Snakes are creatures that create a lot of fear among the people who see them at a glance. Similarly, seeing a snake hole is also a terrifying moment for us because we suddenly think that a snake might be in the hole or lurking nearby.
Snakes are among those reptiles that frequently dig holes. But snakes do this because they look for a warmer place during winter. Snakes use this place for hibernation purposes.
However, it is a theory that snakes dig holes in the soil. So if you want to know further about various aspects of holes dug by the snakes, please bear with us through the rest of the article.
Do Snakes Dig Holes?
Snakes do dig holes in the grounds, but not all of them. Some snakes dig holes because they have to spend a lot of time living underground, while some are mostly present above the earth’s surface. Some snakes are known as “digging masters”; these snakes are garter snakes and rat snakes.
In addition, rat snakes are well-known hunters who hide from their expected prey in the holes and attack it from there. Furthermore, some snake species are also known as occupiers; they usually do not dig holes alone. Instead, they occupy the holes of turtles and frogs by killing them.
Snakes can use the soil to make an underground tunnel if the soil is soft. While it is difficult for most snakes to dig through the soil if it is hard, in such cases, snakes usually take the holes built by other animals. Some snakes also take shelter under the hollow tree logs, rocks, and the pile of fallen leaves.
Snakes are looking for a permanent underground living solution. Thus the holes which the turtles dig provide them with the best accommodation. As the turtles built substantial holes, and they are also spacious. Snakes can easily reside in those holes, and their body touches the ceiling and other surfaces of the turtles’ hole.
What Snake Dig Holes? (4 Reasons Explained)
Below we are sharing a list of snakes that burrow;
| Snake Name | Dig Burrow (Yes/Not) | Where do they dig holes? |
| Black-Headed Python | YES | May dig holes in gravel or loose soil and also use burrows of others |
| Brahminy Blind Snakes | YES | Dig holes in soft sand and take cover in leaf litter |
| Bull Snakes | YES | They prefer loose soil, which is dandy to dig holes or use burrows of other animals. |
| Burrowing Asp | YES | Sharp fangs to dig burrows and also use others |
| Calabar Python | YES | Dig through loose rainforest soil and take shelter under the leaves |
| Copperheads | NO | They prefer to occupy other animals’ burrows |
| Glossy Snakes | YES | They are excellent hole diggers in loose sandy or loamy soils by their jaws. |
| Hognose Snakes | YES | They dig their burrows or takeover the abundant burrows of foxes |
| Loxocemus | YES | They have substantial shovel-shaped snouts, so they dig their holes in loose soil. |
| Louisiana Pine Snake | YES | They are known to dig tunnel burrows or take other mammalian |
| Middle American Burrowing Snake | YES | They dig burrows and spend a lot of time in underground tunnels |
| Old World Sand Boas | YES | They often take abandoned burrows and dig their own in soft sandy soil |
| Ring-Necked Snakes | NO | They spend most of their time beneath logs, leaf litter, debris, or rocks |
| Slender Blind Snakes | NO | They lack the strength to dig holes. Thus, holes of other animals often burrow in loose sand. |
| Simoselaps (Australian Coral Snake) | YES | They use their smooth and polished scales for burrowing in sand or soil |
| Thread Snakes | YES | Blind snakes live in burrows dug by them or occupy holes of ants and termites. |
| Uropeltidae/Shield-Tailed Snakes | YES | They build a network of burrows in soft soil after rain in the upper layer of soil. |
| Woma Python | NO | They do not dig their own. Instead, these snakes expand the burrows of others using their heads. |
Why do Snakes Dig Holes?
The snakes dig holes in the ground due to many reasons. Some snakes, like rat snakes, may spend most of their lives underground, only emerging for food and sunlight. Since snakes are afraid of humans, this tends to occur more frequently in jungles and forests than in populated areas.
Below we will mention why snakes dig holes or burrow in the ground, soft soil, or sand.
Protection
Snakes mainly dig deeper holes in the soil as they want to avoid predators. For instance, the snake named Hognose burrows to get protection from predators. In addition, snakes also have plenty of defense mechanisms. They hide under the trees and leaves, sometimes burrowing under the soil or sand.
Snakes are very good at hiding themselves from others out in the open. They usually blend themselves by burrowing holes of the same colors. So that they can get maximum protection from their potential enemies and the predators cannot discover them.
Laying Eggs
Snakes also use holes to save their eggs from predators. In addition, they cover their eggs with sand, grass, or leaves so that no chance remains of being seen by the enemies. In addition, snake holes also act as a safe place for snakes to give birth and lay their eggs in burrows.
The snakes in their younger age are vulnerable to many threats and potential predators, so holes provide them a good sanctuary where they can prosper until adulthood.
Prey trap
Some snakes are good ambushers and use holes to hide from their prey. The burrows are the best ways for the snakes to hide and wait for more extended periods for their prey by sitting in the same position.
Resting
If the snake has eaten to its full, he will not require any more time to go out hunting. As for now, it will sit in a safe and calm place and digest its meal. The snake can spend several weeks sitting in the same position in a burrow. A hole is the best place for a snake to rest because it gives it a sense of security, safety, and comfort until it is prepared to leave the hole once more.
