Odor molecules caught on the snake's tongue are translated by a special organ, called the Jacobson s Organ, in the roof of its mouth. So snakes literally taste odors around them. Like other reptiles, snakes are cold blooded, which means they cannot control their internal body temperature. Extreme heat or cold can kill them. Basking in the sun helps to start their engines, while hiding in the cool shade or in wet areas helps cool them down.
Snakes hibernate in the winter in dens.
Dens are areas free from frost and can be found in narrow crevices in rocks, animal burrows, holes under trees and stumps, under wood piles, and occasionally in basements. During the first warm days of spring snakes emerge from their dens and begin sunning. After temperatures consistently stay above freezing snakes will begin searching for food and move gradually to their summer range and birthing areas. Most snakes mate within a month of leaving the den, but some species mate in the fall. Many snakes lay eggs, but about a third of the species in Maryland bear live young.