22/06/2026
Did you know, Snakes are active all year round?
Have you ever wondered where our local reptiles go during winter?
Unlike us, reptiles cannot self-regulate their core body temperature and thus rely on the external environment to do so. So, because reptiles cannot keep themselves warm during our cold winter, they are forced into a torpor like state known as BRUMATION.
In this state, the animal will find refuge in a dry microclimate, underneath or within deep burrows, fallen timber, large rocks, concrete slabs, debris, deep substrates (such as leaf litter) and other miscellaneous materials around the home. They could be anywhere that meets the requirements of being well protected from the elements and predators, and being warm enough not to freeze to death whilst also allowing their body to cool to levels that slow their metabolism to a halt.
So, what’s the difference between a reptile brumating and an animal hibernating?
Leading into hibernation or brumation, both mammals and reptiles will build up fat stores prior to the shut down period. Another similarity is that they both decrease their heart rate, body temperature and metabolism in order to conserve energy. But there are a few key differences!
When one of our local reptiles goes into brumation, all of their bodily functions slow down and may come to an almost complete stop. Unlike mammals however, in addition to the fat stored, reptiles also build up Glycogen (sugar) reserves. This sugar stored in their muscles is what they predominantly use during winter as a source of energy, not their fat reserves like mammals. This sugar allows them to tolerate environments with low oxygen, which is why they can bury themselves in soil for extended periods. If a reptile picks the perfect spot, then their slowed metabolism and ability to utilise the stored Glycogen should mean they chew through very little to none of their fat reserves.
An animal that goes through true hibernation goes to sleep for the duration of their dormancy and will NOT be active again until the start of spring when food becomes available and the environment returns to good times.
Reptiles however, will emerge from their refuge if there is a nice sunny day in the middle of winter. They will wake up, bask and possibly even go for a wander and look for a drink of fresh water to keep hydrated before returning back to a perfect shelter site to go back to sleep as the temperature drops off again.
At no point during this process does a reptile eat food. If one was so foolish to do so, then they could end up incredibly sick or even die as the food will not be able to digest in the stomach under cool conditions, and it would rot inside them.
If you happen to encounter a reptile during winter, admire it from a distance but make sure not to disturb them.
If you do encounter a snake 🐍 on your property, don’t panic! Make sure to remove your pets out of the area to ensure they are safe. Make sure children are removed from the area, and most importantly, make sure that you are safe.
All snake’s that live in our local area are dangerously venomous and should not be interacted with. Leave that to us. We are your trusted team of professional snake catchers, available 24/7. With more than 15 years of experience in safely handling and relocating snakes, we ensure prompt and reliable service for residential, commercial, and rural properties.
Our team of expert snake catchers will respond quickly to emergencies, helping to keep your family, pets, and property safe. We pride ourselves on our commitment to safety, education, and humane treatment of wildlife. Contact us anytime for fast, efficient, and professional snake removal or Wildlife Rescue.
We hope that by increasing your understanding and awareness of our beautiful wildlife, you will feel empowered to manage wildlife situations confidently and in an informed, safe and appropriate manner. For support at any time, please call 📲 0413277588, or
1300REPTILE (1300737845).
Please also remember that it is not only ILLEGAL, but also extremely DANGEROUS to interact and interfere with any wildlife unless you are trained and licensed to do so. Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, and must not be killed.
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