Geckos in Winter: Where are They Hiding?

In summer, you often encounter small creatures, geckos, in gardens or parks. These agile reptiles typically hunt for food during summer nights. However, come winter, it seems as if they disappear. What happens to geckos and where do they hide during the frost? Let’s go find out.

Geckos are small reptiles characterized by long, thin bodies and tapered tails. Their skin is usually covered in scales, and some of them possess the ability to change color, allowing them to blend seamlessly with their surroundings.

Where geckos take refuge in winter

Unlike many animals, geckos do not hibernate during winter. Instead, they typically seek refuge to protect themselves from the cold and harsh weather conditions.

Geckos are cold-blooded animals, meaning the outside temperature affects their body temperature. In colder months, they seek warm, secure locations to spend winter. Often, these cozy spots are found inside homes. Geckos may hide behind furniture, curtains, or blinds, seeking shelter and warmth. Additionally, they might take refuge in cracks or crevices in walls.

Furthermore, these small reptiles can find food at home, such as insects or spiders, which they can continue hunting even during winter. Besides homes, they may seek shelter outdoors, like tree cavities, under rocks, or within bushes.

Some of them are able to go into a state of dormancy during colder months. Hibernation involves a period of inactivity, where the reptile’s metabolism slows, and the need for movement and food decreases. During this stage, they may seek hidden places like holes or go underground, where they can spend winter in a protected environment.

In spring, geckos are ready to resume activity. They actively search for food or look for partners since their breeding season also begins.