Spatial Ecology of Black Rat Snakes on Remington Farms, Maryland

Abstract

Black rat snakes (Elaphe o. obsoleta) are important predators of nesting birds and small mammals in fragmented landscapes. Thus, we used radiotelemetry to study movements of 32 black rat snakes at Remington Farms, Maryland, during 1988-89 to determine potential ways to minimize their depredations, Yearly home ranges were similar (P > 0.05) for males and females (x ± SE) (convex polygon, 9.49 ± 1.01 ha; 95% harmonic contour, 10.52 ± 1,24 ha), but males covered more (P < 0.05) of the home range earlier in the spring. Snakes were familiar with habitat features within their home range, returning to the same areas after prolonged absences. Snakes used forest edge, residential, hedgerow, and herbaceous/brush habitats more (P < 0.05-0.001) than expected by chance