Re: anyone ever done/seen a study on ......

Posted by Rod on December 02, 2000 at 09:37:03:

In Reply to: anyone ever done/seen a study on ...... posted by kris on August 13, 2000 at 22:44:11:

Kris,
I have the exact same problem you do. I have researched the literature trying to locate information on survival rates of reptiles that have been introduced to a new home range. So far, no luck. My guess is with bull snakes that it isn't as much an issue as it might be with more sedentary animals. Bull snakes are highly active foragers that cover a lot of territory. Most probably hibernate in animal burrows or other opportunistic shelters. Rattlesnakes, on the other hand, definitely return to known hibernaculums year after year. I have trapped a rattlesnake hibernaculum on our wildlife preserve for the past 4 years. I've discovered that the rattlesnakes (C. atrox, C. viridis, C. mollossus) return each season (not all of them). I have also caught coachwhips, green snakes, and Texas ratsnakes fromt he same hibernaculum. I have never caught a bull snake here, despite the fact that they are fairly abundant on the tract. It leads me to believe they hibernate whereever than can when the season arrives. NNevertheless, I think it is a bad idea, in general, to release animals into habitat they are not familiar with. However, the alternative in most cases is more unpleasant for the snake (as you've noted).

Rod

Follow Ups:

Post a Followup

Name:
E-Mail:

Subject:

Comments:
: Kris, : I have the exact same problem you do. I have researched the literature trying to locate information on survival rates of reptiles that have been introduced to a new home range. So far, no luck. My guess is with bull snakes that it isn't as much an issue as it might be with more sedentary animals. Bull snakes are highly active foragers that cover a lot of territory. Most probably hibernate in animal burrows or other opportunistic shelters. Rattlesnakes, on the other hand, definitely return to known hibernaculums year after year. I have trapped a rattlesnake hibernaculum on our wildlife preserve for the past 4 years. I've discovered that the rattlesnakes (C. atrox, C. viridis, C. mollossus) return each season (not all of them). I have also caught coachwhips, green snakes, and Texas ratsnakes fromt he same hibernaculum. I have never caught a bull snake here, despite the fact that they are fairly abundant on the tract. It leads me to believe they hibernate whereever than can when the season arrives. NNevertheless, I think it is a bad idea, in general, to release animals into habitat they are not familiar with. However, the alternative in most cases is more unpleasant for the snake (as you've noted). : Rod

Optional Link URL:
Link Title:
Optional Image URL:

---

[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ The Academic Forum ] [ FAQ ]

KINGSNAKE.COM Enjoy all our content free of charge with a user account that gives you full access to every feature. For added visibility, paid options are available - post in our Classifieds, showcase your business with Banner Ads or a Directory listing, promote reptile events, and more. Quick Links Home Advertise Beta Classifieds Lost Password Your Account Community Blog Events Featured Articles Forums Photo Gallery Legal & Safety Terms of Service Classified TOS Age Verification Business Verification Vendor Complaint Support Banner Ad Help Classified Help Classified Tips Contact Us Forum Help Register for free ✓ Sign up! Kingsnake.com ® is a registered trademark © 1997-