Social behaviour in snakes

[adamanteus]

Originally Posted by jeanette

If this is so then why did the rattle snakes documented by Austin stevens return every year to the same place?

Because it's a good place, and there is nowhere else to go.

[Garter_Gertie]

Given Merriam-Webster's definition, you're correct James. My kids will not bond with me as I will them.

However, I'm a romaticist and this zebra ain't gonna change her stripes. We'll have to agree to disagree, James.

[Garter_Gertie]

Yeah, what she said!

[adamanteus]

I really can't argue on this any more. It's such utter nonsense that I'm actually embarrassed to be discussing it!
But for the more serious minded amongst us, I think the Adder sibling thing is quite interesting.

[Snake lover 3-25]

wait!!!! Meadow had a litter 2 years ago.... i kept one of the babies and now i have found a second of her 18 babies.. (i know because of the distinct markings and the small number of snakes in the area....) so anyway.... now i have reunited her with her baby after 2 yrs and the second they saw each other they started to act very abnormal... almost like mating but they are both females... so today i put them together and they wont separate!!!!! they fallow each other everywhere and are currently under one hide that is much to small for even one snake.... there are hides all over the cage that are much bigger... even one right next to where they are now... but they chose to be together!!!!! after 2 yrs!!!! i have put my female with dozens of other snakes over the years and they are never together... but she def. knows that this is her child!!!!!

[Garter_Gertie]

Support for the adder sisters. Very VERY cool!

[Snake lover 3-25]

Originally Posted by Garter_Gertie

Yeah, what she said!

who do you mean???

[Garter_Gertie]

Snake lover, I was echoing what Jeanette said. It was a "You go, girlfriend" kind thing. A "You're right on," kinda thing. Know what I mean?

[Snake lover 3-25]

o i get it.... for a sec there i thought you were talking to yourself!!!!!!!

[Stefan-A]

Originally Posted by jeanette

If this is so then why did the rattle snakes documented by Austin stevens return every year to the same place? this doesnt sound like a "lack of good places to hibernate"

Actually, that's exactly what it sounds like. You also need to consider that since most hibernating species mate immediately after hibernation and usually in close proximity to the den, using the same den as your close relatives increases the possibility of inbreeding, which over time reduces the genetic diversity and increases the risk of the whole population being knocked out. Something has to make it worth the risk, but sentimentality offers no real payback. A good den, on the other hand, does, since it increases the chances of survival.

And let it be known that Austin Stevens is one of the most annoying people walking the Earth.