Den effect on population size

[Snake lover 3-25]

Look at the little 'face' on the back of the head of that toad! Too neat!

ROFL!!!!! gosh you NEVER stop making me laugh!!!!!!!

[crzy_kevo]

that would be my guess to i think im going to end up trying to build a den site and seeing if anything has changed in a few months or maybe next year this will be an interesting project

[adamanteus]

I agree with Gertie, probably not a den site.... you're looking for deep crevices between the rocks, so the snakes can work their way down, away from the winter weather.

[Snake lover 3-25]

darn!!! then why were there so many there 6 yrs ago????

[Zephyr]

Look at the little 'face' on the back of the head of that toad! Too neat!

My guess as to a den would be no. Those are surface rocks. I'd *think* there would have to be more depth - like LOTS of rocks piled up, where the heap goes down into the ground for like five feet or so.

Just an educated guess. I've no idea if I'm correct or not.

From what I've read, a hibernaculum should extend at least 6 feet into the ground, and those look like they only cover the surface. I'll get a pic of my friend Gigi's concrete pile, where I'm sure there are snakes that brumate there.

[infernalis]

It sounds as though a good method would be to dig a hole and bury an old car!

I have some blueprints, but rather than hijack someones art, I'll track it back and get permission, or re-draw it.

It involves the use of a backhoe..... But does not include ANY old cars in the plans.

Lots of cinder blocks, gravel, a drain system, tile entrance, the works.

And when I finally do it, there WILL be cameras inside it and temp probes, as well as an emergency heat source in case winter bears down hard.

[crzy_kevo]

sounds like alot of money

[infernalis]

Nah, I have a neighbor with a backhoe, I borrow it all the time.

The bocks are not a must, I could use my unlimited supply of creek stone.

I think as long as the basic plan is sound, it could be done for around $500, and a live "Den cam" would be Worth it.