When most people think of reptiles and amphibians, they picture a lizard basking on a rock, a snake stretched across a trail, or a frog sitting near a pond. But in the world of herping, some of the most fascinating discoveries happen beneath the surface. A surprising number of reptiles and amphibians spend their lives underground, relying on burrows for survival. Whether they dig their own tunnels or move into abandoned ones, these “burrow dwellers” have developed remarkable adaptations to life beneath the soil.

Why Go Underground?

Living underground offers a host of benefits. Burrows protect animals from extreme temperatures, whether that’s the scorching heat of summer or the bitter cold of winter. They also provide safety from predators and a moist microhabitat for species that risk drying out. For creatures in deserts, swamps, and grasslands alike, the underground world can mean the difference between life and death.

For herpers, knowing which species take to the dirt can change the entire approach to searching. It’s not always about scanning branches or flipping rocks; sometimes the action is happening underfoot.

Snake Burrowers

A wide variety of snakes make use of burrows. In North America, gopher snakes (Pituophis catenifer) are famous for occupying rodent tunnels. Not only do they take advantage of the shelter, but they also have a ready food supply, mice, gophers, and ground squirrels. In the Southeast, Eastern indigo snakes often share burrows with gopher tortoises, creating a unique ecological partnership.

Burrowing as a lifestyle is even more specialized in species like the sand boas of Africa and Asia. These snakes use their stout bodies to push through loose soil, ambushing prey by waiting with just their heads exposed. In Australia, blind snakes have gone even further, evolving into worm-sized, underground specialists that spend almost their entire lives tunneling through soil in search of ants and termites.

Amphibians Below the Surface

While many amphibians are associated with ponds and streams, a surprising number rely on burrows. Spadefoot toads are the champions here. Equipped with hardened, spade-like protrusions on their hind feet, they dig backward into the soil to escape dry conditions. They can remain dormant underground for months, emerging only after heavy rains trigger breeding frenzies.

Similarly, some salamanders, like the mole salamander, live most of their adult lives underground in rodent burrows or self-dug retreats. Even frogs like the African bullfrog will burrow deep into the earth and create a protective cocoon to survive harsh dry seasons.

Reptiles That Dig Their Own Homes

Not all burrow dwellers are tenants, some are master architects. The gopher tortoise of the southeastern U.S. digs massive burrows that can extend more than 30 feet long. These burrows don’t just serve the tortoise but provide homes for hundreds of other species, making the gopher tortoise a true “keystone” animal.

Lizards, too, are well-represented underground. Desert-dwelling species like the sandfish skink actually “swim” through loose sand, while tegus and monitor lizards excavate impressive burrows as daytime retreats.

Field Herping and Burrow Dwellers

For anyone passionate about field herping, burrow dwellers present a special challenge. Unlike basking lizards or chorus frogs that advertise their presence, burrow dwellers require patience, timing, and sometimes sheer luck. Heavy rains might bring spadefoots to the surface, while early morning hours might reveal snakes near burrow entrances waiting for prey. Ethical herping means respecting burrows, avoiding destruction, and remembering that for many species, these underground homes are their lifeline.

Why It Matters

Studying burrow-dwelling reptiles and amphibians gives us insight into how animals adapt to extreme environments. It also underscores how interconnected ecosystems are, one animal’s burrow can shelter dozens of other species. For herpers, knowing about these underground specialists deepens the adventure, reminding us that the surface is only part of the story.

So next time you’re out herping and the trail seems quiet, remember: the real action might be happening right beneath your boots.