tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54056887160111248272024-03-21T07:42:09.545-07:00Rattlesnake Education and AwarenessA blog dedicated to the education of the plight of North America's most vilified creatures......SNAKES!Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5405688716011124827.post-34727534252883319052013-11-17T18:42:00.002-08:002021-05-03T15:35:18.319-07:00Diamondback Watersnake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Diamondback Watersnakes (<i>Nerodia rhombifer</i>) are a large thick-bodied, defensive, often ill-tempered snake. They are common in NW Missouri and are found living in aquatic habitats right alongside Northern watersnakes (<i>Nerodia sipedon</i>). They get their common name from the diamond-like pattern that runs the entire length of the body. They range in color from light brown, gray or olive-yellow. There will be 30 to 65 black markings covering their body and the belly will be either yellow or cream color. They reach lengths up to 63 inches but average length is typically 36 to 43 inches. In Northwest Missouri this snake is common to abundant in areas where they occur such as Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge. I make frequent trips to this refuge and almost always see this species upon each visit. Late in the season, around August and September it is common to find the juveniles basking along the ten mile auto tour route.<br />
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(Juvenile Diamondback Watersnake)</div>
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Mating takes place in the spring, usually in April or May. Females will bask on logs and along the shore of waterways warming the young she carries inside. This species gives birth to live babies sometime in August or September. Average litter size will be approximately 36 neonates. Not all offspring will survive to adulthood. Most in fact will be picked off by predators which range from owls, hawks, herons, foxes, raccoons, cats, large bullfrogs, fish, turtles. </div>
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Diamondback watersnakes eat mostly aquatic prey which includes fish, frogs, tadpoles, and possibly small turtles. Game species are not generally on the menu as they are too fast for the snake to capture, instead they feed on rough fish. However they will consume game fish if found injured or deceased. Carrion seems to make up a significant portion of their diet.This species is especially adept at eating bullhead and other catfish. Even with the spines that these fish possess it does not seem to deter the snake in the least. I have witnessed these snakes with catfish whiskers protruding from their throat. They seem able to recover from what would appear to be a life threatening situation without any ill affects at all. Special lateral areas located along the trunk or upper portion of the body are super sensitive to touch, much like the lateral-line system a shark uses. The slightest touch against these lateral areas will cause the snake to lash out in a rapid sideways motion in a strike response to possible prey. This creates an increase in their ability to capture prey as they cruise along shorelines. Often frogs will hop erratically when disturbed and instead of jumping out of dangers way will run headlong into the very thing it is trying to get away from. These snakes rarely miss a meal when it hops so willingly into their midst. </div>
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(Diamondback watersnake trying to remain hidden from predators while scoping the area for possible food)</div>
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These snakes are often confused with Cottonmouths and needlessly killed. As far as I am concerned anytime humans are killing snakes it is a senseless and needless act. It is especially so for watersnakes. They do share the same watery environs as cottonmouths (A.K.A. water moccasins) which contributes in part to the confusion. Watersnakes by nature are quick to defend themselves from possible threats. They will flatten their heads and bodies and are prone to strike. If handled they will spray copious amounts of musk mixed with fecal matter. This often "aggressive" behavior causes people to think that they are faced with a venomous snake. For some reason, and I can't figure out why, people associate aggression or defensive behavior in snakes with venom. </div>
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In reality all too often venomous snakes are calm and well mannered whereas harmless watersnakes can give even the most experienced snake handler a run for their money. Another feature of watersnakes is a diamond or triangular shaped head. This is also associated with venomous snakes. While it is true that many venomous snakes possess heads that are diamond-shaped, so do many non-venomous snakes. This is not an accurate way to identify a venomous species. I've seen black rat snakes, under the right circumstances appear to have diamond-shaped heads. </div>
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(Diamondback watersnake showing a very definite diamond or triangular shaped head)</div>
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These snakes will often pester fisherman by chasing their catch while it is still attached to the fishing pole. They will try to eat fish on stringers and many times I've heard reports of these snakes coming completely out of the water attached to the fish at the end of a pole. This can be a bit unsettling if you are the fisherman, especially if you have a distinct fear or dislike of snakes. This fear can be amplified if you mistakenly believe that you are being faced with a cottonmouth. Try to remain calm and cut your line releasing both the fish and the snake. Please try to refrain from killing the snake. Remember the snake is only trying to survive and your fish on the line appears to be struggling prey and is easy pickings for a hungry snake. Keep in mind snakes that exhibit this type of behavior are watersnakes NOT cottonmouths. I've never heard of cottonmouths behaving in this manner. Watersnakes deserve a chance to live as an important component in the ecosystems where they occur. They are vital to the food chain both as prey and predator. They keep aquatic habitats healthier by eating weakened fish and carrion. They control bullfrog populations which can over populate areas where they exist. This creates a whole separate ecological problem, especially if you are red-legged frogs out west.</div>
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These snakes often travel over land to find suitable habitats. When current conditions are no longer favorable or food sources run low they will move to other areas, often great distances to find suitable resources. They are commonly found in wetlands, marshes, temporary watering holes, ponds, lakes and small rivers. If the areas they are in dry up they will move to temporary wetlands, then when the rains begin again and their home range becomes habitable again they will return. During rainy seasons they will often hunt in wet grasslands. These snakes will travel to hibernation sites that may be shared by other species. They will also use crawfish burrows to hibernate in. During one of my trips to Squaw Creek I visited one of their wet prairies to look for Massasauga Rattlesnakes. I did not find any rattlesnakes but I did find a large diamondback watersnake basking near a crawfish burrow. I cautiously approached and the snake did not move. As I got closer I was surprised that this snake did not lunge at me or act ornery in any way. Then it became apparent why. This particular snake was dead. It did not have any visible wounds, burns or other apparent reason for its demise. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhyphenhyphend0f256B-8ulNUQTUvYa7cZCaFz0vQ_yk2os9t81e0EjruOVQGJVrZQszuN21HU-c_RoPxBq5P7n_5tsWdHhlE_eDYYRqD2uBMf54ntr3trq5g3bCDyrr9Qe5MwGwWFZCLN4o_qlxSM/s1600/diamondback+watersnake+dead.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHhyphenhyphend0f256B-8ulNUQTUvYa7cZCaFz0vQ_yk2os9t81e0EjruOVQGJVrZQszuN21HU-c_RoPxBq5P7n_5tsWdHhlE_eDYYRqD2uBMf54ntr3trq5g3bCDyrr9Qe5MwGwWFZCLN4o_qlxSM/s320/diamondback+watersnake+dead.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The image at left is the snake in question. I spoke to the wildlife biologist from the refuge and he felt that the snake probably died from exposure due to the recent burn they had done on the prairie. Maybe a type of smoke inhalation. Either that or it could have died from exposure to the cold night time temperatures. Often snakes begin coming out of hibernation in March and will stay near their hibernation sites. If they happen to wander too far out and cannot get back to shelter before freezing temperatures return they may perish.All of us living in the Midwest know how rapidly weather conditions can change here. In the spring we can go from 65 degrees to 35 degrees within a single day. Whatever caused this, it didn't fare well for the snake. Other potential issues are things like fungal infections or diseases. There is a fungus that is attacking snakes all across North America. It was first noticed in rattlesnakes, but has since been found in other species including watersnakes. Often these snakes exhibit white, powdery-like substances on their scales or will show signs of having eye problems. Still other times they show no outward signs of fungus at all. I found a diamondback watersnake on the road at the refuge that had a definite eye issue. I didn't immediately think of it as a fungal infection. I thought it was a series of bad sheds. Often snakes have trouble shedding and an accumulation of shed skins may be found on one or more eye. I photographed the snake and then later wondered if it could be a fungal issue. I submitted the photo to several experts and none could agree. Some said definite fungal infections and others said that it was a bad eye shed. So I have no definitive answer, but will post the image for your consideration.</div>
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While these snakes are prone to bite, the wounds are generally superficial. Although because of a special enzyme they possess in their saliva the bite may bleed profusely. Simply wash the wound and cover it with a bandage and you should have no ill affects. Unwashed wounds however can cause infections; keep in mind what snakes are eating. Dead animals, fish and other aquatic animals. </div>
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One of my favorite things to do is to take children out and explore. We often find snakes and I encourage kids to watch and even sometimes catch snakes to get a closer look. We always return them where we find them, unless of course we find them on the road then we place them somewhere safe away from road traffic. Allowing children to explore in a safe manner and be allowed to touch and admire these creatures creates a life long love of nature. Remember these children are the future voice of the natural world.</div>
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Instead of killing or maiming something we do not understand, lets refrain from what might be our natural response to the unknown and marvel at the diversity of the natural World and try to appreciate all the creatures that call it home.</div>
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Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5405688716011124827.post-36230585952304446782013-10-29T19:40:00.000-07:002013-10-29T19:40:16.403-07:00Western Fox Snake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Missouri is home to more than 50 types of snakes and one of my favorites is the Western Fox Snake. They are not common in Missouri, they occur in a few isolated populations and one such population is at Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge. At the refuge their numbers seem to be secure if not abundant. I've found several specimens at various times of the year, usually basking or crossing the road. Although we did find one hanging out in a hemp plant on top of a creek bank. Dr. Mills was able to capture it and show it to his students. It behaved remarkably docile and allowed us to handle it without offering to bite. This is not true however of every fox snake you will encounter. I've found them to be rather nippy and irritable. I assume just like humans or other animals each individual will have their own unique temperament. <br />
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(Fox Snake hidden in a hemp plant)</div>
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(Dr. Mills showing his skill at capturing a wild snake without being bitten)</div>
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(Success)</div>
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(beautiful fox snake)</div>
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Western Fox Snakes like many other animals have gone through a name change. They were classified as <i>Elaphe vulpina</i>, now they are referred to as <i>Pantherophis vulpina</i>. They are closely related to rat snakes and corn snakes. As juvenile snakes they so closely resemble black rat snakes that I personally have a difficult time differentiating them.</div>
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(Western Fox Snake)</div>
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(Black Rat Snake)</div>
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As you can see by the above photos these snakes are very similar in appearance in the juvenile stage. It isn't until they reach the age of about 3 years that they begin taking on their adult color form.</div>
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(Black Rat Snake adult (<i>Pantheropis obsoletus</i>)</div>
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While Western Fox Snakes are not especially common in Missouri, in much of their range they are considered abundant. In parts of Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Illinois, Iowa and Indiana these snakes are secure in their population. In Missouri however they are protected as a threatened species. Missouri wildlife law states that an individual can own up to 5 reptiles or amphibians as long as they are not game species, venomous or protected. Fox snakes would be illegal to possess. </div>
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Habitat for this species varies considerably, they may be found in woodlands, prairies, hay fields or pastures. Squaw Creek is predominantly a wetland, they seem to thrive there in the wet prairies. Like other rat snakes they are opportunistic feeders, and will consume small rabbits, rodents, and birds. Like many snakes their diet as juvenile will vary some from the adult diet. They may feed on lizards, frogs and salamanders in addition to the rodents their adult counterparts seem to favor. </div>
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Soon after coming out of winter hibernation males will seek females and mating will occur. </div>
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Approximately a month after mating the female will seek a suitable site for her eggs. She may choose an old stump or hollow log, or even man made mulch piles and other man made litter. The temperature and moisture within the nest needs to be ideal to prevent dessication. In 2 months small, foot long, babies will emerge from the nest. The clutch may contain from 4 to 30 eggs depending upon the age and health of the mother. These juvenile snakes are perfectly equipped for life on their own and will receive no maternal care. Not all baby snakes survive to adulthood, in fact less than 10% survive the onslaught of predators. When you are a baby snake, everything wants to eat you, including foxes, skunks, other snakes, owls, hawks, eagles, coyotes, raccoons, and large bullfrogs. We all recognize that snakes are predators, they help keep rodent populations in check as well as controlling other small animal populations. They are key components in the habitats where they occur both as predator and prey. </div>
