We conducted a study to test whether funnel traps anchored to brash piles constructed at the edge of aquatic habitats largely devoid of cover would increase the catchability of semi-aquatic snakes in these systems. Brush pile traps captured significantly more snakes and potential snake prey than traps placed in the water along pond banks in 2000, but not in 2001. Changes in pond hydrology during 2001 may explain these disparate results. Additionally, we used quantitative and anecdotal data from our study as well as others in the literature to provide a critical and broad overview of funnel trapping for snakes in aquatic habitats. We conclude that trap design and deployment must address snake mortality and caution against using funnel traps in studies of diet, habitat use, activity, and growth as snakes may actively seek out and forage on prey sequestered in traps.
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