The Carolinian population of Gray Ratsnake is listed as Endangered. Source: Jessica Ferguson<\/p><\/div>\n

Both the Ontario and Canadian governments list the Carolinian population of Gray Ratsnake as Endangered. This species is at risk largely due to fragmentation, degradation, and loss of habitat, including their overwintering sites. These hibernacula are key to the Gray Ratsnake surviving the harsh winter months in Ontario.<\/p>\n

The first phase of the study used radio telemetry to track the snakes to their hibernacula. Fortunately, one of the major hibernation sites is located within property protected by the Nature Conservancy of Canada. This site, along with several constructed hibernacula previously established by LPBLT, were the focus of the study. In total, seven sites were identified for monitoring.<\/p>\n

Wintering sites for the Gray Ratsnake are located in the subsurface, below the frost line, and above the water table. As such, monitoring wells were constructed at each site to help characterize the subterranean conditions of the hibernacula. Each well was installed to a depth of 7feet. Many of the sites are located on the Norfolk Sand Plain, which is fairly dry, so not all the wells hit groundwater; the sites that did measured the water table at approximately 3\u20133.5 feet.<\/p>\n