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Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5405688716011124827.post-16879254200085447812013-09-09T16:27:00.000-07:002013-09-09T16:31:05.133-07:00American 5-Lined Skink<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyk3m7GFuYaw4vrRhpFMZyD0JAqtEfIMlfHtreGENkDC6efms-bMuRcYY8uukQMps6_coKwusgGlAMnMCJP_G5Z8inreUMj3moIV9sJn7O71vnfmW_Q8MlSS_GJ_bKgAVLV_np-cbNFGI/s1600/skink3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeyk3m7GFuYaw4vrRhpFMZyD0JAqtEfIMlfHtreGENkDC6efms-bMuRcYY8uukQMps6_coKwusgGlAMnMCJP_G5Z8inreUMj3moIV9sJn7O71vnfmW_Q8MlSS_GJ_bKgAVLV_np-cbNFGI/s400/skink3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Lizards are not real common in NW Missouri where I live. In fact we are pretty much limited to a few skinks and a racerunner. Typically the species that we see most frequently are the 5-lined skinks (<i>Plestiodon fasciatus</i>). They are commonly found under rocks, leaf litter, log piles or other refuges that make hiding easy. If water is nearby so much the better. In years of extreme drought like we've experienced the last couple of years they are much harder to find. While sweeping the porch off the other day a juvenile 5-lined skink darted out from under the welcome mat and disappeared in a crack in the foundation of the house. This caused my husband who was standing nearby to jump back a few feet as it startled him.....which made me laugh. This tiny lizard, barely 4 inches in length caused a grown man a moments fright. His excuse was he didn't know what it was. I think he thought it was going to go up his pant leg, which I must admit would have made me howl in laughter had it happened. All that was seen was a streak of blue as it vanished. As juvenile lizards they have a gorgeous bright blue tail and bright highly visible stripes. As they age these stripes fade as does the blue tail. <br />
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These skinks are relatively small for lizards and may reach lengths up to 8.5 inches from the tip of their nose to the tip of their tail. Adult males are typically larger than females. Females usually retain some of the striped pattern from their juvenile stage, although it will be faded whereas males become almost uniform brown or olive-brown in color. Some individual males in certain populations may retain some visible stripes. The most distinctive feature of the male is his bright orange head during breeding season.<br />
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Mating takes place in early spring, usually in April. The female will lay eggs in May or June. She will choose a nesting site with appropriate moisture and seclusion. This will typically be inside rotting logs or under log piles or stones. She will remain with the eggs, guarding them from potential predators.This increases the survival rate of her offspring, even though it may put her in some increased danger of predation. Several days after the eggs hatch she will leave the young and they will remain on their own armed with all the survival skills they need. Providing predators do not capture them they will live several years.<br />
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Males can be very aggressive when defending their territories. They will chase other males off or stand their ground and fight. It is not uncommon to see males with battle wounds from tangling with other more aggressive males. While males are intolerant of other males within their territory, they do tolerate females and juveniles and show no aggression towards them. I recently spotted a skink under a piece of tin at our farm. Its skin looked rather odd and I could not decide if it was injured, covered in fungus or trying to shed. I shared the photos with several experts and all agreed that it was shedding. Like snakes and other reptiles skinks will shed their skin. Shedding depends on how much they are eating and growing, as well as on whether or not they have incurred some sort of injury that damaged the skin.<br />
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5-Lined skinks range throughout eastern United States and are very common in Missouri. They require no special conservation status. In Canada they are classified as endangered and it is illegal to own one. In Missouri you can own one as a pet and they are relatively easy to care for, although somewhat secretive. They feed on a wide variety of insects and spiders. </div>
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They are also preyed upon by a wide variety of predators, including skunks, snakes, raccoons, birds, turtles, shrews, domestic cats and many others. These small lizards are an important component in the food chain where they occur, whether as prey or predator. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">(5-Lined skink feeding on daddy longlegs (harvestman))</span></div>
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These fast moving lizards are sometimes difficult to see, but with patience and perseverance you will be rewarded with being able watch one carrying out its daily habits. Whether it is stalking food, chasing off a potential threat or pursuing a female to mate with these lizards or interesting and fun to watch. While it is legal in Missouri to make a pet out of one of these lizards, try to refrain from taking one home and instead leave it be and enjoy the knowledge that they are intriguing and unique inhabitants to the ecosystem where they occur.Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5405688716011124827.post-47031279231636485012013-07-07T19:22:00.002-07:002013-07-07T19:22:58.824-07:00Snake Fungal Disease: The White-Nose Syndrome for Reptiles? By: Matt Miller<!--[if !mso]>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicuyvep7so1I9ld_xAi9xWIqLLa31BtaK87PsREkkI2DxhbHDLX_VjuNUl1IblSEfNaUn_oq7ySS_ZyW7dgNiusk8enTF7ooh0mJ6v6r2RNcK8dq0davO_XwVAr098oDCsFh48BYIdm0QJ/s1600/snake-fungal-disease1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicuyvep7so1I9ld_xAi9xWIqLLa31BtaK87PsREkkI2DxhbHDLX_VjuNUl1IblSEfNaUn_oq7ySS_ZyW7dgNiusk8enTF7ooh0mJ6v6r2RNcK8dq0davO_XwVAr098oDCsFh48BYIdm0QJ/s1600/snake-fungal-disease1.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://blog.nature.org/science/2013/06/11/snake-fungal-disease-the-white-nose-syndrome-for-reptiles/snake-fungal-disease-2/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"><br /></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This milk snake captured in New York
shows signs of fungal and bacterial infections. Could this become a major risk
to snake populations across the United States? Photo: D.E. Green, USGS National
Wildlife Health Center</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By Matt Miller, senior science
writer</span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">While <a href="http://blog.nature.org/science/2013/06/10/snakes-on-a-cliff-rattler-research-in-vermont/"><span style="color: blue;">studying timber rattlesnake movement patterns and habitat
use</span></a> in Vermont, <b>researchers made a surprising discovery</b>:
snakes covered in lesions, particularly around their faces.</span>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Called <a href="http://www.nwhc.usgs.gov/disease_information/other_diseases/snake_fungal_disease.jsp"><span style="color: blue;">snake fungal disease</span></a>, it’s a disease showing up
with increasing frequency in snakes around the eastern and midwestern United
States. <b>Conservationists fear it could pose a similar threat to snakes as
white-nose syndrome in bats.</b></span> That’s a <b>scary comparison</b>: <a href="http://blog.nature.org/conservancy/2012/09/25/bad-days-in-bat-caves/"><span style="color: blue;">white-nose syndrome</span></a> was first documented in 2007
in New York and has since spread widely, <b>killing millions of bats</b> as far
west as Oklahoma. It has recently been raging through caves in the Smoky
Mountains and has been verified in Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave National Park. So
far, despite many efforts at controlling the spread, the disease rages on.
Could snakes face a similar menace?</div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Timber rattlesnakes don’t move as
widely as bats, but <b>they do share some habits</b>. They too hibernate
underground in communal dens—often with other snake species. During
hibernation, immune systems are suppressed. This combination can create a
fertile ground for fungal disease growth and spread.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“<b>There has been a lot of money
spent on white-nose syndrome</b>, and a lot of educational outreach, but so far
they’ve been unable to stop the spread in bats,” says Emily Boedecker, acting
state director for The Nature Conservancy in Vermont. “Snakes are even less
appreciated by the public than bats. An emerging disease is a significant
concern.” The research partnership between the
<a href="http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Vermont
Department of Fish and Wildlife</span></a>, the <a href="http://www.oriannesociety.org/"><span style="color: blue;">Orianne Society</span></a>
and <a href="http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/vermont/index.htm"><span style="color: blue;">The Nature Conservancy</span></a> captured snakes to monitor
their movements through radio telemetry. But they also weighed and measured
snakes, and assessed their health. That’s when researchers found snake fungal
disease. It has never been documented in Vermont before, but now it was turning
up on numerous snakes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Snake fungal disease has been
documented sporadically in the past, <b>but it began showing up with increasing
frequency beginning in 2006.</b> While it has been known to cause mortality,
the effects on snake populations is yet unknown – in large part due to the
secretive nature of snakes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“We have <b>more questions than
answers</b>,” says Dr. Chris Jenkins, executive director of the Orianne
Society. “We don’t know if it’s a big deal yet, but we need to look into it
closely.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Jenkins notes that the disease does
not appear to be spreading like white-nose syndrome; <b>it is appearing in
different parts of the country at the same time.</b> It’s possible that snake
fungal disease is not new but is only now being recognized. “Maybe we just
weren’t looking for it,” he says.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">When they emerge from hibernation, <b>timber
rattlesnakes bask in the sun</b>, which appears to help control the lesions.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Another possibility is that the
disease has always been present, but now has been exacerbated by a change in
environmental conditions, including climate change.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In Vermont, researchers found that
the timber rattlesnake population had relatively low genetic diversity, not
surprising given its isolation. <b>“Low genetic diversity and a fungal disease
is a combination I find very disconcerting,”</b> says Doug Blodgett, a wildlife
biologist for the Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6ikORp5dXomk324WzIR_-cwuxlpPfBVQimq09MguQmJmjXAETZ0zS0GbqF_V25Li1FY0HDduFkT77MCMswoldWdqJ433cOX4yYCWIoIy3IauizZ1OPv8RibmD0PstM9CFUSmYhKwTQOm/s1600/snake-testing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO6ikORp5dXomk324WzIR_-cwuxlpPfBVQimq09MguQmJmjXAETZ0zS0GbqF_V25Li1FY0HDduFkT77MCMswoldWdqJ433cOX4yYCWIoIy3IauizZ1OPv8RibmD0PstM9CFUSmYhKwTQOm/s1600/snake-testing.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Biologist Doug Blodgett captures a
timber rattlesnake in Vermont. While the research is aimed at tracking snake
movements for conservation purposes, it also assesses snake health. Photo: Matt
Miller/TNC</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span> <br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The problem with wildlife diseases –
indeed, any threats to wildlife – is that they are not considered serious
threats until it’s too late. It is difficult to predict what will be a minor
issue and what will devastate millions of animals – as has turned out to be the
case with white-nose syndrome, and fungal diseases impacting amphibians.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">While snake fungal disease was not a
focus of the Vermont research, <b>it may be one of the most important findings</b>.
Hopefully this time conservationists can gather necessary information and develop
strategies to stop the disease before it devastates snake populations.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“We know so little about this
disease, <b>but now we know it’s here and we can start addressing the issue,</b>”
says Blodgett. “We know we can’t ignore it. The past should teach us that.”</span></div>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" SemiHidden="false"
UnhideWhenUsed="false" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
</w:LatentStyles>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]>
<style>
/* Style Definitions */
table.MsoNormalTable
{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";
mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;
mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;
mso-style-noshow:yes;
mso-style-priority:99;
mso-style-qformat:yes;
mso-style-parent:"";
mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;
mso-para-margin-top:0in;
mso-para-margin-right:0in;
mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;
mso-para-margin-left:0in;
line-height:115%;
mso-pagination:widow-orphan;
font-size:11.0pt;
font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";
mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;
mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";
mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;
mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;
mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
</style>
<![endif]-->
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
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" />Matt Miller </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">is a senior science writer for the Conservancy. He writes
features and blogs about the conservation research being conducted by the
Conservancy’s 550 scientists. Matt previously worked for nearly 11 years as
director of communications for the Conservancy’s <a href="http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/idaho/index.htm"><span style="color: blue;">Idaho program</span></a>. He has served on the national
board of directors of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, and has
published widely on conservation, nature and outdoor sports. He has held two
Coda fellowships, assisting conservation programs in Colombia and Micronesia.
An avid naturalist and outdoorsman, Matt has traveled the world in search of
wildlife and stories. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">- See more at:
http://blog.nature.org/science/2013/06/11/snake-fungal-disease-the-white-nose-syndrome-for-reptiles/#sthash.jt9LtP7q.dpuf</span></div>
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<div class="author_desc">
<strong>Matt Miller </strong>is a senior science writer for
the Conservancy. He writes features and blogs about the conservation
research being conducted by the Conservancy’s 550 scientists. Matt
previously worked for nearly 11 years as director of communications for
the Conservancy’s <a href="http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/idaho/index.htm">Idaho program</a>.
He has served on the national board of directors of the Outdoor Writers
Association of America, and has published widely on conservation,
nature and outdoor sports. He has held two Coda fellowships, assisting
conservation programs in Colombia and Micronesia. An avid naturalist
and outdoorsman, Matt has traveled the world in search of wildlife and
stories. </div>
- See more at:
http://blog.nature.org/science/2013/06/11/snake-fungal-disease-the-white-nose-syndrome-for-reptiles/#sthash.jt9LtP7q.dpuf</div>
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<img border="0" src="http://blog.nature.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/matt-head-shot-150x150.jpg" width="75" />
<div class="author_desc">
<strong>Matt Miller </strong>is a senior science writer for
the Conservancy. He writes features and blogs about the conservation
research being conducted by the Conservancy’s 550 scientists. Matt
previously worked for nearly 11 years as director of communications for
the Conservancy’s <a href="http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/idaho/index.htm">Idaho program</a>.
