Snakes help spring slither into Laguna Canyon at Nix Nature Center

As their winter inactivity ends, slithering snakes took in some springtime sunshine Saturday afternoon at the Nix Nature Center in Laguna Beach.

Herpetologist Steve Bledsoe, a board member of the Southwestern Field Herping Assn., shared his knowledge on snakes as part of a live demonstration as the center in Laguna Coast Wilderness Park hosted events and crafting opportunities for guests.

During winter or extended periods of low temperatures, snakes and other cold-blooded animals fall into a state of brumation, a hibernation-like condition, because they have no way of regulating their body temperatures. Unlike in hibernation, in which mammals will remain in a deep sleep, ectotherms — animals reliant on external sources of body heat — will emerge from their hiding places during warmer days or to drink water.

Snakes tend to emerge from brumation as the weather becomes warmer. They’re sometimes inactive during the summer if temperatures get too high.

Support our coverage by becoming a digital subscriber.