How to translate text using browser tools
1 December 2005 Initial Den Location Behavior in a Litter of Neonate Crotalus horridus (Timber Rattlesnakes)
Vincent A. Cobb, J. Jeffrey Green, Timothy Worrall, Jake Pruett, Brad Glorioso
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

In September 2003, we monitored the movements of a postpartum Crotalus horridus (Timber Rattlesnake) and her four neonates via radiotelemetry. Upon dispersal, two neonates maintained a close association with the mother, but within one week they were making independent movements. Total movement distance by all five snakes during the first 10 days varied considerably (mother: 22 m; neonates: 3, 21, 49, and 154 m). Continued movements by neonates were independent and sporadic, with individuals staying several days in single locations. Excluding one neonate, all individuals converged to a single wooded, rocky hillside for hibernation (320 m from birth site). During their movements to the hibernaculum, one neonate was found with a subadult female and another neonate was found again with its mother. Our observations support the hypothesis that conspecific trails may be used by neonates during their initial den location.

Vincent A. Cobb, J. Jeffrey Green, Timothy Worrall, Jake Pruett, and Brad Glorioso "Initial Den Location Behavior in a Litter of Neonate Crotalus horridus (Timber Rattlesnakes)," Southeastern Naturalist 4(4), 723-730, (1 December 2005). https://doi.org/10.1656/1528-7092(2005)004[0723:IDLBIA]2.0.CO;2
Published: 1 December 2005
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top