He has served on the national board of directors of the Outdoor Writers
Association of America, and has published widely on conservation,
nature and outdoor sports. He has held two Coda fellowships, assisting
conservation programs in Colombia and Micronesia. An avid naturalist
and outdoorsman, Matt has traveled the world in search of wildlife and
stories. </div>
- See more at:
http://blog.nature.org/science/2013/06/11/snake-fungal-disease-the-white-nose-syndrome-for-reptiles/#sthash.jt9LtP7q.dpuf</div>
Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5405688716011124827.post-83284290873571713052013-06-12T18:57:00.000-07:002013-06-12T19:09:05.457-07:00Silence of Rattlesnake Researchers: Snakes, Culture and Conservation<!--[if !mso]>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">After an extended hiatus from posting on this blog we are finally back and honored to be able feature articles written by Nature Conservancy Senior Science Writer, Matt Miller. Thank you Matt again for offering your talents for our use.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQJ4m6xTKCteYUbmxNyoaOBkReBrpmGwiDasYIVMmVU_Xd5rEdzfjvFoxcn__WB7uJWOgg-gs8hGXyo3LLDHUYZGdw9KRIKKV-lgC5CHE3c-BTEUAUrvgWxw3ukrEbqUGnF4AbMGGo8F-/s1600/Doug-Blodgett.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQJ4m6xTKCteYUbmxNyoaOBkReBrpmGwiDasYIVMmVU_Xd5rEdzfjvFoxcn__WB7uJWOgg-gs8hGXyo3LLDHUYZGdw9KRIKKV-lgC5CHE3c-BTEUAUrvgWxw3ukrEbqUGnF4AbMGGo8F-/s400/Doug-Blodgett.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Wildlife biologist Doug Blodgett is
mum about the locations of rattlesnakes:</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> to protect the snakes from people.
Photo: Matt Miller/TNC</span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By Matt Miller, senior science
writer</span></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Here’s what you quickly learn about
rattlesnake researchers</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: They’re
fearless, but pay obsessive attention to safety. They watch their step. And
they keep their mouths shut.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In fact, when <a href="http://blog.nature.org/science/2013/06/10/snakes-on-a-cliff-rattler-research-in-vermont/"><span style="color: blue;">I joined snake researchers in the field in Vermont</span></a>,
<b>I was practically sworn to secrecy</b>. They asked that I promise not to
reveal specific locations where snakes were found, or use any photos with
revealing landmarks. Snake researchers are silent.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">For good reason</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: they do not want their research to endanger the
rattlesnakes they’re trying to conserve.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Snakes should fear us more than we
fear them.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Snake researchers know this. They
were far more anxious about people discovering their research sites than they
were about handling venomous snakes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It’s no secret that people have
strong (and some have argued innate) feelings about snakes</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. Some take those feelings and act on them. There are those
who hate snakes and round them up, shoot them, spray gasoline down their dens.
There are others who love snakes, who want to interact with them, who want them
as pets, who want to play Croc Hunter.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Both the snake haters and the snake
lovers <b>can harm reptile populations, </b>including Vermont’s endangered
timber rattlesnakes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That’s why the researchers I
recently accompanied – part of a project between the <a href="http://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/"><span style="color: blue;">Vermont
Department of Fish and Wildlife</span></a>, the <a href="http://www.oriannesociety.org/"><span style="color: blue;">Orianne Society</span></a>
and <a href="http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/vermont/index.htm"><span style="color: blue;">The Nature Conservancy</span></a>—were so secretive. <b>They
knew that some people would follow them to research sites,</b> causing
potential havoc for vulnerable timber rattlers.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Vermont paid a bounty on timber
rattlesnakes until 1981, so there are still those who not only kill snakes, but
<b>consider it something of a civic duty</b>.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And while it may seem difficult to
believe for those who consider pets to be cuddly animals like guinea pigs and
golden retrievers, <b>there are those who want to own rattlesnakes</b>. Some
individuals follow researchers to snake hibernation sites, record the location
using GPS and then sell the coordinates to reptile pet enthusiasts. (For an
excellent account of the scope of global reptile trafficking, I recommend Bryan
Christy’s book, <a href="http://www.thelizardkingbook.com/"><i><span style="color: blue;">The Lizard King</span></i></a>).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Rattlesnakes live for 20 to 40
years, and have low reproductive rates,” says Chris Jenkins, executive director
of the Orianne Society, an organization devoted to reptile conservation.
“Removing or killing adults is one of the very worst things you can do to a
population.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But some want to interact with
snakes for less nefarious purposes.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
They are fascinated by these creatures and just want to see them (and
sometimes, handle them). “Many people want to go to a hibernation site just to
interact with snakes,” says wildlife biologist Doug Blodgett with the Vermont
Department of Fish and Wildlife. “But those interactions can harm snakes and
put people at risk.”</span></div>
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<b><span style="color: teal; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Towards a New Relationship with Rattlesnakes</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmF6F0sdt4oi3NFdZ28ECd9i2KJw0K-qeVKeM6QFlK4S455eoS0u_tPYd6OAom-4DtVOtP7D7ZJHTSLapdtwi4Tm6hiAvO0wsO0P4WojrdQTDiG00KV-Kd3AQ9bwmsHdZAJiTIu_xK4EP/s1600/rattlesnake-distance.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbmF6F0sdt4oi3NFdZ28ECd9i2KJw0K-qeVKeM6QFlK4S455eoS0u_tPYd6OAom-4DtVOtP7D7ZJHTSLapdtwi4Tm6hiAvO0wsO0P4WojrdQTDiG00KV-Kd3AQ9bwmsHdZAJiTIu_xK4EP/s1600/rattlesnake-distance.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://blog.nature.org/science/2013/06/12/silence-of-the-rattlesnake-researchers-snakes-culture-and-conservation/rattlesnake-distance/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-no-proof: yes; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-ignore: vglayout;"><br /></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> Give rattlesnakes some space, for
your safety and theirs. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> Photo: Matt Miller/TNC</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It might seem difficult to override
our feelings about snakes</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. As
Edward O. Wilson, David Quammen and others have written, many infants will
shriek in terror when shown a snake. Youngsters don’t have such automatic
reactions when shown more dangerous objects, like guns or poison. Kids have to
be taught to avoid these things. With snakes, there’s an inborn fear—likely
from humanity’s time on the savanna when stepping on a venomous snake would
have very bad consequences.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The cultural hatred of snakes can
run deep. <b>Consider <a href="http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/photobooth/2013/03/slide-show-matt-eichs-photos-of-the-sweetwater-rattlesnake-roundup.html#slide_ss_0=1"><span style="color: blue;">rattlesnake roundups</span></a></b>, where people
capture snakes (often by using gasoline fumes to flush them out of their dens)
and then hold “family events.” Rattlers are subject to all manner of cruelty at
these events.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But <b>education can make a
difference</b>: in Georgia, the Orianne Society replaced a traditional
rattlesnake roundup with an educational festival about snakes. It has been
better attended than the previous event.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In Vermont</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, there are still those who would kill all rattlesnakes
given the chance. As I rode through a small town with Blodgett, a large pickup
pulled up next to us and hissed “SNAKE!” out the window, this despite
Blodgett’s secrecy about the project. Some local residents believe the
researchers are stocking snakes, a fairly common conspiracy theory wherever
rattlesnakes are found.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Still, most people recognize timber
rattlesnakes as an important part of the Appalachian Mountains. They are happy
to know the rattlers are out there but don’t need interactions.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But what if a rattlesnake ends up in
your backyard?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> The research partners have been
handing out refrigerator magnets and <a href="http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/vermont/timber-rattlesnake-tnc-os-fwd-vraa-brochure-final.pdf"><span style="color: blue;">brochures that list licensed snake researchers who will come
and safely remove any rattlesnakes.</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“It’s making a difference,” says
Blodgett. “People know who to call when they have a rattlesnake too close.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Most people will hike by timber
rattlesnakes without even knowing they’re nearby</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. In fact, even snake researchers often have difficulty
finding the snakes, even those with radio transmitters.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you do see a rattlesnake while
out hiking, consider yourself lucky, and enjoy the encounter from a distance. <b>And
consider this</b>: While habitat loss, <a href="http://blog.nature.org/science/2013/06/11/snake-fungal-disease-the-white-nose-syndrome-for-reptiles/"><span style="color: blue;">disease</span></a> and climate change certainly pose risks
to timber rattlesnakes, they also continue to be threatened by human ignorance.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">So give snakes plenty of space</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. After facing too many years of relentless persecution and
bad human behavior, they deserve it.</span></div>
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<div style="left: -1988px; position: absolute; top: -1999px;">
<img border="0" src="http://blog.nature.org/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/matt-head-shot-150x150.jpg" width="75" />
<br />
<div class="author_desc">
<b>Matt Miller </b>is a senior science writer for
the Conservancy. He writes features and blogs about the conservation
research being conducted by the Conservancy’s 550 scientists. Matt
previously worked for nearly 11 years as director of communications for
the Conservancy’s <a href="http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/idaho/index.htm">Idaho program</a>.
He has served on the national board of directors of the Outdoor Writers
Association of America, and has published widely on conservation,
nature and outdoor sports. He has held two Coda fellowships, assisting
conservation programs in Colombia and Micronesia. An avid naturalist
and outdoorsman, Matt has traveled the world in search of wildlife and
stories. </div>
- See more at:
http://blog.nature.org/science/2013/06/12/silence-of-the-rattlesnake-researchers-snakes-culture-and-conservation/#sthash.saxCUflq.dpuf</div>
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<span style="color: #741b47;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Matt Miller </span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">is a senior science writer for the Conservancy. He writes
features and blogs about the conservation research being conducted by the
Conservancy’s 550 scientists. Matt previously worked for nearly 11 years as
director of communications for the Conservancy’s <a href="http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/idaho/index.htm">Idaho program</a>. He has served on the national
board of directors of the Outdoor Writers Association of America, and has
published widely on conservation, nature and outdoor sports. He has held two
Coda fellowships, assisting conservation programs in Colombia and Micronesia.
An avid naturalist and outdoorsman, Matt has traveled the world in search of
wildlife and stories. </span></span></div>
<span style="color: #741b47;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">- See more at:
http://blog.nature.org/science/2013/06/12/silence-of-the-rattlesnake-researchers-snakes-culture-and-conservation/#sthash.saxCUflq.dpuf</span></span>Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5405688716011124827.post-50594621063848205142013-03-01T09:17:00.000-08:002013-03-01T09:19:36.211-08:00Reptiles and Amphibians of the Pine Barrens Part 1<i>Coluber constrictor</i>
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<i>Lampropeltis triangulum</i>
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<i>Pantherophis guttatus</i>
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<i>Rana pipiens</i>
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<i>Terrapene carolina carolina</i>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZOrG3YTCCWs87ytjeRVvSEG5RorroV1S2w_ERW_sv_Dzb9huDUqI8izSvtde43VvTCgESeSMCvamijcGljsI02Vho_XXkgVjBllW5FEohMZIhRB91VpkY2pgJdvmZtNlYW5XJ1Wm0FPo/s1600/easterbox2.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTZOrG3YTCCWs87ytjeRVvSEG5RorroV1S2w_ERW_sv_Dzb9huDUqI8izSvtde43VvTCgESeSMCvamijcGljsI02Vho_XXkgVjBllW5FEohMZIhRB91VpkY2pgJdvmZtNlYW5XJ1Wm0FPo/s320/easterbox2.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNvSCIGd5DTwGHFaunpHdOCQErf938Fpgyp-rV7RMLNqbdCCihex3m-Iq2mBpp8VPU44RVZkN5WHXFDiz_NsRx2YZxvYbKK6g8ZApC4j41n9M7OA4rjCB9yGO4NLDHEyuIvHFRy73kXOE/s1600/easternbox1.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgNvSCIGd5DTwGHFaunpHdOCQErf938Fpgyp-rV7RMLNqbdCCihex3m-Iq2mBpp8VPU44RVZkN5WHXFDiz_NsRx2YZxvYbKK6g8ZApC4j41n9M7OA4rjCB9yGO4NLDHEyuIvHFRy73kXOE/s320/easternbox1.jpg" /></a>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14464494546889042432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5405688716011124827.post-56621630761464551792013-02-14T17:01:00.000-08:002013-02-14T17:13:04.814-08:00Blandings Turtle<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIM7GpmYVNSt3JKNkC6ejUmBrl6xZnP6TxddmQzWildQlofCVX-DWDrxoaifHjgPE2IyxSOSHe4UKVGxSoSbJMdYqvUyBNr2FlNcUN6UCBvtSCmh707hbBTLS5GMCevbzD2tf8vOfkr84/s1600/happy+holler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTIM7GpmYVNSt3JKNkC6ejUmBrl6xZnP6TxddmQzWildQlofCVX-DWDrxoaifHjgPE2IyxSOSHe4UKVGxSoSbJMdYqvUyBNr2FlNcUN6UCBvtSCmh707hbBTLS5GMCevbzD2tf8vOfkr84/s320/happy+holler.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">One of the most critically imperiled turtles
to be found in North America is the Blanding’s Turtle (<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Emydoidea blandingii</i>), named for William Blanding, a Philadelphia naturalist
who first described it. They are found from Ontario, Canada; south to Iowa and
back east as far as New York. There is a small population of about 300 found in
Nova Scotia. The highest population densities are found in the Great Lakes region.
