Snakes often slither into our minds as solitary creatures, cold-blooded loners indifferent to companionship. Popular culture frequently portrays them as menacing and asocial, reinforcing the idea that they are beings to be feared and misunderstood. However, a fascinating recent study is challenging these long-held beliefs, revealing a surprisingly complex social dimension to the lives of at least one snake species, the Butler’s garter snake. This discovery adds to growing scientific evidence suggesting that snakes are far more nuanced and socially engaged than we typically acknowledge, prompting us to reconsider our perceptions and explore whether this social complexity influences their suitability as pets.
Butler’s garter snake basking in sunlight, showcasing the species studied for social behavior.
Published in the journal Behavioral Ecology in February 2024, research spearheaded by Dr. Morgan Skinner and his team provides compelling evidence of social networking among Butler’s garter snakes. This groundbreaking study, based on an extensive 12-year dataset, reveals that these snakes form intricate social structures dictated by both sex and age. For years, the scientific community has operated under the assumption that snakes lack complex social behaviors, largely due to their elusive nature and the difficulty of observing them in their natural habitats. Unlike mammals or birds that often congregate visibly, snakes are masters of concealment, leading to the perception that they are primarily asocial. So, how did researchers penetrate the private lives of these secretive serpents to uncover their hidden social networks?
Instead of relying on sophisticated new technology, the research team ingeniously utilized existing data from a long-term catch-and-release study. This initial study, conducted between 2009 and 2020, was originally designed to monitor the Butler’s garter snake population in an area undergoing road construction. During this period, snakes were captured, meticulously measured, weighed, their sex determined, and then carefully relocated to a safe zone just 50 meters away from the construction site. Crucially, researchers recorded the precise location and time of each capture.
Group of Butler’s garter snakes together, illustrating the social organization found in the study.
Dr. Skinner and his team harnessed this wealth of data to explore potential social associations. Their methodology was based on the understanding that snakes possess a highly developed sense of smell. Snakes can detect the scent trails left by other snakes in an area for up to two weeks. Therefore, the researchers hypothesized that if multiple snakes were captured within a 50-meter radius and within a 14-day timeframe of each other, they were likely exhibiting some form of association. Using computer programs to visualize social networks, they analyzed the frequency of these “associations” to map out the social landscape of Butler’s garter snakes.
The analysis revealed striking patterns that challenge the notion of snakes as solitary beings. Firstly, the social structure observed was not random. Butler’s garter snakes demonstrated a clear preference for associating with specific individuals, indicating the presence of “acquaintances” or even “friends” within their communities. Secondly, and perhaps most significantly, the study found that snakes preferentially associated with others of the same sex and similar age. Older female snakes emerged as central figures in these social networks, boasting the largest number of associations and often acting as focal points for younger snakes. In fact, younger snakes were observed to frequently follow older females. Conversely, the study revealed that as male snakes aged, they tended to become less social. The researchers proposed that sexually mature males might reduce social interaction to minimize direct competition with other males, opting for a more solitary existence. However, it’s important to note that younger males, and some males even into adulthood, still engaged in social behaviors.
Interestingly, other species of garter snakes, like the red-sided garter snake, are famously known for their mass gatherings at communal hibernacula, such as the Narcisse Snake Dens in Manitoba, Canada. These dens see thousands of snakes congregate together for overwintering, further hinting at social tolerance or even benefits in certain snake species.
One of the most compelling findings of Dr. Skinner’s research was the potential link between social integration and health benefits. The study indicated that snakes who were part of a social network exhibited better body condition compared to their more solitary counterparts. This suggests an evolutionary advantage to social behavior in garter snakes. Researchers theorize that community membership could offer benefits such as enhanced protection from predators, improved thermoregulation through communal basking, and the potential for information sharing regarding resources like shelter or foraging locations. However, the study authors carefully emphasize that the observed relationship is correlational, not necessarily causal. While social connections might indeed benefit snake health, it’s also plausible that healthier snakes are simply more inclined to socialize, while less healthy snakes may isolate themselves, perhaps to avoid competition or due to illness.
Described by Science magazine as “the most extensive field study of snake sociality ever carried out,” this research marks a significant shift in our understanding of snake behavior. As Dr. Robert Mason of Oregon State University noted in Science, it opens “a whole new avenue of research that I don’t think people have really given any thought to.” This study convincingly demonstrates that snakes, at least Butler’s garter snakes, are not the asocial loners they are often depicted as. It also provides a valuable, straightforward methodology for future studies into the often-overlooked social lives of these fascinating reptiles.
Implications for Snakes as “Social Pets”?
While this study doesn’t directly address whether snakes are social pets in the traditional sense of dogs or cats, it does offer valuable insights that are relevant to reptile enthusiasts and potential snake owners. The finding that snakes, even in the wild, engage in complex social behaviors challenges the simplistic view of them as purely solitary animals. This nuanced understanding can encourage a more enriched approach to snake care in captivity.
Although Butler’s garter snakes might exhibit social tendencies in the wild, it’s crucial to understand that keeping multiple snakes together in captivity requires careful consideration and is not always recommended, particularly for novice reptile keepers. Overcrowding or incompatible pairings can lead to stress, competition for resources, and even aggression. Many popular pet snake species, such as ball pythons or corn snakes, are generally considered solitary and thrive when housed individually, provided their environmental and enrichment needs are met.
However, understanding the social complexities of snakes in the wild can inform how we provide enrichment and stimulate their natural behaviors in captivity. Providing varied environments, offering opportunities for exploration and hiding, and understanding species-specific needs are crucial aspects of responsible snake ownership. While we may not be providing them with “social” companionship in the human sense, creating stimulating and enriching environments is key to their well-being.
Conclusion
The groundbreaking research on Butler’s garter snakes compels us to reconsider our preconceived notions about snake behavior. These reptiles are not simply asocial creatures; they engage in complex social networks, form preferences, and potentially derive health benefits from their communities. While the question of whether snakes are “social pets” remains complex and species-dependent, this study underscores the importance of continued research into reptile behavior and the need for informed and nuanced approaches to their care, both in the wild and in our homes. It highlights that even creatures we perceive as vastly different from ourselves can possess rich and intricate social lives, waiting to be unveiled.
