Mark, sorry I didn't get on yesterday, but I've been having some problems with my new job and fighting a cold and an injury.



Very nice response. I just want to find out too, and you're right, snakes do what nature allows them to do. I certainly don't think I have all the answers. As long as I've been loving herpetology I still feel I'm learning tons every year.



>>I've also seen pyros reproduce with little or no cooldown, and produce viable eggs.



Thanks for the info. I didn't know that. I didn't think it would be possible, but I believe you.



>>I've also seen where mtn kings in the wild are still feeding (temperatures permitting) when in captivity they largely stop for most of us.

>>



I believe they could continue feeding if they could find spots where they could maintain body temps high enough to digest food. I assume some of the folks in AZ have found places where this is possible. I plan to investigate that this winter. I also know their range, both horizontally and vertically, brings them into areas that get cold temps in winter. I've seen freezing temps all day and snow on the ground in the Santa Ritas several times trying to hike there in winter.



Here's one variable with captive breeding we don't discuss much...where you live. At my house we've had temps in the 20's (at night) for several days now. I believe our captives are sensitive to outdoor temps even though they are indoors. They are also sensitive to changes in barometric pressure and humidity. I try to keep track of all these readings. I know almost for a fact when I move to AZ that my captive snakes will behave differently even though I will keep them essentially the same. Some of my snakes shut down in September and I have to brumate them. Other snakes of mine are more adapted to a very short winter season and can be kept going much longer, all winter in some instances, like with corns. I think most pyro keepers brumate their snakes, I know my partner does. But there are many pyro breeders in the South too, and I'm sure some of them keep their snakes going much longer.



>>Why use terms that are not really correct? I'm not condemning. I used that term "hibernation" too for years. Then I found out why it really isn't the best way to describe what goes on.

>>



I agree. I just was trying to make a point about never using or understanding when someone says hibernation. I use the term brumation also, when it applies to captive snakes that are have a short cool down, or wild snakes that aren't cooling at cold temps. But I also understand many folks (remember I'm in education) use "hibernation" and don't understand "brumation". I try to do what's most acceptable on the forum.



Thanks for the good discussion



Terry

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