They are listed as state endangered or a species of special concern in nearly
every state they are found in. The biggest threat these turtles face is the loss
of habitat due to agriculture and from major modifications to streams and
rivers, such as dam building. Blanding’s turtles have very specific habitat
requirements that include marshes, sloughs, ponds, lakes, streams, creeks, and
vernal pools with shallow water, soft bottoms and large amounts of aquatic
vegetation. </span></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0FMGs81oncGLXVOpIuuzM8qdqKJZUIYRJ_m1YLXQhHJMS1-_7gwFpW8EQPHSxJ0k5aP_4AYRp2yKNin9MqF-sfsXWcaq7yLBJklZwQgbztSurDMn6h1Jia52eYnVnFSTf8K6MYJcya_8/s1600/racoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik0FMGs81oncGLXVOpIuuzM8qdqKJZUIYRJ_m1YLXQhHJMS1-_7gwFpW8EQPHSxJ0k5aP_4AYRp2yKNin9MqF-sfsXWcaq7yLBJklZwQgbztSurDMn6h1Jia52eYnVnFSTf8K6MYJcya_8/s320/racoon.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">With the draining of these wetlands for
agriculture and other human endeavors the turtle finds it harder and harder to
survive. Added problems this turtle face are cars, predators such as raccoons,
foxes, skunks, and even ants. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Then we must consider that this species reaches
sexual maturity later than most turtles with females reaching sexual maturity
between the ages of 14 to 20 years of age and males at about 12 years of age.
With all these things combined we can begin to understand how this turtle has
suffered such dramatic population declines. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
</span><br />
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<br /></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Blanding’s turtles are semi-aquatic basking
turtles that can be found either in their watery habitats or on land. Typically
they will leave water when seeking new areas to inhabit or when looking for
places to lay their eggs. In the water they are actually poor to average
swimmers and will use the dense aquatic vegetation to support themselves as the
move through the water. They are often found floating among the aquatic plants
or basking on logs, muskrat mounds and other objects within the water. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Blanding’s turtles are medium to large turtles with a carapace length
from 5 to 7 inches, although lengths up to 10 inches have been reported. Males
are larger than females, but females have higher carapaces than males. These
turtles are often mistaken for box turtles because of their high domed
carapaces, and their hinged plastron. </span> </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDDiEfthTf5OFmDZTZXe82SQwOiroAebTCYPNbJ8bonxLy0K5KAlfcSUHE6KcDGwNkhZn0hQLQu1Wg4T6g9eheb3fz4HKIKMySqb3-jqjzZDKnO4palVkdqrSEBZy6wchP3BLZTKExinjh/s1600/blandings+turtle3res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="172" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDDiEfthTf5OFmDZTZXe82SQwOiroAebTCYPNbJ8bonxLy0K5KAlfcSUHE6KcDGwNkhZn0hQLQu1Wg4T6g9eheb3fz4HKIKMySqb3-jqjzZDKnO4palVkdqrSEBZy6wchP3BLZTKExinjh/s320/blandings+turtle3res.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXx30UwW4RypN5fdMKbX3e1bEPCkRcQScfafY3GLlFxm87m8kN6JqTWaFjjuk1xGKpDaGTzr8yA_QYAnw5qmbfeYzFGrT7Ay7CcWVAeByOa96ggYggscCzp8o8-PF2Z4KgwMvaWoyMPXu/s1600/blandings+plastronres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXx30UwW4RypN5fdMKbX3e1bEPCkRcQScfafY3GLlFxm87m8kN6JqTWaFjjuk1xGKpDaGTzr8yA_QYAnw5qmbfeYzFGrT7Ay7CcWVAeByOa96ggYggscCzp8o8-PF2Z4KgwMvaWoyMPXu/s320/blandings+plastronres.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Their carapace is dark in color and may vary
from dark gray to black with small light color spots or small lines in a highly
variable pattern, although some specimens lack any markings at all. The
plastron is yellow with dark blotches on each scute. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The most distinctive characteristic of this
species is the yellow chin and neck. This feature makes identifying them easy
as no other turtle in North America has this bright yellow neck and chin. They
often look as if they are smiling, which in my opinion gives them an adorable,
charming appearance. </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This species also has an extremely long neck
and are often referred to as long-neck turtles and are lumped in with another long-neck
turtle called the Chicken Turtle which is also critically endangered in much of
their range. Blanding’s turtles are the only species in the genus <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Emydoidea</i> even though they share the
same long-necked characteristic as the chicken turtle they are not particularly
closely related.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYJA8yP8wCQWhjfKHnBd-gJ2U0D6hjn6oybujmozxQnr77p5baPFX0qDRr-043XGyjxXRSYsKS5vmDB8OH_UT2fqY1Kos1NEE7DbmBd3XQIiL2p7l6r1jSNIzBkcfUsJDNTCt0DUEZF9b/s1600/blandings+1res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsYJA8yP8wCQWhjfKHnBd-gJ2U0D6hjn6oybujmozxQnr77p5baPFX0qDRr-043XGyjxXRSYsKS5vmDB8OH_UT2fqY1Kos1NEE7DbmBd3XQIiL2p7l6r1jSNIzBkcfUsJDNTCt0DUEZF9b/s1600/blandings+1res.jpg" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Mating takes place between April and June when males approach females.
There is not much of a courtship to speak of; males typically push females to
the bottom of their watery home. If the female tries to flee the male, he will
chase her and grasp her shell with his claws. He will hold onto her carapace
with the claws of all four feet and position himself so as to line up their
cloacal openings. Mating will last approximately 15 to 30 minutes. Sometime
between June and July the female will search for a suitable location on land to
lay her eggs. She will dig a shallow, flask shaped hole and deposit 6 to 20
eggs. She may lay up to 2 or 3 clutches in a single season. The eggs incubate
for up to 80 days.</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> The young will leave the nest and move towards the nearest
water source. In some areas it has been reported (although rare) that they
spend the entire winter in the nest and emerge the following spring. It can be
assumed they have special adaptations within their blood that allows them to
survive the freezing temperatures of winter. Many turtles, like painted turtles
have blood that contains a chemical much like anti-freeze and will spend the
winter encased in the underground nest. </span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The biggest threat to these turtle eggs
is predators such as raccoons, and foxes. As many as 84% of the eggs laid by
the Blanding’s turtles may fall victim to predation. Ants can also destroy a
batch of newly laid eggs, as well small burrowing rodents like chipmunks. Once
the eggs hatch they are still not out of danger from predation, as foxes,
raccoons, skunks, opossums, and large birds like herons and crows all savor
baby turtles. Females traveling on land often cross roadways to seek suitable </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">nesting sites and are hit by careless drivers.
This takes a devastating toll on the future success of this species. Even a
loss of 1 to 2 percent of adult turtles can have long lasting impacts on future
generations. </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">It is common for this species to live more
than 50 years and there are reports of specimens exceeding 70 plus years. Their
reproductive cycle does not slow down with age; in fact quite the opposite is
true. The older, more mature females produce larger litters and are likely to
mate more frequently. The ability of this turtle to live to a ripe old age and
to continue to reproduce throughout its life may be the only saving grace for
this species. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">In Missouri where I live there are only a few
populations in three counties reported in the entire state. One of those
locations is Squaw Creek NWR in Holt County. In June a female was found
crossing the roadway near one of the wetlands. It was captured, and had a
transmitter secured to its shell. This is the first Blanding’s to be tagged in
over 20 years on the refuge. This species is rarely encountered on the refuge,
so this particular turtle caused much excitement among the refuge biologist,
Darrin Welchert, and our local herpetologist Dr. Mills and the rest of us who
were privy to the situation. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xkc7p4Jt7myu9qhAoa9ManRlMxCcXftFmbHRQS4EufAiBtaDgRwhF9p4OYzuLq0Jqo1yYW-K7p0umf5lm_yu-P3Nk52KLAJvo5vEVKjq9-Z_g9NoP8_EpPLnJXf2Us1mXsAw0iYsWiK7/s1600/drmils+looking+for+turtle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5xkc7p4Jt7myu9qhAoa9ManRlMxCcXftFmbHRQS4EufAiBtaDgRwhF9p4OYzuLq0Jqo1yYW-K7p0umf5lm_yu-P3Nk52KLAJvo5vEVKjq9-Z_g9NoP8_EpPLnJXf2Us1mXsAw0iYsWiK7/s320/drmils+looking+for+turtle.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The next day after it was tagged it was found
within 25 yards of where it was released. Two days after being released it was
300 yards away!!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This illustrates this species ability to
travel great distances. Skipping even one day of searching for this tagged
turtle could result in losing it and the transmitter for good. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">(Dr. Mills using transmitter to locate turtle)</span></span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Over the course of several weeks numerous
trips were made to the refuge to locate the turtle. It was found within a 300
yard radius of its original release location each time. Several weeks ago</span>,
<span style="font-size: 12pt;">Dr.
Mills picked up the signal of the turtle and discovered that the transmitter
had somehow fallen off the shell. To say everyone was disappointed would be an
understatement as much knowledge stood to be gained about this species and
their habits on the refuge by following the day to day activities of this
single turtle. Hopefully next spring will yield an additional turtle and
barring any problems we will be able to start the study anew. </span></span></div>
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</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The diet of the Blanding’s is varied and includes crawdads, fish, frogs,
tadpoles, leeches, insects and some aquatic vegetation. In most of the range
crawdads seems to make up the bulk of their diet.</span></span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2p1tvtG-JrSWkXITmCsqiY8f7Yz1DY-eiV2cTHit09PI6Ag80crTQzAXv9m4JjCAPiScVl-rNT7XNFqduTbbraENL-q8d5c3jB90txJDQIGr6iyu3qGosHt-PKO4ceG2hJEAWx-8rjk8/s1600/crawdad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-2p1tvtG-JrSWkXITmCsqiY8f7Yz1DY-eiV2cTHit09PI6Ag80crTQzAXv9m4JjCAPiScVl-rNT7XNFqduTbbraENL-q8d5c3jB90txJDQIGr6iyu3qGosHt-PKO4ceG2hJEAWx-8rjk8/s320/crawdad.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Blanding’s, like all turtles that occur in
colder climates hibernate during the winter and will submerge themselves in the
water and lay dormant on the bottom in the mud and silt. Their heart rate slows
down and their bodies become inactive as they wait out the cold weather.
However they seem to tolerate cold weather better than many water turtles and
have often been found swimming below the ice along the shoreline of their
watery homes. In Missouri they may become active again with the first thaw as
early as March. Further north it may be the end of April before they begin
showing signs of activity. During the hottest days of summer they typically
stop feeding and once again go dormant in a form of summer-time hibernation
known as aestivation. This heat induced inactivity may last a month or more,
but will usually end when cooler temperatures return in the early fall. They
will start eating again to put on fat reserves that will see them through their
long winter hibernation. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Much consideration should be given before
land development takes place in areas where known populations of these turtles
are located. Some areas have had success with artificial habitats in helping
secure areas for this turtle to reproduce and live. As nearly all states
provide some sort of protection for this species, anyone planning to alter
these habitats should be made responsible for creating alternate areas for
these turtles to live. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOKHsVTqcJu0WfTZA5ddOwtjOOQZYNnbfwN_lwYHae4dGmbEVDlPFVbb3l8R9zJfqQK2QXgfU2ZNSFIfgWPlkrpBGLhQ_awYoXcuVaYAl9KdeSgNSB5PyW6bj6wUvzUnG3WVvXzVPTMbx/s1600/sunset+squaw+Creek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilOKHsVTqcJu0WfTZA5ddOwtjOOQZYNnbfwN_lwYHae4dGmbEVDlPFVbb3l8R9zJfqQK2QXgfU2ZNSFIfgWPlkrpBGLhQ_awYoXcuVaYAl9KdeSgNSB5PyW6bj6wUvzUnG3WVvXzVPTMbx/s320/sunset+squaw+Creek.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We all need to appreciate the beauty of these natural areas and
recognize that wildlife depend on these wild lands for survival. It would be
sad indeed to lose something so unique and beautiful because of greed or lack
of knowledge. </span></span><br />
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<br />Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5405688716011124827.post-7762516074644177042013-01-25T23:05:00.002-08:002013-01-25T23:05:13.544-08:00Whigham's Rattlesnake Roundup is Happening TodayIn less than nine short hours, the town of Whigham, Georgia will have its annual rattlesnake roundup. Unlike Fitzgerald, Georgia and the newly reformed snake and wildlife festival in Claxton, Whigham still sends the rattlesnakes it uses to their deaths. While the snakes are no longer killed during the roundup they are sold off to Campbell’s Farms, owned and operated by Randy Campbell, where they are killed and processed for their meat and hides. Here is the link to the event on the Cairo/Grady County Chamber of Commerce:
http://www.cairogachamber.com/Content/Default/2/53/51/about-our-community/rattlesnake-roundup.html
Although the snakes are supposedly no longer killed there, events listed are “snake handling”, snake cooking and “snake demonstrations” which are apparently separate from the “handling”. Hopefully the snakes will at least be dead when they are cooked. Not everyone is pleased with the roundup, though. At least one writer at the Albany Herald disagrees and feels that the roundup should be consigned to Georgia’s dark past from whence it came. The article is short but elegantly written and to the point.
http://www.albanyherald.com/news/2013/jan/23/rattlesnake-roundup-will-have-negative-legacy/
His final words in the article are, “Whigham insists on possibly having its legacy be “the town that helped drive a wild animal to extinction.””. Bill Matturro deserves praise for his willingness to take a stand and tell others living in his state that this is wrong. This is what will end up changing or closing the rattlesnake roundups. People like Bill Matturro, Ray Autry, Orry Martin, Sky Stevens, John Zegal, and Bruce Means telling their fellow citizens when something is not acceptable and calling them out on their behavior when it crosses the lines. Of course, this article would not be complete without the token ignorant comment from an ophidiophobic reader. The comment reads,
“Look, Diamondbacks and Canebreaks are poisonous and a threat to both man and beast. Now I will not kill one out in the wild, but I will kill one near homes and buildings. Sorry, but I will let the King Snakes deal with other snakes also. I even have a new fondness for Skunks once I found out they will kill a poisonous snake. The other non-poisonous snakes do a pretty good job on rodents without the asset of poison. Sorry, but I consider my Grandchilds (sic) life worth more than that of a poisonous snake located near my home. I guess the people of Wigham (sic) believe they like them even less than I do.”
