Social behaviour in snakes

[jeanette]

Gertie, the reason Garters use communal hibernation dens is because of the small numbers of suitable sites, this is not a social act and is quite well documented. These dens are often used by different species.

For example, Black Rat Snakes are sometimes referred to as Pilot Snakes or Rattlesnake Pilots because of the erroneous belief that they guide Rattlesnakes to winter dens. Dens in which Rattlers and Rat Snakes over-winter together. Mass hibernation is simply a matter of need... there are very few dens for very many snakes. Of course snakes have no means of 'passing the word' to hundreds of other snakes scattered across a wide area.

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" It sounds like strict social behaviour, "coming home" if you will excuse the term. The cave he crawled inside to see the rattle snakes was simply crawling with them. he was aware that if he made one wrong move he was toast. the snakes were crawling over him there was no floor to be seen, i think he guessed at the number being in the hundreds, and he did say that even young snakes came to this cave even though they had never had their first winter. Maybe that isnt a communication thing but its definately a "something"

[adamanteus]

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.

[Stefan-A]

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.

[jeanette]

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.

lol just catching up........................Austim stevens is GOD!!!!! i loooove him and hes been into snakes since the guy was 12 years old, when he was in the african army he was dubbed the snakeman because of his unusual way with snakes, that ability gave Stevens his first job with snakes at a zoo even though he didnt have the qualifications back then for the job. he did however qualify within the following 6 years of taking that job. there is an awful lot that isnt widely known about the man. and one thing is for sure he is dedicated in his love of reptiles.