People who fear snakes think they might get a reprieve from encountering the scaly creatures in winter because of the long-standing idea that snakes, like bears, go into hibernation in colder months.
Only, snakes do not hibernate. The notion that they do is simply a myth, says a local professor of biology.
Augusta tends to get a cold snap in early January, then the weather warms until a final cold snap in mid- to late-February, according to WFXG Fox 54 Meteorologist Steve Smith. So, people jogging at the Augusta Canal are used to seeing the occasional water snake or king snake cozy itself on the banks, soaking up sun on mild winter days.
Donna Wear, professor of biology at Augusta University, says that all reptiles, which in the CSRA include snakes as well as alligators, become active on sunny warm winter days.
“People are used to seeing lizards come out in the winter, and they are no different than snakes. When they have the opportunity to bask in the sun, they come out. It’s the way they regulate their body temperature,” Wear said.
A story that recently appeared in Newsweek included photos of alligators sticking their snouts out of the ice, seemingly frozen; however, Wear says the ‘gators are not entombed in ice, it is a natural part of brumation, which is the reptile version of hibernation.
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According to Wear, brumation in reptiles lowers the animal’s heart rate so that it can operate with less energy, which requires less heat, since reptiles cannot regulate their body temperature the way that mammals do.
The big difference is that before hibernating, a mammal such as a bear will consume as much food as it can. The fat builds up, allowing their bodies to stay comfortable as they snooze the winter away.
For a reptile, though, Wear says that consuming and digesting food requires energy, so reptiles avoid eating as the temperatures drop, and aside from insects, snakes will not generally feed until spring.
Richmond County Extension Agent Campbell Vaughn says that as soon as a snake detects the temperature rising, it goes in search of heat.
“On the cold days, they burrow and look for some place warm underground, but anytime the temperature gets above 70 degrees, they are looking for a nice rock or a brick surface,” Vaughn said.
According to Vaughn, it is best not to keep a garage door open during warm winter days, lest you find yourself with an unwanted house guest.
“On mild days, they are not searching for food, they just want warmth, and a garage or outdoor shed makes a great place for them to hide and stay warm,” Vaughn said.
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The CSRA is home to a variety of snakes and other reptile creatures, but almost all of them are native to the area, and they know what to do when the temperatures go south, Wear says.
However, some people in Florida have had to resort to carrying an umbrella on days where the temperature may drop suddenly, causing it to literally rain iguanas.
Iguanas are native to tropical areas and are considered an invasive species in North America. The animals tend to get confused when the temperature drops and head up into the trees where they then freeze and begin to drop down on passersby, instigating the need for an umbrella on a clear day.
“Yes, here in Augusta, you may see lizards running around and even some snakes come out, but at least we don’t have to deal with iguanas falling out of the trees,” Wear said.
Scott Hudson is the senior reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach him at scott@theaugustapress.com
