Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 1 of 1
Full-Text Articles in Animal Sciences
Movement Patterns And Habitat Use Of The Copperhead Snake (Agkistrodon Contortrix) In Southeastern Virginia, Christopher Edwin Petersen
Movement Patterns And Habitat Use Of The Copperhead Snake (Agkistrodon Contortrix) In Southeastern Virginia, Christopher Edwin Petersen
Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations
Radiotelemetry was used to study seasonal movement patterns, habitat use, and thermal relations of nine copperhead snakes, Agkistrodon contortrix, in southeastern Virginia from May 1993 to May 1995. Daily movements ranged from 0-450 m, with 0-5 m movements accounting for 65% of the observations. The seasonal movements of males were more extensive than those of females. Differences in seasonal movements between the sexes may be due to reproductive activity of the snakes. Both males and females significantly reduced their movements prior to shedding. More time was spent using upland deciduous forests than lowland river swamps or anthropogenic habitat. Copperheads …