It was made by someone named Waltspecht. Well, Waltspecht first of all, Crotalus horridus and Crotalus adamanteus are not “poisonous”, they are venomous. Some might say that is splitting hairs but if they were poisonous the snake cooking that would be taking place at the roundup would end disastrously. Second, these snakes were IN THE WILD, humans brought them near their homes and buildings. They were rounded up, that is the point of a rattlesnake roundup, to take snakes minding their own business and torment them before killing them. Some unrelated things like fundraising and carnival rides with cotton candy also occur but these are incidental and could exist without the rattlesnakes. Finally, while you may think that you are protecting your grandchild, you are merely being a reactionary, advocating the destruction of a natural being, one that may soon be endangered, because you fear it. Soon there may not be many (or any) wild and potentially dangerous animals and the world will be poorer for it. Your grandchild will read about Eastern Diamondback rattlesnakes, as well as sharks, lions, rhinos, and vultures in books and ask why they are no longer around. If you are still alive then what will you say? That “We could have saved the Earth but we were too damned cheap”?*
How do you think your grandchild and his or her grandchildren will react to you? Will they pity you for your ignorance? Or will they curse your very memory for leaving them a dead shell of a planet?
*VonnegutBillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14464494546889042432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5405688716011124827.post-38039502634136908662012-12-03T20:29:00.000-08:002012-12-03T20:29:10.416-08:00Cold weather sightings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QkiF7uDflheB59KNndSxBTZNVMlkY8lAQRNnKthtDHSD2bqj_VijtNLbvShLCQmRjj8qWUL6ogsniB4u8fFyQajx8ZflAtiZcDjnu9Vn72c8E1ne7eB3C6v_z0QkGeG3kLrH60sG2KVw/s1600/garter+snake2res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QkiF7uDflheB59KNndSxBTZNVMlkY8lAQRNnKthtDHSD2bqj_VijtNLbvShLCQmRjj8qWUL6ogsniB4u8fFyQajx8ZflAtiZcDjnu9Vn72c8E1ne7eB3C6v_z0QkGeG3kLrH60sG2KVw/s1600/garter+snake2res.jpg" /></a></div>
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When fall arrives we herp loving individuals know that snake sightings will begin to be few and far between. The best we can hope for is the occasional warm day and rare sightings of some of the hardier snakes, like garter snakes. November 17 brought such a day, the temperature warmed to 73 degrees, the sun was out and the garter snakes were basking.<br />
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I drove to Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge with some friends and our trip proved productive for snakes, with a grand total of two garter snakes spotted on the 10 mile auto tour. This might not sound like much, but for Missouri this is great. Typically in November it is 30 degrees with no hope of spotting a snake.<br />
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My young friend Gage absolutely loves snakes and can't resist an opportunity to look for them just like me. I am always happy to have him join me on outings as his enthusiasm is contagious.<br />
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This was the largest of the two snakes we found and Gage jumped out the car to capture it and get it off the road to safety. The snake thanked both of us, first by musking Gage, then biting me. We both laughed at the feisty nature of the snake and then let it go in the grasses next to the road.<br />
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We drove on and found a small juvenile basking in the road. It was barely 8 inches in length and quite calm, which is highly unusual for garter snakes. We carefully moved it to safety.<br />
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So while I dread cold weather and the lack of snakes available to find for the next 5 months, I will take satisfaction in the rare warm day and the anticipation of a spotting. I will also use this time to read and learn more about the herps I love. Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5405688716011124827.post-21328996769225169592012-09-29T18:00:00.000-07:002012-09-29T18:00:17.600-07:00Neonate Timber Rattlesnakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03fnW6X12wYbbf76I2ToLPnlJ5jm5yjXjJbMnyNNX44z2oy1AdlQyrCz3ZCn3n-bl7S1iPSVe1KNKGvXhDEkGLjPOY1r4mtiknsC_tdLwhCoQ3WNjgw_t0NGpettVfu1rPSOU0-E_Tz0z/s1600/timber+neonate11+res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03fnW6X12wYbbf76I2ToLPnlJ5jm5yjXjJbMnyNNX44z2oy1AdlQyrCz3ZCn3n-bl7S1iPSVe1KNKGvXhDEkGLjPOY1r4mtiknsC_tdLwhCoQ3WNjgw_t0NGpettVfu1rPSOU0-E_Tz0z/s1600/timber+neonate11+res.jpg" /></a></div>
As many of you know I've been working with Dr. Mark Mills of MWSU on a rattlesnake survey on one of the farms my husbands family owns. We've been P.I.T. tagging rattlesnakes for 2 seasons. Nearly two weeks ago my brother-in-law found a neonate (newborn) rattlesnake hiding under a piece of tin. He did not capture it thinking we weren't interested in tagging the babies. Little did he know it was the babies we are the most interested in tagging. I made a quick trip to the farm, and by the time I got there it was nearly dark. I prayed the snake would still be where he had found it, but had doubts as three hours had already passed. I grabbed a flashlight, my bag and my snake tongs. I flipped over the piece of tin and voila! The snake WAS still there. Such a beautiful little snake. I called Dr. Mills and told him what I had, and he was as excited as I was at the opportunity to tag a newborn.<br />
We agreed to meet at 10:00 AM the next day and process the snake.<br />
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(Mark measuring the neonate)</div>
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(Safely contained in a snake tube)</div>
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This snake measured 15.5 inches in length, weighed 1.36 ounces and is a female. She has one little button and rattle which tells us she has shed once. The average size of newborn timber rattlesnakes is 9 to 13 inches. So this snake is considerably larger than that. Our hypothesis is that this snake was born earlier than is typical for this species. Perhaps sometime the end of July or first of August. We know it is a neonate as the umbilical scar is still visible.</div>
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(Umbilical scar)</div>
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We released this little darling back to the piece of tin where she was found after P.I.T. tagging her. We took some time and searched the area for additional litter mates to this snake. We did not locate a single other snake of any kind.</div>
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Ten days later I was at the farm looking for snakes and found another neonate under the exact same piece of tin. I suspected it was probably the same snake we tagged previously, but decided to capture it anyway. I took it into work with me and called Dr. Mills. He met me at the office and we went to one of MWSU biology labs. He ran his scanner over the snake and it had no tag in it!!!! This was a new snake!!! We were so excited to have another neonate and most likely a litter mate to the one from 10 days ago. We measured her at 16.1 inches and she weighed 1.94 ounces. Again it is a female. We P.I.T. tagged her and I ran back to the farm and released her back to hiding spot. This is such an awesome opportunity for us to be able to tag not one, but two neonates. The data that we can potentially get from these snakes is invaluable. I can hardly wait to see how they do on their own.</div>
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<br />Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5405688716011124827.post-90803860381847966142012-09-21T12:38:00.000-07:002012-09-21T12:51:42.956-07:00Snakes! Why did it have to be Snakes?This famous line from the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark, reflects the
sentiment of many folks in response to the mention of snakes. In an
earlier Project Noah blog post this week by Neil Dazet, we learned that
almost 51% of American people have a fear of snakes. I cannot even begin
to tell you how many times I have heard, ‘the only good snake is a dead
snake.” But did you know that snakes are such a valuable part of our
environment we would be hard pressed to live without them? In fact there
are many people who now owe their life to a snake!<br />
What is venom? The American Heritage Dictionary of Science defines
venom as, “a poisonous substance secreted by special glands of some
snakes, spiders, scorpions, lizards, and similar animals, who inject it
into their prey or enemy by biting or stinging.” In the scientific
world, venom is injected, while poison is ingested. Therefore spiders
and snakes are considered venomous rather than poisonous. Because of the
many components of venom and the unique properties of each specific to
the many different venomous species, researchers are studying the
natural pharmacy of potential medicines that may be used in the near
future to treat and even cure diseases.<br />
<img align="left" height="295" src="http://i.imgur.com/qiI4R.jpg" width="442.5" /><br />
For instance, if you or a loved one have ever suffered a heart attack and have been treated with either of the drugs <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eptifibatide" target="_blank">Eptifibatide</a> or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tirofiban" target="_blank">Tirofiban</a>,
then you owe many thanks to snakes. Eptifibatide is a drug that was
developed from the venom of rattlesnakes and tirofiban was developed
from the venom of the African saw-scaled viper. Venom is a complex
mixture of proteins and varies upon its makeup from different snake
species. Those same proteins that make venom a deadly cocktail when
injected by a snake, can be used by doctors in modified amounts to treat
human disease. The two drugs mentioned above are used to halt heart
attacks when given within the first three hours of symptoms.<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancrod" target="_blank">Ancrod</a> was developed from the venom of the <a href="http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/14267132" target="_blank">Malayan pit viper (<i>Calloselasma rhodostoma</i>)</a> pictured left, and has been used to help prevent deadly stroke-causing clots during difficult surgeries.<br />
<a href="http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/content/93/4/261.full">Contortrostatin</a>, a protein found in the venom of the <a href="http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/6993728">Southern copperhead (<i>Askistrodon contortrix</i>)</a> below left, is showing much promise in treating breast cancer, and the venom of the <a href="http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/7571445" target="_blank">African black mamba (<i>Dendroaspis polylepis</i>)</a> on the right is being studied for the treatment of Alzheimer’s.<br />
<a href="http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/6993728" target="_blank"><img height="257" src="http://i.imgur.com/MFxIU.jpg" width="320" /></a><img height="256" src="http://i.imgur.com/7aoiu.jpg" width="320" /><br />
But snakes are important to us in other ways too. Do you like to eat?
Of course you do, but what do snakes have to do with food? Snakes are
the best form of rodent control and have the unique ability to go where
the rodents can go. None of the traps mankind has invented, the cats we
have spread around the world or even the birds of prey, can get to the
rodents like snakes, or equal the number of rodents consumed by snakes.
Even if you don’t like to eat your veggies, the meat animals you consume
rely on the vegetation/grain produced on farms. Without snakes to
control the rodent population, vegetation/grain production can greatly
be impacted. Crop loss and ruination of stored grain by rodents and
their feces and urine can range upwards to 100% on some farms during
periods of rodent population explosions. Grow your own vegetables and
fruits? Many of our smaller snakes feed on slugs, snails and other
garden pests and they are non-toxic and do not cause cancer!<br />
Did you know that snakes could help protect your home from fire? It
is estimated that about 20% of all house fires in the U.S. of unknown
origin can be attributed to damage caused by rodents chewing on wiring
and other electrical components.<br />
<img align="left" height="332" src="http://i.imgur.com/MSgEo.jpg" width="442.5" />Because
of their constant need to gnaw to keep their teeth in check, rodents
may also cause structural and other damage to your home or property. And
let’s face it, if a poison is toxic enough to kill a small mammal; is
that really something you want to ever have near your children and
family pets?<br />
What about disease? Hanta virus occurs naturally throughout most of
North and South America; it is airborne, and in the absence of prompt
medical attention, its infections are usually fatal. The main hosts for
the hanta virus are rodents. Rodents carry many other diseases that can
be transmitted to humans (zoonoses), among them: Rabies (Lyssavirus),
Plague (Yersinia pestis), Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis virus (LCMV),
Leptospirosis (Weil’s syndrome), Salmonellosis, Tuberculosis and many of
the tick-bourn diseases like Lyme’s Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted
Fever.<br />
Do you like to hunt or fish? Snakes affect the quality and numbers of
game animals available. They help to prevent diseases in these animals
and promote stronger stock by weeding out weak, diseased or old members.
