Available at: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/theses/3145
Date of Award
8-2025
Degree Name
MS in Biological Sciences
Department/Program
Biological Sciences
College
College of Science and Mathematics
Advisor
Emily Taylor
Advisor Department
Biological Sciences
Advisor College
College of Science and Mathematics
Abstract
Recent advances in remote monitoring technology are opening up new opportunities for developing innovative natural history and biological research methodologies. In particular, the emergence of livestreaming camera technology has made recording remote video of wild and secretive animals much easier and made it possible to collect data at extremely fine temporal resolutions. In 2024, Project RattleCam launched a livestreaming camera at a Prairie Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis) den in Colorado. The goal of this work was to study Prairie Rattlesnake behavior 24-7 throughout the species’ active season with minimal human disturbance. Additionally, I used this system to study the effects of changes in weather conditions on the rattlesnakes’ behavior and activity patterns. The camera allowed me to record several novel observations about rattlesnake natural history, including multiple social interactions, snakes drinking during hailstorms, and numerous ecological interactions between the rattlesnakes and other species. The number of rattlesnakes visible on the camera also decreased at higher temperatures and ultraviolet (UV) indexes, suggesting that surface activity decreases during periods of higher temperatures and/or UV radiation. The proportions of coiled and more sheltered snakes increased during warmer and drier conditions, as well as during periods of higher UV radiation, which suggests that snakes may spend more time sheltering during warmer and drier conditions. Rattlesnake behavior at communal den sites was affected by numerous weather conditions, and predictive models must incorporate these factors to more accurately predict behavioral responses to changes in climate overtime. Livestreaming technology shows great promise for studying snake behavior at communal den sites and provides a useful framework for answering novel natural history questions about snakes and other secretive animals.