A study of individual differences in spatial use of captive sidewinder rattlesnakes Crotalus cerastes

Abstract

Many species of vipers are known to use ambush sites repeatedly, a phenomenon presumably informed by chemical cues from prey. Experimentally, we limited chemical cue availability and recorded site selection in five captive-born sidewinders Crotalus cerastes during their first active season. Snakes showed individual differences among the study subjects in spatial movement across the season and repeatedly reused specific sites in their enclosures, suggesting spatial memory and individual differences in choices of resting sites. Individual variability in spatial- and object-use and associated memories suggests attention to such should be considered in developing husbandry routines for these captive individuals.