Friends of Wachusett Mountain is a non-profit group dedicated to conservation,
environmental education and land stewardship at Wachusett Mountain.

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Snake Research

Garter snake, Thamnophis sirtalis

We are conducting a study using cover boards to attract snakes in various habitats around Wachusett Mountain State Reservation to learn more about the snake community, density, ecology, and variation.

Undergraduate students from Fitchburg State College, University of Massachusetts at Lowell, and Mount Wachusett College have been assisting with field work and sorting of the various groups as part of independent studies for college credit. By focusing on some of the common species, such as the garter snake, Thamnophis sirtalis, students can gain experience in field techniques, quantified sampling, and statistical analysis.

Researchers with garter snake

This study will occur at the same time as a similar study on Nantucket Island to compare variation in color patterns and life history traits of some of the common species over time. It is important to determine how variable some of the common species are between populations across southern New England so that we can actually measure variation and determine "normal" seasonal or yearly variation.

Color Pattern Variation in Garter Snakes

Garter snake from Wachusett Mountain

Garter snake from Nantucket Island

What makes them different? Are some populations really different compared to others? We are working on these questions and others in by collecting data and images from two populations in very different parts of Massachusetts: Wachusett Mountain and Nantucket Island. This is a collaborative effort between the Friends of Wachusett Mountain and the Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative.

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Mailing address: Friends of Wachusett Mountain, P.O. Box 301, Princeton, MA 01541-0301.
All logos and trademarks on this Website are property & copyright © of their respective owners. All photos and graphics used on this Website are property of Friends of Wachusett Mountain unless otherwise specified and may only be reproduced with written permission. Copyright © 2008 Friends of Wachusett Mountain.
Website Design & Maintenance: Christopher Brown