What is the Difference Between Brumation and Hibernation?
When the temperature drops and daylight fades, many animals slow down to conserve energy. For mammals, this seasonal dormancy is called hibernation; For reptiles, it’s called brumation. Though they may look similar, they’re actually quite different, especially when it comes to what’s happening inside of the animal's body.
Let's break down the similarities and differences!
What Is Hibernation?
Hibernation is a survival strategy used by warm-blooded (endothermic) animals such as bears, hedgehogs, and bats. These animals generate their own body heat, so hibernation allows them to drastically lower their body temperature, heart rate, and metabolism when food becomes scarce.
During hibernation, mammals enter a deep sleep-like state where they remain unconscious for weeks or months at a time. They do not eat, drink, or move much; relying entirely on stored fat for energy until spring.
What Is Brumation?
Reptiles are cold-blooded (ectothermic), which means their body temperature and metabolism are controlled by their environment, not internal processes. When it gets colder, their bodies automatically slow down.
Brumation is the reptile equivalent of hibernation, but it’s not true sleep.
Instead, it’s a period of lowered activity where reptiles conserve energy by reducing movement, eating less, and resting for long stretches of time. Unlike hibernating mammals, reptiles can still wake up occasionally to drink water or bask on warmer days before returning to rest.
The Key Difference? : Awareness
The most important distinction between brumation and hibernation is awareness. A hibernating animal is in a deep, continuous sleep and generally doesn’t wake until the season changes. A brumating reptile remains somewhat aware and responsive to their surroundings.
This means your bearded dragon, turtle, or skink may "wake up” to drink water or shift positions occasionally during brumation, which is perfectly normal behavior for brumating reptiles.
Brumation in Captivity
Even when kept in stable indoor environments, reptiles may still brumate instinctively. A decrease in natural light exposure, subtle temperature changes, or even their internal biological clock can trigger this response.
Species known to brumate include:
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Blue tongue skinks
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Uromastyx
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Box turtles
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Many temperate snakes
- Tegus
If your reptile starts slowing down during the winter months, you may think they are becoming ill. A sick reptile may show similar signs, like reduced appetite and inactivity, but they could also show telltale signs of illness like weight loss and/or wheezing/popping/mucus while breathing. A reptile-savvy veterinarian can help confirm whether your pet is entering brumation or needs medical attention.
How to Support a Brumating Reptile
Before brumation begins, reduce feeding gradually and stop offering food about one to two weeks prior. Food left undigested in a reptile’s system can rot when metabolism slows, leading to serious health issues. Always keep clean, fresh water available throughout brumation, since dehydration remains a risk.
Lower enclosure temperatures gradually, and provide a dark, secure area for your reptile to rest. Avoid unnecessary disturbances, but gently check on them every so often to ensure they’re healthy and hydrated.
When they begin waking up in the spring, you’ll notice increased basking, drinking, and activity. Offer small meals at first to help their digestive system restart safely.
The Importance of Understanding Brumation
Brumation isn’t a problem to fix or something to avoid – it’s an ancient, natural behavior that helps reptiles survive harsh conditions. Even in captivity, allowing your reptile to follow its natural rhythm can be beneficial. By providing appropriate lighting, temperature gradients, and secure hiding areas, you’re supporting the same seasonal patterns that would guide them in the wild. Trying to force a reptile to stay awake while they are trying to brumate can be detrimental to their health.
