Many snakes utilize these burrows for food, shelter and egg laying sites, but most species don't dig holes. During the active season they are rarely cold and are surprisingly good at regulating their temperatures through behavior. Snakes can warm themselves by basking in the sun, lying under rocks or boards that are in the sun, or by lying on rocks and pavement that hold the heat after dark. When the air temperature is too hot, they seek shelter in small mammal burrows, under rocks and occasionally in cool cellars. A Link in the Food Chain Snakes are important components of natural ecosystems.
All snakes are predators.
Depending on size and species, they may feed on invertebrates such as slugs, worms and insects, or on fish, amphibians, snakes, birds, bird eggs and small mammals. Species such as the milk snake and black rat snake consume great numbers of rodents, and their presence around barns is of great benefit to farmers. In particular, the milk snake regularly enters burrows and will consume young mice and rats right in the nests. Garter , redbelly and brown snakes frequently consume garden pests such as slugs and certain soft-bodied insects. Snakes find their prey by sight and scent, and sometimes temperature.