Page 19 - Gateways 2018 Spring
P. 19
Garter snakes hibernate
in tunnels underground.
Winter Slumber Party to be sure that we would not disturb these
Of course, lions, giraffes, and other creatures’ homes if we were to develop the
animals from faraway places aren’t the zoo further.
only animals that call Brookfield Zoo
their home. Native animals do, too. Our In spring 2016, reptile department staff
habitats include species like Chicago implanted transmitters on five of these
garter snakes and Blanding’s turtles, both garter snakes to learn more about their
of which use the strategy of hibernation habitat. Data helped us to identify the
during the coldest months. large mound that three of the snakes chose
to hibernate in. It suits their needs perfectly,
While Society staff have known for as it’s right next to a wetland area—a type
some time that wild garter snakes spend of habitat these animals rely on because
much of the summer around the zoo, they fish and frogs are favorite prey—and is
were unaware of where the snakes live dotted with nooks and crannies. (The
in winter—until recently. Staff initiated fourth snake hibernated under a gas
a program to discover these snakes’ concrete pad, and the fifth disappeared.)
hibernacula (a fancy word meaning their
hibernation chamber) because they wanted Reptile staff hope to continue the
monitoring project. A more in-depth
BROOKFIELD ZOO | SPRING 2018 19
