Development of antipredator responses in snakes: II. Effects of recent feeding on defensive behaviors of juvenile garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis).

The effect of having eaten a large meal (50% of body weight) on the defensive behavior of juvenile garter snakes (Thamnophis sirtalis)was investigated. Twenty-five 10-wk-old snakes were tested for antipredator responses (strikes) directed toward a threatening stimulus (moving and nonmoving human hand) before and after having eaten a large worm segment. Snakes directed significantly (p < .001) more strikes at both moving and nonmoving stimuli when tested 4 hr after feeding, but the number of snakes fleeing from the stimuli was not affected.