If you’ve spent time herping in colder months, you may have noticed that your usual reptilian or amphibian sightings seem to disappear. Unlike mammals that hibernate, cold-blooded creatures enter a similar but distinct state of dormancy to survive extreme temperatures. This process is known as brumation in reptiles and amphibians, and while it shares some characteristics with hibernation, there are key differences in how these animals endure harsh weather conditions.

The Basics: Hibernation vs. Brumation
Hibernation is a term commonly associated with warm-blooded animals like bears, bats, and groundhogs. These mammals enter a prolonged, deep sleep during winter, drastically lowering their heart rate and metabolism to conserve energy. Since they can generate their own body heat, they rely on fat reserves to survive until spring.

Brumation, on the other hand, is unique to ectotherms, animals that rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. Rather than entering a true sleep state like hibernating mammals, herps in brumation experience periods of reduced activity, during which they slow their metabolism, limit movement, and occasionally wake up to hydrate. Unlike hibernators, brumating reptiles and amphibians don’t rely on fat stores alone; they still need to drink water to avoid dehydration.

How Herps Survive the Cold
Reptiles and amphibians have developed remarkable adaptations to endure extreme temperatures. Turtles, for example, can brumate underwater, absorbing oxygen through specialized areas in their skin or cloaca. Some species of frogs, like the wood frog, can survive being literally frozen, producing antifreeze-like compounds in their blood that prevent ice crystals from forming in their vital organs.

Snakes and lizards typically seek out burrows, deep rock crevices, or leaf litter to insulate themselves from the cold. Unlike mammals, they don’t maintain a consistent low body temperature throughout dormancy; instead, they take advantage of occasional warm spells, becoming temporarily active before returning to their brumation state when temperatures drop again.

When and Where to Find Brumating Herps
For herpers hoping to encounter reptiles and amphibians in winter, timing and location are everything. While most species remain hidden during the coldest months, some, like garter snakes, may emerge on unusually warm days. If you’re on a herping tour in winter, check known hibernacula, communal sites where large groups of snakes brumate together, to see if any movement occurs on milder days. Amphibians, particularly those in more temperate regions, may also surface in damp conditions.

What This Means for Captive Reptiles
Brumation isn’t just a wild phenomenon; it’s something reptile keepers should be aware of when caring for their pets. Some species, like bearded dragons, naturally enter brumation even in captivity, slowing their appetite and activity levels. While it may seem concerning, this is a normal part of their life cycle, though proper monitoring and hydration are essential to ensure their health during dormancy.

Final Thoughts
Understanding the differences between hibernation and brumation helps us appreciate the incredible survival strategies of cold-blooded animals. Whether you’re herping in the wild or caring for a pet reptile, recognizing these seasonal behaviors can deepen your appreciation for the adaptability of herps. So next time the temperature drops, remember just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean they’re not there, waiting for the warmth to return.