They can also affect the food available for game animals to eat. Large
timber rattlesnakes show a food preference for squirrels. In preparation
for winter, squirrels collect and bury nuts, seeds and acorns in
underground stashes. Other animals like deer and turkey are then
deprived of these foods except for the occasional accidental uncovering
of a poorly buried shallow stash.<br />
Nature is a system of checks and balances. If you remove one
component from an ecosystem, the balance shifts in favor of another. And
while humans like to think we have control over life; when we tinker
with these systems we start a cascade of events the consequences of
which we may not even realize for months, years, decades or even
generations. In the United States, it is easy to learn the venomous
snakes from the nonvenomous and how to take measures to reduce or even
prevent human-snake encounters. There is NEVER a good reason to kill a
snake in any of our protected parks and natural habitats….or to harm
those we encounter in our yards or homes unless they are presenting an
immanent threat. If the snake is outside and you keep your yard free of
debris and well-maintained, the snake has no reason to stay and will
have moved on in an hour or so. If the snake is indoors and you know it
is a harmless species, you may use a broom and dust pan to gently urge
the snake into a trash can or other lidded container, place the lid on
the container and then safely carry the snake to the outdoors and
release it. If it is a venomous snake in your house, remove pets and
people, try to secure the room the snake is in and call a professional.
Do not try to capture or kill the snake…this is how bites occur and can
sometimes prove a deadly mistake.<br />
Remember, snakes do a valuable service in the environment and the
costs of killing them far outweigh the costs of protecting them and the
benefits living with them provide in the long run. So in answer to the
question posed in title of this blog, I know why it has to be snakes and
I feel very fortunate to share my world with them.<br />
From left: As its name suggests, the <a href="http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/12148291">gray ratsnake (<i>Pantherophis spiloides</i>)</a> preys on rats, other rodents and the occasional bird and/or eggs; if you are fortunate enough to find a <a href="http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/12732539" target="_blank">Dekay’s brownsnake (<i>Storeria dekayi</i>)</a>
in your yard, you won’t be as troubled by slugs, snails and other pests
eating your veggies and decorative plants!; like most snakes, the <a href="http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/10782882" target="_blank">timber rattlesnake (<i>Crotalus horridus</i>)</a>
is a shy species that rarely strikes unless confronted or disturbed and
its venom and has been used to develop life-saving drugs for heart
patients; who knows what other cures and treatments may be teased from
this majestic beauty?<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/12148291" target="_blank"><img height="300" src="http://i.imgur.com/2gCUi.jpg?1" width="290" /></a><img height="300" src="http://i.imgur.com/bfWA4.jpg?2" width="290" /><a href="http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/10782882" target="_blank"><img height="300" src="http://i.imgur.com/9pl9b.jpg?1" width="290" /> </a></div>
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Author: <u><b>Lisa Powers</b></u>, herpetologist and Project Noah Ranger researched and wrote the blog post you just read for the Center of Snake Conservation/Project Noah Snake Week.</div>
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Thank you Lisa for allowing us to share this awesome, and informative article with our readers here.<br />
To learn more about the Center for Snake Conservation please visit the following link <a href="http://www.snakeconservation.org/">CSC</a>. Become a member and support the continued conservation of snakes. </div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/appcenter/project_noah?fb_source=search&redirect_uri=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.projectnoah.org%2F&ref=ts">Project Noah</a> has created an awesome database for sharing photographs and information of organisms found throughout the World. This database will provide a valuable resource to educators, naturalist, biologists, ecologists, herpetologists, etc. for wildlife education and awareness. If you are interested, login to their page and begin posting your photos.</div>
Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5405688716011124827.post-32278991203340062322012-08-11T16:48:00.000-07:002012-08-11T17:07:46.875-07:00Missouri State Fair---Discovery Room<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Each year in August the Missouri State Fair runs for 10 days. It is a huge festival-like atmosphere complete with pig races, funnel cakes, corn dogs and musical entertainment. The Missouri Department of Conservation has a building on the fairgrounds that is used to educate the visiting public about various aspects of nature. There are huge fish tanks with numerous native fish swimming in them. There are a variety of native snakes and frogs on display and then there is the discovery room that allows hands-on activities for families.....with a focus on children. There are also daily live demonstrations that might include fishing cleaning and cooking, bald eagles, outdoor native gardening, etc . MDC employees and volunteers staff both areas of this facility and speak with thousands of guests over the 10 day event.<br />
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As a naturalist I was given the task of educating our guests about some of Missouri snakes. With a speckled kingsnake (borrowed from the Chillicothe, MO office) and a red milksnake as my constant companions many people were drawn to my table to see these amazing animals up close. Most wanted the opportunity to touch a snake, many for the first time. The laughter and squeals of delight were music to my ears. I love such excitement over an animal that is often feared or loathed. I must say the majority of our guests had nothing but good things to say about our snakes. We had a few people who refused to come near the snake, or that uttered under their breath "the only good snake is a dead snake" or "I kill everyone I see". I chose to ignore those offensive comments and chalk them up to ignorance and the poor teachings of their upbringing.<br />
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I received many questions about Missouri snakes and they ranged from......</div>
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<b>"What kind of snake is that?"</b> (I think I answered this question no less than 1,000 times)</div>
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<b>"Is it poisonous?" </b>(I had to respond to this one hundreds of time with "No this snake is not venomous.")</div>
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<b>"Do they bite?"</b> (My response: "Anything with teeth can bite, but this snake will only bite if we threaten it or hurt it.")</div>
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<b>"Can I hold it?"</b>("No, but you can touch it")</div>
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<b>"Can't you tell how old a rattlesnake is by counting the rattles?"</b> (No this is not an accurate way to age a rattlesnake, as rattlesnakes generate a new rattle each time they shed and they may shed up to 3 or 4 times a year depending on how much they are eating.)</div>
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<b>"Is it legal to kill snakes in Missouri?" </b>( No it isn't, we do not have a snake hunting season and all snakes are protected, whether they are venomous or non-venomous)</div>
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I also heard many stories, and I must say this is my favorite:</div>
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<i>A woman told me that if you cut a rattlesnake in half and bury one half in the front yard, and the other half in the back yard the snake will grow back together and leave." I had heard this myth before and it has persisted for well over a 100 years. I explained that it was physically impossible for a snake to regrow half its body once it had been severed. She was persistent that it did indeed happen to her mother. After her mother killed a snake by chopping it in half with a shovel, they buried half in the front yard and half in the back yard. The next day the holes were empty. I explained to her that if that were the case then predators are probably to blame. Coyotes, foxes, raccoons and even neighborhood dogs would absolutely dig up a freshly killed rattlesnake and consume it. She did not seem convinced and I believe she left my table thinking I was a lunatic for not believing her completely rational story. </i></div>
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Another story:</div>
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<i>A woman came to my table with 4 or 5 young boys and told me that when you kill a rattlesnake it is important to place the head in a jar. This protects you from the snake who can still kill you. I know what she was trying to say....that even after death the rattlesnake can and will deliver a venomous bite if handled incorrectly. I told her the best thing to do is to leave the rattlesnake alone and then no one will get bitten. </i></div>
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Another Story:</div>
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<i>This story I heard from 2 different men, at two separate times on Friday. They both described a large snake resembling a black snake, but it had a pattern. They said the snakes were well over 6 or 7 feet long and as big around as a mans forearm. They explained that the snakes were after their fowl. The first man claims the snake was in his hen house and was wrapped around an adult chicken trying to kill it. He wanted to know what it was. I said it sounds like a black snake, but black snakes won't kill something that they cannot eat, and a black snake cannot eat a full size adult chicken. He insisted it wasn't a black snake, and he killed it and threw it in a ditch. At this point I didn't know what to say so I responded...."well if you are sure it isn't a black snake then perhaps it was someones escaped pet like a large boa or python. If they are large enough, they can certainly eat an adult chicken." He seemed happy with that answer and left. Two hours or so later another man described the same type of snake and it was after his guineas. He was from a completely different county than the first man. He said he pulled a baby guinea out the snakes mouth and saved it. He captured the snake, and had his wife take a picture of him holding it. He explained that the snake had a pattern and didn't look anything like a black snake. He claimed he found two dead adult guineas and he was blaming the snake for their death. I asked him if he could email me a picture, and he said I have the camera with me and I can show you! I looked at the pictures and it was clearly a black snake with a pattern. I explained that some black snakes, for unknown reasons will retain their juvenile pattern into adulthood. I showed him a picture of a juvenile black rat snake and the pattern that it has, and he said "THAT'S IT!" This snake was indeed huge, well over 6 feet in length. I asked him if he had actually seen the snake kill his adult guineas, and he said no that he did not. I explained that most likely what had happened was that the snake was attracted to the food and water available in the area where he keeps the guineas, and that while the snake was attempting to eat the young, smaller guinea it would be physically impossible for it to eat an adult, so my suspicion was that the older guineas succumbed to heat exhaustion. He seemed somewhat satisfied with that answer. I asked him what he did with the snake and he said he did not kill the snake, but instead relocated it further away from his home. I found it extremely strange and ironic that not one, but two individuals had the same story to tell. I still say the first mans snake was a large black snake that had retained its pattern...and unfortunately for that snake it did not survive the mans ire. </i></div>
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These questions and stories just reinforce in me the need for education when it comes to snakes. Many of us grew up on the fears, myths and old wives tales handed down to us by our parents and grandparents as well as other well meaning adults. These myths and tales often do more harm than good. We learn to fear animals that deserve our respect. We kill out of fear or misunderstanding, or sometimes out of hate alone. Our next generation will hopefully come to realize through education and hands-on moments like these; the importance of these animals and learn to understand that the tales told to them by their adult counterparts, may be just that ....tales. </div>
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My two days at the fair were long, fun-filled days. I was able to share with our guests some of my favorite animals and teach them a little about their diversity and importance to the ecology of the lands around us. As well as why it is vastly important that we exercise tolerance and acceptance when it comes to these animals, we truly do not have to like something in order to recognize that it is wrong to destroy it. Kudos to all the kids (an adults) that ventured over to my table and touched a snake or allowed their children to do so even if they couldn't bring themselves to do so. Fascination is often the first step towards conservation. </div>
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<br /></div>Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5405688716011124827.post-32306808766077191632012-08-05T20:24:00.004-07:002012-08-05T20:24:56.516-07:00Let's Bring A Stop to Rattlesnake Roundups<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Rattlesnake
Round-ups have received a lot of publicity as of late, most of it in a
negative light. There is reason for this; as we have learned that the
practice of rounding up rattlesnakes and killing them in the name of
protecting the general public is an outdated practice at best and cruel
at its worst. There is no documentation that supports the need to carry
out a practice of killing rattlesnakes in large numbers to protect an
unsuspecting population is necessary. Most rattlesnakes are removed from
areas where few if any humans live, therefore confrontation between
humans and rattlesnakes are at a minimum. Yet the individuals who
participate in this outdated practice will defend their right to do so
and use false information to justify it.<br />
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Rattlesnake
roundups began in Okeene,Oklahoma as early as 1939 and are still carried
on as a tradition in this town. Rattlesnake round-ups spread like
wildfire through many of the southern states as well as a few eastern
states, including Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, Georgia, Florida, Alabama
and Pennsylvania. Rattlesnake roundups were originally started as a way
to control what was considered an over population of a potentially
deadly animal. Settlers feared for their families, and their livestock.
Many individuals would regularly capture, kill and bury rattlesnakes in
mass graves that often contained 1,000's of snakes. Some areas even
encouraged shoot-outs among marksmen where they would test their skills
with a gun by shooting rattlesnakes. They competed for prize money and
many 1'000's of snakes were killed in this manner. The last known town
to participate in this practice was Clairemont, Texas. Fortunately this
practice has ceased with the last competition being held in 1989. Now if
we can just convince the remaining rattlesnake round-ups to cease their
practices of torturing, maiming and killing rattlesnakes in the name of
sport. <br />
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So what exactly goes on at a rattlesnake round-up?<br />
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The few remaining round-ups are held once a year and these festivals
are often sponsored by groups such as the Jaycee's or Optimist Clubs of
the town. Over the years the proceeds of these roundups have been used
to fund various charities. This in and of itself is a commendable, but
what many fail to realize is the atrocities that take place at these
events. Rattlesnakes are often gathered months in advance of the
festival, and are kept without food or adequate water. Many are kept in
small containers and never allowed out of their captive situation until
the day of the festival. Those that survive this treatment will be put
on display at the roundup. They are thrown into a large pit, piled on
top of each other and then kicked around by round-uppers.<br />
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Then
once at the festival, the real horror begins. At a few of the roundups
the snakes are frozen for up to two hours in order to slow their
reflexes to make them easier to handle. Then they have their fangs
pulled out with pliers and their mouths sewn shut. It is these snakes
that are passed around for photo opportunities with the public. Want
your picture taken with a "deadly rattlesnake?" This is your chance.
Does it make you feel brave or daring to hold something this lethal in
your arms and have your picture taken with it? This sewn up tortured
version of a rattlesnake is nothing but a shell of its former glory.