How Does A Snake Hole Look? (With Picture)
The holes built by rodents and giant insects are the perfect nesting places for snakes. We can find these holes in the grass, under piles of tree logs, beneath the collection of leaves, and in the sand and dirt.
These snake holes look circular, but their diameter is not always the same. It depends on the snake’s size, so the hole’s diameter is adjusted accordingly.
However, you must consider many other factors while confirming the snake hole. But remember to wear protective suits and gloves to avoid being bitten by the snakes.
How To Identify A Snake’s Hole?
The next step is to ensure whether the snake is permanently residing or for the time being. There are numerous ways that we can identify the snake hole, and out of them, the easiest one is if we can see the snake emerging from the hole.
In addition, if you cannot see a snake coming out of its hole, it might be a snake that is busy hibernating or out. In such cases, you must look through and investigate the site to determine whether it is a snake hole.
When the snake resides in the whole, there are clear movement marks around it, and the soil is free from small pebbles and debris. If the hole was retained by mice or any other rodent and is now empty, then be careful. It might be the new home of a rattlesnake. So, taking care is essential in all this adventure.
Another way to identify the snake hole is to install a camera at the entrance of the hole so that you may track the snake’s movement. Furthermore, you can spray a snake repellent near the hole to force the snake to come out of his hideout. But spraying the snake repellent may trigger the snake to jump out abruptly, and it may harm you if you are not ready to tackle the situation.
Additionally, a snake entering or exiting a hole will leave a mark. It appears to be a flattened strip of sand or dirt with raised edges. These edges are raised because the snake pushes sand and dirt aside as it enters and exits the hole.
It is still possible to find signs of snake activity in areas where the substratum (such as gravel) isn’t ideal for leaving these specific types of imprints. When a snake is outside resting, it will “flatten out” a hole if there is grass or other vegetation. Imprints might also be visible, depending on the gravel’s makeup.
How Do Snakes Dig Holes?
The goal of snakes is to make a hole that is suitable to contain their body. Snakes do not have limbs, so they rely on their powerful muscles and heads when they want to dig in the soil. Therefore, snakes are unable to dig a properly structured hole. So have a look at how snakes dig holes.
At first, the snakes find a suitable spot by snouts before digging a hole. It is essential to locate the portion of soil which is soft. The snout of soil-digging snakes mostly resembles a shovel-like shape. Once the snout enters the soil, it moves right and leaves to excavate the soil. This action allows the snake to go deeper into the earth.
Gradually, the snake can merge its whole body into the soil. Thus it can dig a large hole suitable to accommodate the entire snake’s body.
Do Snakes Live In Holes?
Yes, snakes live in holes, and they do this for many reasons; some of the prime reasons are mentioned above. Snakes go to hibernation for the winter season as they are cold-blooded reptiles. They become active as the temperature rises and energetic and come out of their hideouts.
In addition, Snakes can be found in cities, deserts, forests, lakes, marshes, and mountains. It is possible for some snakes, like rat snakes, to spend the majority of their lives underground, only emerging to seek out food and sunlight. Since snakes are afraid of humans, this tends to occur more frequently in jungles and forests than in populated areas.
How To Get Rid Of The Snake Hole In Yard?
If you find a snake hole in the yard, try to leave it on its own. The snakes in our yards are not venomous. Thus they are not a threat to us. In addition, they are helping us in the elimination of many tiny pests such as rickets, certain types of worms, and cockroaches. In addition, they also love to eat rats and moles.
But if you feel that snakes are becoming a massive problem, there are ways to get rid of snake holes. Just cover them with solid dirt, use a snake repellent, and also, you can set the traps. You may seal off vacant snake holes by adding dirt or enclosing them in netting, wire, or burlap.
When deciding to fill or cover the hole, it is essential to avoid piling up materials because this will make it easy for snakes to nest there once more. Ensure that the filling or covering is level with the ground or as close to it as possible. Snakes will go elsewhere to lay their eggs and find food by closing the hole.
How To Prevent Snakes From Digging In Your Yard?
You can adopt some standard methods to eliminate the presence of snakes in your yards so that they will not dig anymore. Firstly, ensure the yard is clean and there is no debris, broken items, wooden logs, or piles of leaves. Snakes are looking for shelters in summer, so beware, do not allow them space to nurture.
The next thing is to ensure a minimum amount of pests in your yard. Pests are the best meals for a snake, which include tiny rodents like mice and chipmunks, springtime bird eggs, frogs, and chicken eggs. In the list of these pests, we cannot escape from frogs, but we must address the problem of mice.
How To Get Snakes Out Of A Hole?
If you want to suck the snake out of his hole, remain cautious and wait for it to come out. They hardly ever eat, so no food will make it come out. Simply waiting is your best option. If you like, place a snake trap close to the hole or hiding place and wait for the snake to emerge from it and fall into the trap.
Conclusion
Snakes dig holes in the ground, which is fascinating as snakes do not have any limbs. They rely on their strong noses to sense and dig the soil. Mainly, snakes burrow when they need to hibernate in the off-season.
Some snake species dig their holes, while some occupy the holes of many rodents like rats and turtles. Snakes can live in holes for longer times. These snake holes help them stay away from many predators and can also ambush the prey from a secure location.
Snake burrows are, in fact, the sanctuaries that allow them to sit in a peaceful and relaxing place.
