snake question

[dsmith]

I have what is probably a silly question. As ya'll know the snakes at our favorite lake have just been out of hand. I always figured maybe it was because the lake was so low. So with all the rain and snow we've had, the lake is full, actually going over the spillway.
So, during the winter time the snakes den up. So if their den gets flooded and filled up with water, what happens to the snakes. I don't figure a water snake would drown. Yet if there den is totally submerged, what happens??

[daveedka]

a couple of things, first is the dens are likely pretty high up to prevent flooding, secondly being cold blooded, they rwequire almost no oxygen in cold weather, and thirdly, they will move to where they can breathe if they have too. I've seen turtles moving under the ice many times, they only need to breathe about once a week or even less when it's cold.

Sorry, but the snakes will still be around come spring. the only way to get rid of them is to remiove the food source.

dave