Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi

I've been lurking for a while, and I am finally making my first post! Hope I do it right.

I found a pond of fair size that looked like good snake habitat. After a few visits I had seen anywhere from two to maybe 20 unique individuals each day, including some really nice newborn Banded Water snakes swimming.

Ever since that day, I have seen zero snakes there.

My question is what would cause such a big decline in observed animals? (The weather has been fairly constant).

Thanks
Steve.

Since you took the time to ask the question I'll take the time to give a few of the possible answers...

They are still there but just not at the times you are, perhaps you observed them during prime mating time... snakes in breeding mode are apt to be out and about exposing themselves at times when they would normally not.

Perhaps with so many adults around the food supply was exhausted and most moved on to find better pickings.

The young ones (and adults also) make tasty treats for fish, birds, turtles, other snakes and some larger water insects... stuff happens when you aren't at the top of the food chain

Way too many possible answers to your question with any degree of satisfaction for you.

Gerry

Thanks for the response to my probably unanswerable question!

I had seen them at dusk before, but my subsequent visits at dusk have been fruitless.

Thanks.
Steve.