The autumnal equinox, or the first day of fall, is today!  It’s a time when birds have already begun their gradual migrations to southerly, warmer lands, and our black bear is undergoing hyperphagia, a process of eating as much as possible to build fat reserves for winter survival. One has to wonder if the fall season affects other organisms, such as rattlesnakes, in any similar way. 

We know that in August, some rattlesnakes begin producing babies and also breeding in order to set up baby production for the next August.  With this process overlapping into September, those snakes not involved with reproduction, like females that have already given birth and other non-breeding females, and males not breeding this year, will begin to step up their fall season food search in order to increase fat stores in advance of winter. The fall season feeding binge is also necessary to ensure future baby production, occurring every year and a half to two years. This feeding process helps all rattlesnakes get through winter hibernation underground by maintaining body health, and while the focus on feeding goes on, rattlesnakes are also gradually moving to denning locations in which hibernation takes place, locations sometimes used every winter. They must be in place to hibernate by early November to avoid freezing. 

Fall is a busy time for all snake species, even those which produce babies in the spring ahead of the rattlesnake’s schedule. The earlier breeding and reproduction still means that the fall season drives snakes to feed well and gradually begin to orient their movements to areas where hibernation takes place, just like the rattlesnakes do.

Since snakes are active during the fall season, be sure to check out our snake safety tips guide. 

Written by Bryon Shipley

Prairie Rattlesnake, Adaptation

​It’s winter and this finds us writing about amphibians and reptiles rather than surveying them in the field. 
(Well, that’s not totally true as it’s not winter in the Peruvian Amazon (near Iquitos) where our Venomous Safety Instructor, Matt Cage, is guiding amphibian and reptile enthusiasts and photographers through the jungle.)
Here’s a special find he recently shared: 

​Be snake-aware on trails as you practice social-distancing methods this season.
Safety Tip: Look carefully before temporarily stepping off onto the side of a trail to make room for social distancing. Remember, snakes may be very difficult to see in the grasses near the trail.

Although rattlesnakes often give you notice of their presence by rattling, you cannot count on this all the time.Their first defense is to not be seen by you (a potential predator), and sometimes a rattlesnake is simply sleeping or soaking up the sun - the point is, they don't always rattle. Please remember that our harmless snakes also wiggle their tail, which may be perceived as rattling. Usually when they do this, their tail is against the ground to help produce noise by hitting against something. Rattlesnakes almost always hold their tail up when rattling and even while they're moving. However, if the tail is wet or the rattle is broken, they may be unable to make a sufficient warning sound. Bullsnakes, a big and harmless species, may wiggle their tail and can also provide a loud hiss which may even sound like a rattlesnake rattling.

Don't be fooled, use multiple characteristics to decide if it's dangerous or harmless, and always give plenty of space. NEVER attempt to handle any snake, and especially a rattlesnake. (Even dead rattlesnakes can deliver a horribly dangerous bite!)

Another interesting fact about snakes and their hibernacula is that it isn’t uncommon for different species of snakes to use the same hibernaculum for winter. Bullsnakes, racers, garter snakes, and rattlesnakes can all be found in the same den coexisting peacefully (as the world should be) and then go their own ways once spring arrives. Despite the fact that racers are predators on small rattlesnakes and other snakes, there is a truce called during hibernation.          

Rattlesnakes will stay in their dens roughly from November to March; however, it isn’t unlikely to see them enjoying those warm winter days just like us!

Download our rattlesnake safety guide! 

AES volunteer, Craig, pointing at a natural den where Prairie Rattlesnakes were found. 

Adaptation has been on the road this summer! We’ve been to California, New Mexico, and a little closer to home, Southeastern Colorado!  Our work in Colorado has been with Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) and their Resource Stewardship team, conducting herptile (reptile and amphibian) surveys. Our goal is to identify the reptile and amphibian diversity at various Colorado State Parks and provide education and outreach materials as well as management recommendations.  

