Zoe and Utsanati have left the power line access way and moved into the forest closer to their over-wintering sites. We found Zoe underground in her interim den but we were unable to visually locate her.  This is a site that she used last year at this time just before she entered her primary den which is located only ~150 from the interim den. She again used this site this past spring as a a resting place just after she came out of hibernation. It is obvious that she knows exactly where she is and exactly where she is going.

We found Utsanati on the surface in a resting coil only a few hundred feet uphill from his den site. It will be very interesting to see if both snakes return to their last winter’s den sites.

Utsanati. Photo by Fred Bahnson

Watch the video from today’s expedition below.

If the video does not show then you can watch the video on my Youtube channel.

I am not paid to conduct this research–this is a volunteer project that I am undertaking to learn all that I can about these greatly misunderstood and amazing animals to further educate you about their beauty, uniqueness and intrinsic value to a healthy forest ecosystem.

If you would like to support the Snake Tracks Timber Rattlesnake wildlife conservation, research, and education project and/or Earthshine Nature Programs please feel free to donate using this link. Receipts available upon request. You may also donate supplies such as animal foods, medical supplies, vitamins and habitat supplies. If you are interested in donating any of these items please contact us for more information on our current needs. THANK YOU to all of you who have donated to ENP!! Without you this important work would not happen.