Hmm...well it can't live without a heat pad in the sense that it can not thrive unless proper temps are maintained, and unless you live in Florida with no A/c then you NEED a heat pad, or rather a heating element of sorts. If you mean it can't live without an under tank heat pad, then you're wrong. UTH's are recommended because belly heat aids in digestion, but your snake can thrive with radiant back heat as well.