Den effect on population size

[Zephyr]

I just noticed, thanks to Shanley's thread, that the availability of dens may greatly affect population size. I thought that the main reason I find so many garters is because of an abundant food source, which could very will be the reason, but then I realized most of the areas I herp and find snakes have piles of old cracked cement blocks or other man made structures that have fallen to waste near them. So I'm thinking this may be the number one limiting factor to garter population size. Just look at the Narcisse dens!

[ssssnakeluvr]

food availability dies afect the population..no food, no snakes. there does need to be dens in the area, but they can travel some distance for food..

[Snake lover 3-25]

ooo that makes sence!!!! because i haven't seen a lareg pop in one place since i moved here!!!! what about the place that i found them b4??? could me picking them up possibly have made them get lost??? unable to find their den again??? maybe i can fix the pop!!! what if i relocate all of the snakes that i find to the place where they had all congregated b4???

[Zephyr]

OR, you could scout the area for a den, and if you can't find one, you've found the problem. :P

[Snake lover 3-25]

but i think that that IS a den!!! and i don't know what one looks like.... want me to take some pics???

[Zephyr]

but i think that that IS a den!!! and i don't know what one looks like.... want me to take some pics???

Lots and lots of rocks. That's a den. lol

[Snake lover 3-25]

there are lots and lots of rocks.... from the size of an eraser to half the size of a car!!! yay!!!! but i havn't found a snake there since i messed with them when i was a kid.... so as i said b4

ooo that makes sence!!!! because i haven't seen a lareg pop in one place since i moved here!!!! what about the place that i found them b4??? could me picking them up possibly have made them get lost??? unable to find their den again??? maybe i can fix the pop!!! what if i relocate all of the snakes that i find to the place where they had all congregated b4???

[Snake lover 3-25]

ok i got pics!!! hold on.... i have to upload!!!

[Zephyr]

Wow, that fast? :P

[Snake lover 3-25]

it's only 50 ft from my house!!!