Josh n's Senior Project Blog

Project Title: Warm Relations between Cold-blooded Creatures; A Study on Narrow-Headed Garter Snakes Behavior around Family during Hibernation BASIS Advisor: Sheri Jordan and Jacyln Titone Internship Location: NAU Biology Department Onsite Mentor: Erika Nowak

Project Abstract

Narrow-Headed garter snakes are a semi-aquatic, nonvenomous, and endangered species of snake native to the southwest United States. Northern Arizona University rescued some individuals of this species several years ago, and have housed them in outdoor and indoor vivariums on campus. My project aims to further understand the complex relations formed between individuals in this study in hopes to add to their conservation efforts in the future. Narrow-Headed garter snakes hibernate during the winter season. In the largest of the vivariums, a 25 by 25 by 15 foot enclosure featuring four subterranean hibernation boxes, a pond, and natural terrain, we set up two trail cameras. They are placed in different corners of the vivarium and are set to record when motion is detected. The snakes have been color coded so that each individual may be identified in the footage. My goal is to identify possible patterns in the snake behavior when they are in proximity with others, family or not. I will look at the footage and categorize what I observe by date, individual, time of the action, duration of the action, the action, and any other individuals that were present. I will analyze this data to see if individuals have personal preferences, and how that impacts their behaviors. This can hopefully allow researchers to create safer environments for this endangered species by helping them understand why these snakes behave as they do.