These snakes are near death from stress and dehydration.....do you still
feel brave?<br />
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Check out this video footage of what REALLY happens to these snakes <a href="http://youtu.be/YAqGUYV0_A0">All Sewn UP</a><br />
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Eventually
the snake WILL die from his treatment and then his humiliation is far
from over as he will now be transferred to the killing floor and have
his head chopped off with a dull machete and passed around for the
audience to witness how their nervous system still allows the snake to
flick its tongue in and out. They will also cut its heart out and show
the audience how it will continue to beat even after death. Why is this
necessary? What twisted enjoyment does a person get from this practice?
Many roundups even allow audience members to decapitate and skin their
own snake, and once you've shown your courage in committing such a feat
you are then encouraged to soak your hand in the blood of the snake and
leave your bloody palm print on the wall for all to witness.<br />
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The
practice of removing these snakes from the wild is highly questionable,
as many will use gasoline to pour down rodent burrows to encourage the
snake to leave the burrow. What round uppers fail to consider is the
wildlife that is often sharing that same burrow with the snake. Animals
such as the endangered gopher tortoise as well as other turtles are not
as quick to respond and leave the now suffocating burrow and will perish
in the fumes within the burrow. Many other animals, such as various
toads will also die from asphyxiation within the burrows when they are
overcome with fumes. This practice is illegal but never enforced. Many
other snakes are captured as they come out of hibernation. Round uppers
locate hibernation sites and monitor those sites and when early spring
returns they descend on those locations like vultures at an all-you-can
eat roadkill buffet. As the snakes move closer to the entrance of these
hibernaculums they will capture vast amounts of snakes and place them in
bags, or other containers. Some are transported to people who purchase
the snakes for meat and they are paid so much per pound. The majority
however are destined to end up at the roundups still alive.<br />
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These
round-ups have been going on for over 60 years and each year 1,000's of
snakes are removed from the wild. And each year the snakes are becoming
harder and harder to locate, this should tell us that the snakes
population is falling. In some areas the number of snakes have fallen so
dramatically that they are considered extirpated from those areas. Most
round-uppers now travel over large areas to try and locate snakes to
supply the round-ups and many will cross state lines and bring snakes in
from other states where it is illegal to capture, or harm these snakes.
Often rattlesnake round-ups award prize money to the largest snake
brought into the event. So there is good reason to seek out large
snakes, and if those snakes can no longer be found within their own
area, they will take them from other areas, legally or illegally, it
seems to make no difference.<br />
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<br />
While
I am able to understand that the small towns that host these round-ups
depend on the revenue that they bring in. I also understand that
charities benefit from the proceeds donated to them from the round-ups.
In fact many of us on the forefront trying to bring about changes to
these events, fully understand the financial needs of these towns. We in
no way want to keep money out of the towns or away from the charities.
But we also know there is a better way. We can change these events into
an educational event that honors the snake for the icon that it is. No
where else in the world do these snakes occur than in the western
hemisphere. The western diamondback, which is the snake most frequently
targeted is SYNONYMOUS with the wild west and Indian legends. Native
Americans have traditionally honored the rattlesnake and held them in
high esteem. We should be ashamed of ourselves as a race for destroying
something so revered.<br />
<br />
<br />
Why should we care? What good are rattlesnakes?<br />
<br />
<br />
Rattlesnakes are one of the most effective predators in
existence. They come equipped with venom and a delivery system that is
extremely efficient. They come further equipped with heat sensing pits
located between their nostrils and mouth. These pits allow them to
locate warm blooded prey, even in total darkness. The venom is designed
to subdue their prey. The venom acts quickly and also begins the
digestion process. The snake is able to locate their prey by flicking
their tongue in and out of their mouth. They scrape their tongue across
an organ in the roof of their mouth called a Jacobson's organ. This
organ is extremely sensitive to scent and will communicate to the snake
where food is. They are excellent at controlling rodents in a given area
and do so with such efficiency that they are likely to out compete
other snakes. Rodents carry many diseases including hanta virus and the
plague. Before you begin to think that the plague, or black death as it
is often called is a disease from our ancient past, take a look at this
photo. We are seeing an increase in incidences of plague and this in
direct proportion to the absence of snakes. We as an educated society
need to learn to respect our wild animals, even if they come in a form
we are not comfortable with or that we perhaps fear. Fear is never
justification for killing another animal. Hatred is never a reason to
kill another animal. Lack of understanding or tolerance is never a good
reason to kill. <br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
I mentioned above the importance these snakes have in
controlling wayward rodent populations, but did you know they are
important to humans for an entirely different reason? They provide
treatments and cures for many diseases affecting humans. The venom is
used to make many medications to treat vast amounts of diseases
including diabetes, cancer, high blood pressure and blood clots. Without
the snake we lose the venom that is used to make the medications that
is making life tolerable for many humans.<br />
<br />
<br />
It is past time for a change, for if we do not make those changes
the western diamondback, and the eastern diamondback will be an animal
of myth and mystery rather than a reality. These animals cannot survive
the onslaught of habitat destruction and human persecution forever.
Sooner or later they will go the way of the Do-Do and we will have no
one to blame but ourselves. We are all able to recognize that these
events called roundups in their current form are cruel and serve no real
purpose other than to entertain a misinformed public. I have to
question anyone who gets enjoyment out of the torment and torture of an
innocent animal. If the animal in question was a dog or cat the
outpouring of support and outrage would be unprecedented. Lets all rise
up against these events and show the organizers that they do not have to
kill in order to bring money into their towns. They don't have to treat
these animals with cruelty in order to educate. <br />
<br />
<br />
View the following videos then consider joining the facebook page
Rise Against Rattlesnake Roundups (RARR) to share your commitment to
conserving these vitally important components to the ecosystem that we
call rattlesnakes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/L8EyGbxMVqc">Orry Martin talks on Roundups</a><br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/5ES2GAyY1ZY">World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup</a><br />
<a href="http://youtu.be/kwswtI2UamI">Don't Lose Your Head</a><br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5405688716011124827.post-14071695183416629412012-07-27T15:43:00.000-07:002012-07-27T17:09:01.165-07:00The Demise of SnapperfestIt appears that Snapperfest, the notoriously cruel "family fun" event that takes place in Ohio County Indiana, has been cancelled forever. So far, not too many news websites have picked up on this story but Herpdigest.org, an online news catalog that specializes in reporting about all things reptile and amphibian talks about it in some detail.
"SNAPPERFEST IS DEAD!!!!!!
Today Collette Adkins Giese, the Herptofauna lawyer for the Center for Biodiversity got a call from a DNR enforcement official who said that they've been told the event is
cancelled and that they are closely monitoring the situation to ensure that it is actually cancelled.
So a victory for snappers. And on their behalf a big thanks to all the people who created petitions, promoted them, went to the various meetings that resulted in this decision. You know who you are. As Collette said "I was late to the game, everyone else deserves the praise."
But as the DNR says"They are closely monitoring to ensure that it is actually canceled."
Which to me shows they don't trust their word as much as many of us do.
So keep up with your monitoring of advertising, planned visits, whatever. Just do it quietly.
Let's give them a chance to be true to their word.<br />
<br />
Allen Salzberg
Publisher/Editor
HerpDigest: The Only Free Internet-Only Weekly Newsletter that reports on the Latest Reptile and Amphibian Scientific and Conservation News
Go to <a href="http://www.herpdigest.org/">HerpDigest</a> to subscribe.<br />
<br />
Committee Chair Conservation & Media Committees New York Turtle & Tortoise Society
Member of the IUCN Species Survival Group for Tortoises and Fresh Water Turtles"
What does this mean?
Between the sudden demise of Snapperfest and the reformation of the Claxton Rattlesnake Roundup, which has now become the Claxton, GA Rattlesnake and Wildlife Festival, it has become apparent that the protection of "less charismatic" animals such as rattlesnakes and snapping turtles is actually being recognized as having importance nearly on par with that of more popular animals, such as dolphins and tigers. People are no longer focusing solely on how "cute" or intelligent an animal may seem when advocating for its protection. They want all wild animals protected for the appreciation of future generations.
Think about that.
The worm may have finally turned. Earth's biodiversity may yet stand a chance. I hope that we are not being to optimistic in thinking so.Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14464494546889042432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5405688716011124827.post-54471187425043686362012-07-24T18:27:00.002-07:002012-07-24T18:28:02.381-07:00Northern Fence Lizard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElpQryZyXH1w6zI0xNMlwcuH-biZWI69iCw09a5D2pTmbqSWg35XsLnwvKfabT-JT6E880uZC52XmDIGbYXbhNdtU9QPFBkJp5jdwopshKx15pHL2sHNMAaD64kZF6RM-PZLGgaP-QFaq/s1600/fence+lizard2res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjElpQryZyXH1w6zI0xNMlwcuH-biZWI69iCw09a5D2pTmbqSWg35XsLnwvKfabT-JT6E880uZC52XmDIGbYXbhNdtU9QPFBkJp5jdwopshKx15pHL2sHNMAaD64kZF6RM-PZLGgaP-QFaq/s400/fence+lizard2res.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
This prehistoric-looking little lizard is a Northern Fence Lizard (<i>Sceloporus undulatus hyacinthinus</i>) which is a subspecies of the Eastern Fence Lizard. They occur from New York, south to South Carolina, and west to Texas. <b>In Missouri they are called Prairie Lizards <i>(Sceloporus consobrinus),</i>biologists have revised its taxonomy. Now, it's considered a distinct species. They are common and found in the Southern half of the state. </b><br />
<br />
<br />
The ones in this article were photographed in Tennessee where they are still considered Northern Fence Lizards.<br />
<br />
These lizards reach up to 7 inches in length with females being bigger than males. The males are dark gray or brown with very little or no pattern visible. They also possess bright blue belly patches and throat during mating season. Females have an obvious zig-zag or wavy pattern across their back and a white belly. There will be orange or red at the base of the tail. Some specimens may have some faint blue markings along their side.<br />
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Sometime between April and August males will seek females and mating will occur. Females will produce two separate clutches of up to 17 eggs. Males will bob their heads and do push-ups as a form of a mating dance. Mating will only occur if the female allows the male to approach her. Females may mate as early as one year of age but will only be able to produce one clutch of eggs. In the second year of life she will begin producing a second clutch. Even though this species has been renamed and categorized in Missouri, the reproductive cycle is the same. The first clutch of eggs in Missouri are laid in May or June with the second clutch being laid in July. The female will dig a hole in loose dirt and lay her eggs in layers. A few eggs on the bottom layer, covered by dirt, then more eggs, covered with dirt, then more eggs and more dirt until all the eggs are laid. The total depth of the nest will be 4 inches or less. This species is even capable of retaining the eggs within their body and put off egg laying. This is beneficial during the second brood as it shortens the time needed for them to incubate and hatch. This allows the young lizards to grow some before the first frost sets in. These little lizards rarely live beyond three years in the wild as they fall victim to predators or harsh environments. They may live several more years in captivity.<br />
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These lizards are most active early in the day from about 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM, once the day becomes hot they go for cover and will become active again towards dusk. They begin appearing in March and will remain active until October (weather permitting). Males are territorial and will often protect a small range that contains a few females. These are extremely fast lizards and difficult to catch or approach. As soon as they see a potential threat they run rapidly for cover or to opposite side of a tree or post.<br />
Look for them along forest edges or within open woodlands. They are very common on rocky glades. They will hide out in fallen trees, old logs and stumps and in rock piles or brush piles. They will use "lizard highways" which will include fence rails, split rail fence, firewood piles, lumber piles, and railroad ties.<br />
Fence lizards are beneficial to humans in the form of insect control, as they eat a wide variety of insects and spiders. They will also consume centipedes and snails.<br />
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<br />Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5405688716011124827.post-86546286475372707122012-07-01T12:18:00.000-07:002012-07-01T13:10:47.793-07:00Radio Show about Opp, Alabama's "Rattlesnake Rodeo"Last night, Michael Crabtree, who hosts a reptile related radio show, invited me to converse with himself and Randy "Ransnakeman" Jones about the events that took place in Opp, Alabama during what they call their "Rattlesnake Rodeo". This is one of the last remaining rattlesnake festivals in the East where the rattlesnakes are still mistreated and killed. Randy attended and has quite a story to tell. So listen in on this podcast and you'll find out some gruesome facts that have remained elusive for years.
<a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/aark/2012/07/01/ransnakeman-at-the-roundup#.T-n6F9w0jXc.facebook">Ransnake at the Roundup</a><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/aark/2012/07/01/ransnakeman-at-the-roundup#.T-n6F9w0jXc.facebook"></a>
There are only two lethal rattlesnake festivals left in the East and Opp, Alabama is one of them. Given that there have been so many outright lies propagated by the organizers of this "Rodeo" about regulations, mistreatment, and even killing indicates that they are aware how showcasing animal abuse in the same manner as roundups in Texas and Oklahoma would cast them in a very negative light. This could actually work towards the advantage of reform. The biggest obstacle would be the leather contractors that the town is currently obligated towards. The listing of the Eastern diamondback rattlesnake as an endangered species would certainly end the "Rodeo" in its current form and perhaps then they would be open to suggestions.
