Do they come out at night?

Question

My fiancee and I recently had a disagreement about whether snakes come out at night or not. I live in upstate NY, (about 2 hrs north of city) and in a wooded area. There are plenty of snakes out and about during the day. However, I always thought, and believed that it was too cool at night for them to come out. He says that they do, we just don't see them because it's dark. Do they come out at night or not?

Answer 1

It depends on the area and the species, but simple answer... yes some do.

For example.... if a snake lives in the woods it is going to be most active during the day since that is when its prey is out and about. (though there are some species that come out at night in the woods). However if you are in a hot dry place snakes tend to be more active at night. Since it gets so hot during the day to do anything in such locations most small animals are nocturnal... thus the snakes are active at night to be able to hunt. Even then though there are snakes that are active during the day in hot locations as well.

Like I said, it really depends on the species. In upstate NY the majority are going to be out during the dawn, day and dusk. A few probably come out at night but not too many.

Answer 2

Snakes are a cold-blooded animal. Since you live in UpState NY (I too am an Upstate New-Yorker, I live about half hour north of Albany), and the weather here is not the same as African snakes would endure. Snakes will rely on the warmth of the sun to stay heated. I would say most snakes around here won't come out at night.

Answer 3

I live in the Catskills and love to catch snakes. The best time to find them is when the sun sets. Being cold blooded, they tend to avoid the heat of the mid-day, and do not like the coolness in the evening. However, I have caught many Northern Ring-necks after dark. During the heat of the day, turning over rocks to find them is futile as they go deep in order to avoid the heat. Like I said, when the temp is between hot and cool is the best time to find them. Turn over any rock at dusk and I am bound to find two or three snakes there. That is not to say that they are not found during the day, in wet areas, I have found many snakes wandering through the wood in search of prey. It really depends on the weather which varies greatly here during the summer, some nights can dip into the 40's in which no snakes can be found, when on other nights when it is in the 60's or 70's they are abundant.

I love snakes, I have caught many Garters (some quite large), Ribbon Snakes, Northern Ring Necked (my fave), Milk Snakes, and have even seen a Rattler, but did not have the proper equipment to catch it, I let it go. Snakes are the best!!!!!!!

Answer 4

Some species do, depending on where they live. If they live in an environment that's oppressively hot during the day (say the Australian Outback) then many will only be really active at night, though they'll come out during the day for short periods. While snakes need the sunlight to "warm up" and become active, too much can kill them just as it would any other animal.

In upstate NY I would assume that, because it's probably not terribly hot most of the time, that they're out more during the day than at night. Some though are, undoubtedly, out at night also if that's when their prey is active (such as small mice, frogs and various things of that nature)--at least in the warmer months. As it begins to cool during fall you'd probably be hard pressed to find many out at night.

In other words, depending on where and what time of year, you're both right.

Answer 5

In the hot desert areas they do come out at night. In areas like upstate NY they would be seeking warmth during the day and get sluggish at night. Roads remain warm after sunset and snakes may be found on roads at night enjoying the heat off the road.

Answer 6

Many species of snakes hide from the sun during the day and come out at night to feed. If they're not poisonous, don't worry about them. However, rattlesnakes and other vipers can kill you within minutes, so be careful and don't wander around in wooded areas day or night without extreme caution. I suggest you go on the Internet and discover which snakes are in your area and what their habits are.

Answer 7

In NY in the summer, probably. In winter, don't worry about it. As Elaine said, if they're not poisonous, don't worry about them, but most people won't die from a rattlesnake bite, unless it's a child or old person. I would guess in NY your most common poisonous snake would be a copperhead, which is also not all that dangerous. Most snakes are not poisonous & eat rats, mice & insects, so are actually beneficial.

Answer 8

Do they come out at night?

Answer 9

Snakes do not like to go out at night time, they like the daylight.

Answer 10

My husband says that they do come out at night. Now that I know that. I will be taking my flash light with me if I ever have to go to the car to get anything at night. lol I live in the country.