Effects of winter shelter characteristics on brumation duration, body mass loss, and Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola infection load in a southeastern population of Timber Rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus)
Bartlett, Danielle
Powers, John
Stubbs, Amber
Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences
Georgia College & State University
Milledgeville, Georgia USA
Duffus, Amanda
Department of Natural Sciences
Gordon State College
Barnesville, Georgia USA
Bachoon, David
DeSantis, Dominic L.
Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences
Georgia College & State University
Milledgeville, Georgia USA
Snakes in temperate regions undergo a period of general inactivity during the winter season, known as brumation. At higher temperate latitudes, extreme winter temperatures and limited shelter availability often drive the evolution of communal denning behaviors in these populations. At lower temperate latitudes, less is known regarding the causes and consequences of variable overwintering strategies. Over the past decade, research on snake populations across eastern North America has highlighted the prevalence of Ophidiomycosis, commonly known as “snake fungal disease” (SFD). SFD is caused by the fungal pathogen Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola (Oo), with peak clinical signs of infection observed in the spring following emergence from overwintering sites. Despite this, little is known about how overwintering shelter type may influence Oo infection rates. Here, we leverage a unique population of Timber Rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) from middle Georgia to quantify relationships between winter shelter type (rock outcrop, stream bank, stump hole) and strategy (solitary vs. communal) on brumation duration, body mass loss, and Oo infection load. These results will inform on the proximate and ultimate factors influencing overwintering site selection and can improve understanding of factors that might predict Oo infection likelihood and severity in C. horridus and other snakes Preliminary findings suggest that communal snakes preferentially use rock feature shelters, while solitary individuals tend to occupy stump holes and stream banks. Differences in body mass loss, brumation duration, and Oo infection load were not significantly associated with the type of winter shelter (rock outcrop, stream bank, stump hole) or overwintering strategy (solitary vs. communal). However, ongoing research may provide further support the current trend that communal snakes experience longer brumation periods and higher infection loads compared to solitary snakes.