Snakes in winter generally seek shelter underground in places called hibernacula, where they enter a state called brumation, a type of dormancy similar to hibernation but specific to cold-blooded animals. These underground shelters are often below the frost line or in insulated locations like burrows, rock crevices, caves, or man-made structures. Multiple snakes and sometimes several species may share these dens to retain moisture and survive cold temperatures. Snakes stop eating and reduce their metabolism during brumation and may occasionally come to the surface on warmer winter days to drink or bask in the sun. Some snakes follow traditional denning sites year after year and can travel significant distances to reach these safe winter shelters.