Most people run
when they see a snake, but not the Eastern Hognose Snake
researchers at Wasaga Beach Provincial Park. The research team,
made up of the park’s Natural Heritage Educators, local
naturalists and community volunteers, are hoping to unravel the
mysteries of this secretive snake. Within Ontario, Hognose
Snakes are designated as threatened indicating that this species
is particularly at risk because of low or declining numbers,
habitat loss, or for some other undetermined reason. Our
research will focus on the life history, microhabitat and
ecological requirements of the Eastern Hognose Snake (Heterodon
platyrhinos) in Wasaga Beach Provincial Park and the surrounding
community. |
| When snakes are
caught we take measurements relating to length, circumference
and mass to determine changes over time. We also take a small
sample of blood to determine relationships within our population
and to compare it to other known populations of Hognose Snakes.
The snakes are only out of their natural setting for a few hours
and are released back to the same point of capture.
One of the key aspects of our
research is trying to figure out the size of the local hognose
population. By inserting a tiny microchip into the side of a
snake we’ll be able to identify that individual if we recapture
it at a future date. After a few years, we’ll be able to
estimate the population based on the percentage of snakes we
recover with microchips.
The other focus of our research
is determining the seasonal movements of these snakes. This is
accomplished through the use of radio telemetry equipment. We
surgically implant snakes with radio transmitters and then track
them every other day until they enter hibernation in the fall.
The data from this study will help us assess habitat preferences
and what areas of the park they like to use for feeding,
shedding their skin, mating and hibernating.
|
| The Eastern
Hognose Snake research project exists thanks to the generous
funding of the Friends of Nancy Island & Wasaga Beach Park,
Canada Trust-Friends of the Environment, Swish Maintenance,
Mountain Equipment Co-op and
the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources. |
|
Contact
Eastern Hognose Snake Research
Program
C/O Wasaga Beach Provincial Park
11-22nd Street, Wasaga Beach, Ontario
705-429-2516
Email:
hognose@wasagabeachpark.com
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