Many snake species spend significant portions of their lives underground. This subterranean existence is not random; it serves multiple purposes for these reptiles. Many snakes are not active diggers themselves but instead use pre-existing underground spaces.
Where Snakes Find Shelter Underground
Snakes utilize a diverse array of underground environments for shelter. Many species are opportunistic, taking advantage of structures already present in their habitat. These include abandoned burrows created by rodents, gophers, or other small mammals. They also find refuge in natural formations such as rock crevices, spaces under logs, and within dense leaf litter or root systems.
Some snakes may also use human-made structures, including stone walls, building foundations, and even basements or sheds, particularly during colder months. These spaces provide a secure, enclosed environment for protection. The size of the chosen space is important; snakes often prefer tight, compact holes for security.
Reasons for Subterranean Life
Snakes seek underground habitats for several biological and environmental advantages. A primary reason is thermoregulation, as the subterranean environment provides stable temperatures, shielding them from extreme heat or cold. As ectotherms, snakes depend on external sources to manage their body temperature, making underground spaces ideal for maintaining their physiological balance.
Underground spaces also offer significant protection from predators such as birds of prey, foxes, and larger mammals. By retreating into burrows or crevices, snakes can effectively hide from danger, especially when they are more vulnerable, such as after a large meal or during skin shedding. Many species also use these hidden locations as ambush points for hunting prey, which often includes small mammals and insects that also live underground.
During colder months, many snakes enter a state of dormancy known as brumation. They seek out underground hibernacula, protected shelters above freezing. These dens can be individual or communal, and are also used for egg-laying and birthing for offspring.
Snakes Known for Underground Habits
Several snake species are recognized for their underground or burrowing tendencies. Blind snakes, such as the Brahminy blind snake, spend almost their entire lives underground. They have a worm-like appearance, small eyes covered by scales, and pointed snouts, enabling them to navigate through soil and leaf litter. Their diet often consists of ants and termites in nests underground.
Earth snakes, like the rough earth snake, are also fossorial and have pointed snouts for digging through loose soil and debris. These small snakes are frequently found under rocks, logs, and in leaf litter, where they hunt for earthworms and other invertebrates. Hognose snakes are well-known for their upturned, shovel-like snouts, which they use to burrow into loose soil and leaf litter. While they do not spend all their time underground, they utilize these shallow burrows for temperature regulation and shelter.
Certain species, such as garter snakes, while not typically creating their own burrows, frequently use existing underground structures for shelter and brumation. They opportunistically occupy abandoned animal burrows, natural soil cracks, or spaces under rocks and logs. Some sand boa species also exhibit burrowing behavior, with narrow heads and small eyes, allowing them to move through sand and ambush prey.