What specific type of underground refugia do San Francisco garter snakes utilize for winter hibernation and summer dormancy?
Answer
Mammal burrows
The life cycle of the San Francisco garter snake requires specialized conditions both near water sources and in the uplands once aquatic habitats dry up in the late summer. While they bask and seek cover in open grassy hillsides or shrub-dominated scrub adjacent to wetlands, a crucial requirement for survival during periods of temperature extremes, such as winter hibernation or summer aestivation, is access to underground refugia. These vital thermal shelters are typically provided by mammal burrows, which allow the snakes to maintain stable internal temperatures throughout periods when surface conditions are unfavorable.
Related Questions
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