In order to determine the different species at any given state park, we employ a variety of methods. Our surveys consist of turtle trapping, walking and searching, natural cover board surveys and road cruising. Natural cover board surveys refers to turning over rocks, decaying logs and leaf litter. However, this is done carefully and with gloves and tools to stay protected in case we flip anything dangerous (e.g. a surprise Prairie Rattlesnake). Road cruising is an important technique because roads hold heat longer compared to other surfaces, this makes it attractive to reptiles who can’t regulate their heat internally and therefore, look for warm surfaces for basking. Furthermore, roads create transects that are easy to survey.

​We visited a few state parks this summer, including one in Southeastern Colorado. Our team observed 28 different species by the end of the summer! Some of our exciting finds include, Spiny Softshell Turtles, Green Toads, Plains Leopard Frogs, Great Plains Ratsnakes, a Plains Black-headed Snake, a Longnose Snake, Red-sided Gartersnakes, a Lined Snake, and a New Mexico Threadsnake.
​
“Herps”, as we like to call them, play important roles in their ecosystems. Some keep prey populations in check, for example, frogs eat insects and snakes eat rodents, which controls the spread of disease. Many herps are also important prey for predators and help keep food webs in balance. A diverse herp population is indicative of a healthy ecosystem. When herp populations are diverse and healthy, this means that the environment they are in can support a variety of wildlife. More biodiverse environments are more sustainable and lead to more balanced, functional systems.

It was very promising to see such a diverse population at the state park. With records of these animals, CPW and park rangers can work together to help protect and maintain these ecosystems and animal populations so many of us can enjoy them for as long as possible. 

Bullsnake (below)

Yellow-bellied racer (above)
Wandering Gartersnake (below)

Are you looking for things to do with your kiddos while they are out of school this summer? Viewing wildlife can be fun and educational! Colorado is home to over 400 species of birds, and over 80 species of reptiles and amphibians! Kids can engage with nature, learn how to treat it with respect, and take some cool pictures to show off to their friends later.

Here are 5 places you can visit to see wildlife this summer. 

1. Rocky Mountain Arsenal Wildlife Refuge: This refuge is home to more than 330 animal species including bison, mule, and white-tailed deer. Even bald eagles winter here! You can take an 11 mile drive through the park and drive right next to the bison area. You can also take a number of short hikes, including many woodland and wetland trails, as well as our favorite - a grassland trail called Rattlesnake hill! 
2. Mount Evans Scenic Byway: Bring a lunch and take a drive up this iconic 14,264 foot mountain! It is a 28 mile drive and you can take many stops along the way to view bighorn sheep, pikas, marmots, and mountain goats. Fun fact - this is the highest paved road in North America, so bring a jacket as the temperature gradually drops while you climb up. Some stops we recommend are Echo Lake, the Denver Botanic Gardens Mount Goliath location, and the multiple lookout pull offs. 
3.  Estes Park: At this nationally recognized location, elk can be seen any time, bighorn sheep are seen at Sheep Lake in the summer, and moose frequent willow thickets along the Colorado River.  Overall, there are hundreds of wildlife species to be seen. They will customize your trip for you and make this an experience your kids will never forget. 
4. Guanella Pass:  Look for mountains goats, bobcats, beavers, bighorn sheep, and various bird species as you drive this beautiful 23 mile stretch of road. You will journey between two watersheds - South Platte and Clear Creek, through spruce and aspen groves until you hit the treeline - where the trees stop growing and the tundra begins. There are a number of trails you can hike along and get some incredible photos of the scenery and wildlife! We recommend the famous Guanella Pass Trail - it is easily accessible and not super strenuous. 
5. Wild Animal Sanctuary: This sanctuary is known for rescuing wildlife, especially of predatory nature, and rehabilitating them. There’s a 1.5 mile elevated walkway you can take to view tigers, bears, lions, and more. The animals roam free, so every time you come, there’s a chance to see something/someone different. Since the summers can be hot, come at sunrise or take advantage of the Sanctuary’s Wild Nights program. 

Remember! Anywhere you go:

• Keep a safe distance from wildlife.
• Use binoculars and zoom lenses if you want to observe wildlife closer.
• Never stop or block traffic.
• Never follow or chase animals.
• Observe quietly - there’s a lot to see and hear! 
• Keep all pets on leash.
• Leave each place you stop and visit as you found it! 
• Have fun, be safe, and enjoy nature! 

Photos by No Coast Photography