Influence of Induced Brumation on Health and Stress Indicators in Captive Thamnophis elegans

Author

• Preston Papa, Utah State University

Date of Award

5-2026

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Departmental Honors

Department

Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Sciences

Abstract

Reptiles that live in temperate environments undergo prolonged periods of inactivity and reduced metabolism called brumation to survive seasonal periods of cold. Garter snakes (Thamnophis spp.) are known for congregations during seasonal brumation and are often held in captivity for research or as pets. Additionally, changing climate has influenced the brumation period of temperate reptiles including garter snakes all across North America. Understanding how natural populations may respond to changing environmental conditions such as shorter winters is important for conservation of the ecosystem. This study examined the health implications of artificially inducing brumation in garter snakes (Thamnophis elegans) for a shorter period than they would normally experience in nature. To evaluate the effects of a shorter artificial brumation, pre and post brumation values for body condition index (BCI), circulating triglycerides (energy availability), d-ROMs (oxidative status), and leukocyte differentials (immune capacity and activity) were measured in a laboratory setting. Snakes were held in individual enclosures prior to, during, and after brumation. The artificial brumation lasted six weeks with gradual temperature transitions on each end for a total of ten weeks. After brumation feeding success increased by a large margin, and no short-term effects were detected in any metrics of health. Prior to brumation, females had a negative relationship between body BCI and d-ROMs while males did not, possible reflecting differences in reproductive investment. These results may indicate that artificial brumation of a shorter duration does not have significant negative effects on health and may be a means of stimulating appetite in captive garter snakes.

Recommended Citation

Papa, Preston, "Influence of Induced Brumation on Health and Stress Indicators in Captive Thamnophis elegans" (2026). Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects. 1119.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/honors/1119