fossorial or burrowing snakes like blind snakes and shield-nosed snakes sleep underground. They spend their lives burrowing through soft soil and leaf litter and sleep coiled up in their own burrow tunnels. The earth insulation helps them conserve body heat at stable temperatures.
Aquatic snakes
Aquatic species of snakes like water moccasins and anacondas sleep while floating in shallow water or submerged underwater. The water supports thermoregulation and protects them from land predators. Some specific sleeping sites for aquatic snakes include:
- Shallow freshwater ponds and marshes
- Along muddy riverbanks
- Partially submerged in swamps and mangroves
Diurnal vs. nocturnal snake sleeping habits
Whether a snake is diurnal (active by day) or nocturnal (active by night) affects when they sleep:
Diurnal snakes
Diurnal snakes like coachwhips, whipsnakes, and racers are active during the day and sleep more at night. Their daytime habits allow them to bask in the sun to reach their optimal body temperature for activity. At night when it gets colder, these snakes seek shelter in burrows, crevices, and other hiding spots to sleep and conserve heat.
Nocturnal snakes
Nocturnal snakes like vipers, rattlesnakes, and boas are more active at night when it is cooler outside. This means they sleep more during the day. Sheltered sleeping spots like caves, burrows, and thick vegetation allow nocturnal snakes to sleep during the day without getting overheated by the sun. Their dark sleeping spots also keep them well-camouflaged from predators.
Crepuscular snakes
Crepuscular snakes are active during twilight hours at dawn and dusk. This includes many colubrid species like garter snakes, vine snakes, and brown snakes. Their sleeping habits are variable. They may sleep during both the day and night, or have longer sleep periods that span daylight hours and shorter sleeps between dusk and dawn when active. The varied light levels and temperatures of twilight suit their thermoregulation needs.
How snakes position themselves when sleeping
Snakes use their elongated, flexible bodies to their advantage when sleeping. Their posture while sleeping depends on the location and conditions:
Exposed sleeping positions
When sleeping in exposed areas like tree branches, floating in water, or basking on rocks, snakes positioning themselves to maximize heat absorption from the sun:
- Loosely coiled or stretched out flat to expose the belly
- Draped on a slope with the belly tilted towards the sun
- Perched on top of vegetation to soak up sunlight
Basking in the open allows snakes to warm up to their preferred body temperature.
Restful sleeping positions
For deeper sleep, snakes seek more protected spots where they can coil snugly without risk of exposure:
- Tightly coiled postures conserve heat overnight when cooler
- Wedged horizontally into narrow crevices
- Curled up inside tree holes or underground burrows
These tucked away postures provide security and insulation for longer rest.
Aquatic snake sleeping positions
Aquatic snakes have unique sleeping postures adapted for an underwater environment:
- Floating on the surface with their heads resting on their coils
- Submerged underwater ball-shaped coils wedged into mud or vegetation
- Looped into tangled mangrove roots near the shoreline
The water helps support their body while sleeping so they can relax completely.
Snake brumation and hibernation in winter
In cold climates, snakes use brumation and hibernation behaviors to survive harsh winters:
Brumation
Brumation is like reptile hibernation. When the weather turns cold, snakes seek underground hibernacula sites like rock crevices, burrows, and caves. They become dormant and lethargic, but their body temperature remains somewhat above the surrounding environment. Having a warmer body temperature allows them to emerge periodically on warmer winter days to bask and drink before returning to brumation.
True hibernation
Some snakes like garter snakes and rattlesnakes exhibit true hibernation in winter. Their metabolism strongly depresses and body temperature drops to match the ambient temperature of their underground hibernaculum. They become completely inactive for months until spring warm-up triggers their emergence.
Migration
Migratory snakes like gopher snakes move to warmer areas during the colder months instead of brumating. They travel up to dozens or hundreds of miles between summer and winter sites to stay active year-round.
Summary of key snake sleeping habits
To summarize the main points about snake sleeping habits:
- Snakes sleep in locations that support thermoregulation like underground burrows, crevices, tree hollows, and bodies of water.
- Diurnal snakes are active during the day and sleep more at night while nocturnal snakes do the opposite.
- Snakes coil, wedge, and position themselves to balance temperature regulation and security based on location.
- In winter, snakes in cold climates use brumation and hibernation behaviors to conserve energy underground.
The diversity of microhabitats used by different snake species means their sleeping habits vary widely. But in all cases, the need to thermoregulate drives how and where snakes choose to sleep. Understanding their sleeping behaviors provides fascinating insight into snakes’ adaptations for survival in their native environments.
References
- RSPB. “Where do snakes live and sleep?” https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/other-garden-wildlife/amphibians-and-reptiles/snakes/snake-habitats/
- Florida Museum. “Form and function: snake habitat.” https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/florida-snake-id/snake-ecology/snake-habitat/
- NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. “Where do snakes live and what do they eat?” https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/reptiles/where-do-snakes-live-and-what-do-they-eat
- Queensland Museum. “Snake facts and habitat information.” https://www.qm.qld.gov.au/Find+out+about/Animals+of+Queensland/Reptiles/Snakes/Common+and+dangerous+species/Snake+habitats
- Penn State University. “Hibernation in reptiles.” https://www.psu.edu/dept/nkbiology/naturetrail/speciespages/easterngartersnake/easterngartersnakehibernation.html
Snake Sleeping Position Table
| Snake Type | Example Species | Sleeping Position |
|---|---|---|
| Terrestrial | Garter snakes | Inside fallen logs and stumps |
| Arboreal | Green tree python | Coiled on tree branches |
| Fossorial | Shield-nosed snake | Curled up in underground burrows |
| Aquatic | Cottonmouth | Floating with head resting on coils |
Key Takeaways
- Terrestrial snakes sleep in underground burrows, crevices, and fallen logs.
- Arboreal snakes sleep coiled on tree branches or inside knots and holes.
- Fossorial snakes sleep curled up inside self-dug underground burrows.
- Aquatic snakes float on the surface or wedge into underwater vegetation.
Different snake species use sleeping positions adapted to their habitat and lifestyle. But all snake sleeping habits serve the vital function of thermoregulation.