Thomas, Natalia, Biology, Lycoming College, 146 Summer Street , Duboistown, PA, 17702, thonata@lycoming.edu; O’Donnell, Mary Kate, Biology Department, Lycoming College, 1 College Place, Williamsport, PA, 17701.
Gravid female Timber Rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) exhibit modified behaviors during gestation compared to non-gravid individuals. There is adequate research on non-gravid and male Timber Rattlesnakes in the northern United States, but limited research has been done on gravid individuals and what environmental factors may be impacting their behaviors. Gravid female Timber Rattlesnakes exhibit thermoregulatory behaviors during gestation and travel relatively short distances each day. We set up cameras at known gestation sites in Rider Park, Pennsylvania, and using time-lapse photography, we were able to monitor behaviors in gravid females. The site we monitored is located in a highly managed and human trafficked area of the park, providing us with a unique opportunity to observe how human disturbance and modified landscapes may influence rattlesnake behavior. In this study, we are specifically looking at time of egress from their shelter.
Rattlesnake, Gravid,