What activity schedule do Western Rat Snakes adopt during the intense heat of summer?
Answer
Largely nocturnal
The behavioral activity schedule of the Western Rat Snake demonstrates significant plasticity influenced by ambient temperature. During periods when temperatures are moderate, such as in the spring and fall seasons, these snakes are generally active during the daytime, exhibiting diurnal behavior. However, when facing the extreme, intense heat characteristic of the summer months, the species shifts its primary activity period. During summer, they become largely nocturnal, suggesting this behavioral change is an adaptation to avoid overheating or to align with peak activity times for their prey sources during cooler night hours.
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