Looking for den sites in Iowa.

[setfree]

Hey guy's I'm new and wanting to learn a bunch, but I was wondering if you knew where some den sites are in Iowa. any info would be great!

also... do they come out when there is warm weather and then go back inside at night or if in april they just come out no matter what the temp. is? thanks!

[chris-uk]

Hey guy's I'm new and wanting to learn a bunch, but I was wondering if you knew where some den sites are in Iowa. any info would be great!

also... do they come out when there is warm weather and then go back inside at night or if in april they just come out no matter what the temp. is? thanks!

Interesting question, I'm on the wrong side of the Atlantic to be helpful in answering it though. I think the thing with garter dens is that people who know where they are tend to be protective of them.
I do know a man in Iowa who has a den under his deck. If you search the forum you should find some pics.

[guidofatherof5]

That information is not readily share in these times.
No disrespect to you but I would never tell anyone the exact location of the dens I know about unless I knew them very well.
I want to keep these snakes safe from harm as best I can.
I live in Council Bluffs Iowa and know of a few. One being under my back deck.

[setfree]

Thanks for the heads up on the feelings of den locations and I respect that. Do you have an idea of my other question of den activity? I am going to be getting a garter soon so I was just wondering it is best to look. Thanks!

[chris-uk]

Thanks for the heads up on the feelings of den locations and I respect that. Do you have an idea of my other question of den activity? I am going to be getting a garter soon so I was just wondering it is best to look. Thanks!

Steve had one out in his yard yesterday (take a look at the thread it's called something like "T radix ranch wild garters"), so they do come out to sun themselves on warm days. I believe that they won't venture far from the den until sometime in April, Steve's the best person to tell you when to expect to see them out and about as he's in your state and knows a lot about the local species.

[guidofatherof5]

Hey guy's I'm new and wanting to learn a bunch, but I was wondering if you knew where some den sites are in Iowa. any info would be great!

also... do they come out when there is warm weather and then go back inside at night or if in april they just come out no matter what the temp. is? thanks!

It's all weather/temperature driven. They know when it's safe to stay away from the den otherwise they will return at night.
This is what I've observed at the dens I visit.

[chris-uk]

They know when it's safe to stay away from the den otherwise they will return at night.

Clever critters!

[setfree]

Thanks for the help!

[prattypus]

I saw my first 4 out yesterday, now we've got freezing rain. If that doesn't keep them in, it will keep me in!

[guidofatherof5]

Nice to see you on the forum Jason.