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Seasonal and Environmental Influences on Snake Captures in Northern Indiana

Year: 2025

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: Midwestern snake populations have been declining, yet, snakes are challenging to capture and study due to their cryptic nature. We examined how the time of sampling, coverboard type, and temperature influenced the capture rates and sizes of Common Gartersnakes (Thamnophis sirtalis) and Dekay’s Brownsnakes (Storeria dekayi). We deployed coverboards (rubber or carpet) at 20 sites across northern Indiana and found that T. sirtalis captures peaked in July and August, and both species had smaller sizes in August. Coverboard type had no significant effect. These findings provide insight into snake ecology, particularly seasonal patterns, and habitat preferences, informing future conservation efforts.

Source: Loyola eCommons (Loyola University of Chicago)

Authors: La Rosa, Skye, Sekits, Nicholas, Ruane, Sara

Language: English

Topic: Amphibian and Reptile Biology

Subfield: Global and Planetary Change

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W7024554159

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