Southwestern Oklahoma State University
10/24/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/24/2025 13:39
SWOSU Researchers Study Rattlesnake Predator Interactions at Wichita Mountains
Dr. Renan Bosque and Jonathan Almanza walk through the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge during fieldwork.
Researchers from SWOSU recently conducted fieldwork at the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, retrieving camera traps and snake replicas that had been deployed earlier this summer. The project is jointly led by Dr. Renan Bosque and Dr. Daniel Rocha, faculty members in SWOSU's Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences. They were joined by undergraduate student Jonathan Almanza for the field recovery effort.
The visit marked a key milestone in a study examining predator interactions with venomous snakes. Since mid-June, 10 lifelike rattlesnake replicas were installed across the refuge and monitored using camera traps to collect data on predator behavior.
Dr. Renan Bosque documents a recovered camera trap during the final day of fieldwork.
One of the lifelike rattlesnake replicas used in the study, placed near a tree base.
Dr. Daniel Rocha and Jonathan Almanza record field notes near a camera trap site.
"Our goal is to understand how visual signaling and ecological context influence predator behavior," said Dr. Bosque. "This research helps us explore how warning signals and background matching co-evolve as components of antipredator defense strategies in venomous snakes."
The camera traps recorded predator activity over the study period, providing valuable footage for behavioral analysis. In addition to addressing the study's core questions, the data will contribute to a growing inventory of mammal species present in the refuge-part of an ongoing research initiative led by Dr. Rocha focused on mammal communities in the Wichita Mountains.
This hands-on research experience also supports SWOSU's commitment to integrating fieldwork into undergraduate education, offering students like Jonathan Almanza the opportunity to engage directly with ecological research and conservation efforts. The Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences supports these opportunities through a curriculum and faculty-led projects that develop both scientific understanding and practical skills, preparing students for careers in biology, health sciences, environmental management, and other related fields.
To learn more about the SWOSU Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, visit https://www.swosu.edu/biological-sciences/index.php.
About Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) was founded in 1901 and offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across three locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon. The university serves over 5,000 scholars and prides itself on affordability, small class sizes, and over 200 faculty and staff committed to helping students achieve their academic and personal goals.
Thinking about becoming a Bulldog?
Choosing the right university comes with plenty of questions about applications, costs, and campus life. At SWOSU, students benefit from strong programs, a supportive community, and plenty of opportunities to get involved. This FAQ highlights answers to some of the questions students most often ask when considering SWOSU.
FAQs
How to apply to SWOSU?Start your application process by visiting SWOSU's admissions page to choose the path that fits you to submit your application!
To learn more, visit the SWOSU Admissions page.
For graduate degrees, you submit your application through the Graduate Application Portal and include transcripts and immunization records. Deadlines vary by program.
To learn more, visit the Graduate School Admissions page.
Tuition rates for SWOSU vary based on residency status and credit hours. For the most accurate and current tuition information, please refer to the official SWOSU Tuition and Fees page.
SWOSU welcomes transfer students! Requirements depend on hours completed: if under 24 hours, submit an application, test scores, and transcripts. For more than 24 hours, submit your application, transcript(s), and immunization records. A GPA of 1.7 is required for up to 30 hours; 2.0 is required beyond that.
To learn more, visit the Transfer Students page.
SWOSU offers a range of financial assistance, including scholarships, grants, and loans. These can come from academic departments, foundations, or federal and state resources.
To learn more, visit the Scholarships & Grants page.
SWOSU's "In-State + $1 Tuition Program" allows non-resident (including transfer and international) students to pay the in-state tuition rate plus $1 per credit hour. No extra application is needed. Savings can exceed $3,450 per semester (based on 15 credit hours).
Note: this rate applies to tuition only, not fees, housing, meal plan, or books. To learn more, visit the In-State + $1 Tuition page.
Yes! SWOSU offers graduate programs in areas such as Education, Business, Nursing, Allied Health, and more.
To learn more, visit the Graduate School Admissions page.
Yes. SWOSU offers online courses and degree options across undergraduate and graduate levels to give students flexibility with their schedules.
To learn more, visit our SWOSU Online page.
On-campus housing includes traditional residence halls and apartment-style living. These options offer amenities like meal plans, laundry, and social spaces.
To learn more, visit our Residential Life page.
SWOSU hosts more than 90 student clubs and organizations-ranging from Chemistry Club, Scuba Club, League of Legends Club, Honors Association, Spanish Club, to Faith-based, academic, and recreational groups.
To learn more, visit the Student Organizations page.
SWOSU offers services including academic advising, tutoring, writing support, health and counseling services, financial aid assistance, residence life, library, and more.
To learn more, visit the Student Services page.
Southwestern Oklahoma State University published this content on October 24, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on October 24, 2025 at 19:39 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]