How Long Can a Snake Survive Without Food or Water?

By Staff WriterLast Updated April 10, 2020

Snakes store food as fat and can survive on their fat reserves without eating or drinking for several months. During the period of inactivity, or brumation, some snakes, such as the garter snake, do not eat or drink from October to May.

Snakes can go many days without eating and prolonged months during brumation, an inactive state similar to hibernation. The sea snake lives in saltwater but can only tolerate drinking fresh water, which is only available after rainfall in ocean water “lenses.” The sea snake can live through dehydration for 7 months without drinking. Snakes can survive a body water content that would kill a human and many other animals.