Yet, due to the high concentration of glucose in their internal organs, which serves as a sort of antifreeze and also provides essential nourishment during this physiological phenomenon, they slowly thaw and “spring” to life once the sun peeks through the trees and temperatures rise above freezing. To the naked eye, these frogs appear completely frozen. Their bodies virtually freeze solid and their hearts stop beating. In particular, Spring Peepers ( Hyla crucifer) and Wood Frogs ( Rana sylvatica) are not as efficient as some of their relatives at burrowing deep below the frost line, so they often succumb to the freezing temperatures. There are, however, a few species of terrestrial frog that perform some pretty amazing physical feats in order to survive the harsh winter months. They, too, slow their metabolism to conserve energy, which is the key to survival. Turtles and toads hibernate in a manner similar to that of snakes - by digging their way down beneath the leaf litter, under logs, or by making dens and burrows. Other terrestrial reptiles, such as turtles, frogs, and toads, are also remarkably adaptable in dealing with the winter’s challenges. If appropriate shelter is not found before the temperatures drop, the snake will likely not survive. If a snake is unable to return to its den, it will try to find an alternative such as a hollow log, abandoned rodent tunnel, or even a large pile of dry leaves. The snakes’ metabolism will slow to the point that they do not require nourishment while brumating, so unless there is an unusually warm weather spell that lures them out for a sunbath on a hot driveway, they will remain in this hibernaculum the entire winter. Whether multiple species or many of the same, this process can be essential to the snakes’ survival. This larger group of individuals produces more energy and, when the snakes are closely intertwined, creates an opportunity to maximize heat retention. Several species, such as the Eastern (or Black) Ratsnake ( Pantherophis alleghaniensis), Eastern Copperhead ( Agkistrodon contortrix), and Timber Rattlesnake ( Crotalus horridus), among others, are known to frequently share the same hibernaculum during brumation. There may be many snakes - often as many as a hundred or more - in one den. Snakes will attempt to return to the same den or cave used in previous years for their brumation. Snakes basically find a place to hunker down and wait out the storm in order to escape frigid temperatures. Instead, they conserve energy through a process called brumation, a slowing of their metabolism and the preservation of energy by limiting their movement. Contrary to popular belief, snakes do not actually hibernate during the cold winter months. Snakes are at great risk when the temperature falls below freezing. In addition, they are subject to starvation, as much of their food supply is limited, and often for the very same reason - their food sources need to hibernate or die back in order to survive as well. Aquatic species must navigate frigid waters, which often solidify and limit the availability of oxygen. Terrestrial species are subject to frequent sub-freezing temperatures, wind chill, and precipitation. Ectotherms often must make great sacrifices to create the necessary conditions for survival. They stop breathing, their hearts stop, and they appear dead - until spring, when their bodies thaw and they begin feeding and mating again.

Wood Frogs weather winter’s cold by freezing.

Do snakes hibernate in winter