The Hibernation Project

[Catherine]

I imagine they are not bringing them from too far away. So it is possible that some would return to their old sites. However, if they emerge from the new hibernation chamber and find a habitat that works for them, they could stay in the area and feed. When the fall would bring cooler weather they could return to the new hibernation chamber. 
They are not sure what the snakes will do. that is why they are doing this so carefully. Some of the snakes could stay in the area. Even one breeding pair would make a difference.


https://ontarionature.org/programs/citiz...assasauga/


They give live birth in late summer so any babies born in an area would need to hibernate there. Getting even a few to relocate would help increase the numbers and introduce some genetic diversity. It is an interesting project and it could work. If it does then they can use what they have learned to help relocate other snake species. 

I am thinking the snakes would stay where they emerged from hibernation. That would be the ideal.