10 Snakes that Burrow Underground

Most snakes dig holes in the ground that other animals have dug, but some burrow underground. Fossorial (burrowing snakes) are skilled at digging. They burrow to avoid predators and keep warm. According to some studies, fossorial Snakes are more likely to die than other types.

Burrowing Asp

The ‘burrowing snakes genus includes several species. These snakes are found in the Middle East and northern Africa, where their venom is highly feared. Experts believe there are many more species of burrowing asps.

Kirtland Snake

One of the underground-dwelling snakes in the United States is a rare sighting. Kirtland’s snakes can grow up to two feet long and hide under leaf litter or in loose soil. Their orange-red bodies have dark circular markings on their bodies and dark undersides. Kirtland’s snakes live in extremely rare habitats such as wetlands, prairies and marshes.

Sand Boa

One subfamily of underground burrowing snakes includes species known as Sand boas. While sand boas can be related to boa snakes like boa constrictors, they are distinct enough to warrant their grouping. There are approximately 15 species that live in North America, Southeast Asia and Africa.

South American Striped blind snake

These underground snakes are known as Brongersma worm snakes. They are completely blind and can be found in Central and South America. The length of striped blind snakes is one foot and can range from light brown to dark brown. Striped blind snakes are smaller than other snakes, and they eat insects, mainly termites and ants. They live underground where they can see well enough not to need eyes.

Trinidad Blind Snake

Similar to South American striped blind snakes, Trinidadblind snakes lack vision. Their eyes are small and ineffective. They also lack vision. Trinidad blind snakes can grow up to 2 feet long and are dark brown with pale pink heads. These snakes burrow underground in South and Central America, much like South American striped blinds.

Worm Snake

A small, brown-colored snake lives in the eastern regions of North America. You would need to dig under leaves, litter, and fallen trees to find the snake. The worm snake is a small snake that burrows underground. Worm snakes are small with narrow eyes and heads. Their bodies grow to a maximum of one foot in length. They prefer to eat tiny insects and rarely venture out in the open.

Brahminy Blind Snakes

Although originally from Southeast Asia, these underground snakes have made their home in the United States. They are especially at home in Florida, where they can enjoy the heat and humidity. You don’t need to be concerned, however. Brahminy blind serpents wouldn’t harm a human if tried.

Black-headed Python

Black-headed pythons are all black with tan bodies, as their name implies. They can grow up to six feet long, but some have grown longer. This burrow snake is native to northern Australia, where they live in loose soil and rocks. Although they are not venomous, black-headed pythons eat snakes and other reptiles.

Woma Python

Like all underground snakes, Woma pythons have tiny heads and small eyes. They can grow up to five feet in length and have tan-colored bodies with faint stripes. Woma Pythons are native Australians. They stick to leaf litter and rotting logs for cover. They prefer to eat reptiles but will also eat small mammals when given the opportunity.

Hognose Snake

The hognose serpent is number one on our list. Also known as the hognose snake, it is also the first snake to burrow underground. Although the genus name “hognose” does not mean one species, it does refer to several species. The most important is an upturned, piglike nose which can be used to dig through leafy debris and loose dirt. Most hognose snakes are less than two feet long and are harmless to humans.