Although keenly able to sense vibration, snakes are deaf. Most snakes hide by day, prowl by night, and spend the winter underground or in deep rock crevices. Because they tend to be secretive and nocturnal, mammals are not easily observed. Characteristics of mammals include hair, well-developed teeth, and milk glands for nursing their young. Other hibernate underground the entire winter.
Some bat species migrate to warmer areas.
Most mammals possess keen senses, especially hearing and smell. Quietly walking the trails in early morning or evening provides the best opportunity for an encounter. Newly born embryos crawl into their mother's abdominal pouch to continue development. Most have sensitive pointed snouts. Utilize tunnels, either underground or through dead grass and leaves.