ABSTRACT
Four species of whipsnakes (genus Masticophis) occur in the US methods for whipsnakes are applicable to various other snake species which aggregate for hibernation. Methods for whipsnakes are applicable to various other snake species which aggregate for hibernation. The fencing method allows direct enumeration of almost entire populations and highly accurate demographic data. Whipsnakes arrive at dens in autumn during September and October and emerge in spring from late March or early April through May, depending on local weather. Most use the same den year after year. Recently hatched young usually do not use communal hibernacula, thus requiring separate sampling with traps.
