I think this subject has been talked to death over the years. Hibernation is a subject taken in mostly odd ways, which have nothing to do with snakes. its mostly about keepers, it allows for time off from their snakes.
What is needed is a choice of temps. Not many species actually hibernate, but instead move to temps where they use little energy and lose little water. The reasons are, there is no food available. Normally at this time of year, they group up in pairs or groups. This allows socialization to occur and mates are picked at this time. At least this is what the successful ones do. Of course how they do this varies a whole lot. by both species and local. Consider, 90% of all the snakes, numbers and species, do not occur in areas where hibernation is required. Required means to survive.
That said, hogs do not require hibernation. But in practice, hogs are not one of the cold loving species. They are active at extremely hot temps, and the minute it gets cool(below 75F and no sun to heat the ground) they go down. They choose temps similar to speedy snakes like racers and coachwhips, but are not speedy. But they can move pretty darn fast. The latest I have observe a hognose surface active in nature was 12-31-12, when I found one that had just consumed a lizard, on my way to a new years party. So far, that appears to be an exception.

[ Reply To This Message ] [ Subscribe to this Thread ] [ Show Entire Thread ]