Movements and Habitat Utilization by the Massasauga, Sistrurus catenatus catenatus

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Abstract
S. c. catenatus [90] were observed at 2 disjunct study sites in western Pennsylvania [USA] during 1977. Specimens [25] were tracked by radiotelemetry for up to 50 days. Activity range areas (.hivin.x = 9794 m2), range lengths (.hivin.x = 89 m), and distances moved per day (.hivin.x = 9.1 m) were calculated and found not to differ significantly between sexes or study sites. A comparison of the movements of gravid vs. non-gravid specimens revealed a significantly shorter mean range length for gravid snakes (40 m). Displaced specimens exhibited no homing behavior. A shift in habitat utilization with time of year was statistically substantiated at both study sites. In spring and fall, snakes frequented low, poorly drained habitats near hibernacula. During summer, habitats with low or sparse vegetation and dry soil were most frequented, particularly by gravid specimens.