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The research continues on the farm my husbands family owns. This year so far 8 timber rattlesnakes (<i>Crotlus horridus</i>) have been found.<br />
<br />
One evening a friend of mine joined me to search for these elusive snakes. We also had her niece (age 7) and a young friend from my 4H Herpetology group named Gage (age 10) with us. After a couple of hours and overturning hundreds of rocks it was nearing dark and all we had to show for ourselves was a couple of ringneck snakes. We made the decision to head back to the car and leave as we were losing light. We walked by a large pile of limestone rocks and I poked my stick under one particularly large rock and heard the tell-tale sound of a rattlesnake buzzing its rattle. We both got excited as I attempted to turn the rock over with my snake stick. It became apparent that this was not going to happen, as the rock was far too heavy. We desperately wanted to see this snake that was hiding oh so close yet seemingly oh so far away. I told the kids to step back and announced I was going to flip this rock by hand. Now normally I would not even consider doing something like this, but I felt certain it could be done safely in this instance. The rock was 5 or 6 inches thick and had a sort of lip molded into it. I decided if I grabbed that lip and lifted I would not have to actually put my hand directly "under" the rock. I carefully lifted this rock, it proved heavier than I originally thought and I had to seriously put my back into it. Cindy excitedly announces that there were TWO rattlesnakes under the rock. I got so excited I nearly pee'd my pants and dropped the rock. Fortunately I was able to control my excited emotions and kept a firm hold on the rock and then gently let it fall back towards me. Sure enough there sat two gorgeous timber rattlesnakes, coiled up next to each other. Much debate took place about whether it was a male and female, or if they were same sex and just happened to be there together.<br />
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Gage and Cindy's niece were both as excited as we were about seeing these snakes. After making sure both children were a safe distance from the snake, we had to decide what to do. Should be let the snakes go, or should we capture them so we could check them for P.I.T. tags? The decision was made to capture them. Cindy and her niece returned to the car to retrieve the bagger, and I remained with Gage and kept an eye on the snakes. Several minutes after Cindy left, one of the snakes became antsy and decided to depart. I simply couldn't let it get away, so I managed to keep it there with the snake stick. I did not want to pin it down and risk hurting it, so I just had to keep guiding it back towards the other one with the tip of the stick. Finally Cindy returned and coaxing them into the bag went off without a hitch. We carried the bag back to the shed and found a large blue barrel to put the snakes in. It took us awhile to get them out of the bag and into the barrel, but we finally managed to get the job done. The fact that they came flying at a high rate of speed out of the bag, right at my chest and then when gravity kicked in they dropped straight down into the barrel did nothing to ease my frazzled nerves at handling such a highly venomous snake. I breathed a sigh of relief, and was thankful that the snakes didn't actually hit me in the chest. Once they were safely contained, we had to laugh, and joke about how inept we had to have appeared.<br />
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We contacted Dr. Mills our local herpetologist, and the one who has been helping me document the rattlesnakes on our farm. We made arrangements to meet early in the morning to document the data from these two snakes. Gage gained permission to miss school so he could take part in this educational activity. <br />
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Gage and I met Dr. Mills at 8:00AM and got started immediately with getting data from the snakes. Dr. Mills and I measured, weighed, and sexed both snakes and discovered that these two snakes were both females and neither one had been previously P.I.T. tagged. So these were two new snakes. We currently have 5 females and one male tagged on this farm. The first female was 2'8" and the second was 3'. Both seemed fat and healthy and most likely of breeding condition.<br />
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Gage was our data-meister and recorded all the numbers we threw at him. Gage absolutely loves herps. and has a real passion and genuine interest in learning about them.<br />
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Once all the data was recorded we returned both snakes back to the rock where they were found and released them. The snake stick is posed on the rock to show you the size of the rock they were under.<br />
I am so thrilled that the population seems to be doing well at the location.<br />
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<br />Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5405688716011124827.post-1145431365154489432012-06-11T19:57:00.000-07:002012-06-11T19:57:01.214-07:00Five-Lined Skink<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Five-Lined Skinks (<i>Eumeces fasciatus)</i> are one of the few lizards that live in NW Missouri. The majority of the lizard species to call Missouri home are found in the southern regions of the state. It is always exciting therefore to find one of these beautiful little skinks. They are fast moving, often secretive species that can be found around ponds, lakes, cellars, green houses, rock piles and log piles. They grow up 8.5 inches in total length. young males have a bright blue tail that fades to light blue or fades completely as they age. The one pictured here has an extremely faded blue tail, so he is an older juvenile male that has almost reached adult maturity. Some specimens lose the stripes with age as well. Older mature males have a dark orange head which has also earned this species the common name of Red-headed skink.<br />
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These skinks range as far north as southern Ontario, and as far south as Florida. They can be found nearly anywhere in the Eastern United States. In Canada they are endangered and therefore protected there. In Missouri it is legal to possess them as a pet, but they can be difficult to raise and often hide making them hard to observe. Truly they are best left in their natural habitats and observed there.<br />
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Adult males can be extremely territorial and will often act aggressively towards any intruding males within their territory. Adult males will tolerate females, and juvenile males within their given territories as they are not viewed as potential competition for mates. Males will approach females that they intend to mate with and bite down on the neck of the female. He will then use his tail to line up both of their cloacal openings. Males possess a hemipenes, which is essentially like possessing two penis'. He will insert one hemipene at a time to fertilize the female. Fertilization is internal and the female will lay eggs sometime in May or June. The female will guard the eggs which cuts down on predation and increases the odds that her offspring will survive. She will typically choose old rotting stumps, logs, under rocks, or under leaf litter as a prime egg laying location. She will deposit up to 18 eggs that will hatch in a couple of months. Once hatched they will reach sexual maturity in about 2 to 3 years, and will live up to 6 years.<br />
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(Male and Female cuddling up to each other)</div>
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Like many lizard species, skinks will drop their tails if grabbed. This affords them a certain amount of protection from predation. A potential predator who grabs the skink by the tail will find himself with a mouthful of tail and little else as the lizard beats a hasty retreat. The tail will regenerate itself, by gradually growing with each molt
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I
recently received a phone call at the office where I work from a
gentleman who was accustomed to seeing these lizards in abundance in his
yard had noticed this year he had no skinks. He wanted to know if there was some place he could buy these lizards or could find these lizards to restock his property. He
missed the skinks and could not understand where they could have gone. I
asked him if he had altered his landscape in any way....he said he had
not. He had not noticed any increase in predators either. I told him
there was no way to buy these lizards in Missouri as it was illegal to
sell them. I also told him that finding them in the wild in abundance
would be difficult and there was no relocation or restocking program for
things like skinks. I also advised him that it isn't a good idea to do
that sort of thing anyway, as it increases the potential for diseases to
spread to your local populations. I suggested to him that the lack of
rain we've been experiencing was probably the culprit for his skinks
suddenly disappearing. They are moisture loving lizards and probably
could no longer find adequate damp locations to thrive. I told him to be
patient and that hopefully when the rains come, the skinks will return.
I was thrilled that he loved his little skinks so much and I hope they
do come back for him. </div>
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This
is the first year we've noticed them in our backyard, and we've found
several near our goldfish pond and a few inside the greenhouse. I hope
they are happily eating numerous insects and helping control harmful
insect populations. It is always fun to spot one of these little
beauties as it tries to hide in the brush pile, or rocks long our pond.
Those bright orange heads and bright blue tails give them away
however. </div>
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</div>Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5405688716011124827.post-78970350440413102542012-05-24T18:07:00.000-07:002012-05-29T09:56:38.334-07:00Graham's Crayfish Snake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FKC2hP91RIjtMiC2xbzoExjJ73inlrNIZZrGTEiWw__KFR6xLInqiwX-mTQeXa7PRk8-Jkz6QHcU3TvDJKT1USNfAH297fNmTfN-V4UmvTjI3bc5O9spVggr8XlNZCYOaO1f1LrA_hro/s1600/grahams+crayfish+snake6res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6FKC2hP91RIjtMiC2xbzoExjJ73inlrNIZZrGTEiWw__KFR6xLInqiwX-mTQeXa7PRk8-Jkz6QHcU3TvDJKT1USNfAH297fNmTfN-V4UmvTjI3bc5O9spVggr8XlNZCYOaO1f1LrA_hro/s1600/grahams+crayfish+snake6res.jpg" /></a></div>
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This subtly beautiful snake is the Graham's Crayfish Snake (<i>Regina grahamii</i>). The scientific name of <i>grahamii</i>, is in honor of Lieutenant Colonial<a class="mw-redirect" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lieutenant_Colonel" title="Lieutenant Colonel"></a> James Duncan Graham,United States Topographical Engineer, who collected the type specimen. They are rather drably colored in shades of tan or brown, but there is something about them that is uncommonly beautiful. I found this one at Squaw Creek NWR about a week and a half ago basking on the road near the wetland. It was the first time I've seen this species and I was exceedingly excited to see it and get the chance to photograph it. They are normally a shy, secretive snake that is rarely encountered by humans. They are not prone to bite, but if disturbed they will musk you, which is exactly what this one did, and I didn't mind in the least. It was worth every stinky minute to hold such a rare snake in my hands. After snapping several photos I released it closer to the waters edge and away from the road.<br />
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In Missouri this species is found statewide near wetlands, sloughs, oxbow lakes, marshes and ditches that hold water. Although statewide they are uncommon in Missouri. They are specialists in their diet and feed almost exclusively on crayfish (hence the name). They prefer freshly molted crayfish which are much softer and easier to eat. There are reports of this species consuming small frogs and fish, but I believe these are uncommon occurrences.<br />
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Locality map for Graham's Crayfish Snake</div>
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The above map shows the most recent reported occurrences for the Graham's Crayfish Snakes. Each of those black dots represents an area near a wetland or marsh. </div>
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These snakes are medium sized at around 28-30 inches in length and will be a uniform brown, gray or tan color. Their belly is cream colored with a zig-zag black stripe down both sides. There may or may not be a faint dorsal stripe present. The lateral stripe stands out and will be cream or white in color.</div>
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While you may find this species hanging out with watersnakes in the genus Nerodia, they differ from them in many ways. First and foremost their temperament. Graham's tend to be docile by nature and not prone to bite, whereas watersnakes like the Northern Watersnake (<i>Nerodia Sipedon Sipedon</i>) would just as soon bite you as look at you. Nerodias typically get much larger and are more readily seen. Graham's tend to hide under logs, rocks or other debris at the waters edge where they attempt to avoid being seen. During the spring and fall Graham's may be seen basking on the road like this specimen, but during the summer months it is believed they become almost entirely nocturnal. </div>
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During the winter they will often hibernate in old crayfish burrows. They will also use crayfish burrows to escape the heat of summer. These snakes are tempting to try and keep as pets as they are extremely docile and pretty, but should not be removed from the wild. They are protected in most of their range, including in Missouri. In addition to being protected they are extremely difficult to keep in captivity because of their diet. They require crayfish that have recently molted and a steady supply of them. They are reported to stress easily and develop skin lesions. These snakes are best enjoyed in their natural habitat by observing and photographing them and considering yourself lucky when you come across one. </div>
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<br /></div>Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5405688716011124827.post-34726468007490470182012-05-21T16:32:00.002-07:002012-05-24T18:32:48.974-07:00Northern Watersnake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Northern Watersnakes (<i>Nerodia Sipedon Sipedon</i>) are large native watersnakes occurring throughout Missouri.These are the most common of all the species of Nerodia found in Missouri. They are found in numerous habitats, including ponds, lakes, rivers, sloughs, wetlands, marshes and drainage ditches.<br />
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This species may be active during the day or at night and are often seen basking on logs or exposed rocks within the water. They will also climb trees overhanging the water and rest. Like most watersnakes they will feed on a wide variety of aquatic prey including fish, tadpoles, crawdads, and frogs. They will also eat birds and small mammals that wonder near the water. They slither around the waters edge hunting for potential food.<br />
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(Eating huge catfish)</div>
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At the refuge they drained a bunch of the water to create mudflats for the shorebirds. When the water poured out of the drain into the spillway numerous fish were forced out as well. As the water retreated it left behind numerous dead fish. Vultures, snapping turtles, raccoons, possums and other predators took full advantage of the free food. The watersnakes were even attracted to the odors and consumed their
fair share of fish, but it would appear this particular snake is sizing
up a fish that is way more than he can tackle. </div>
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Their color varies specimen to specimen, and will be banded with brown, reddish or brown-black. They may darken with age and become nearly black. When wet their pattern is much more obvious and they are actually a beautifully marked snake. They typically grow to 4 1/2 feet in length, but I've seen individuals that I know are closer to the 5 foot mark. </div>
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Mating occurs from April to June and often results in massive amounts of snakes congregating in one location. Large females emit a pheromone to attract the smaller males. Several males will approach a female and entwine their body around her. They will jerk spasmodically to stimulate her into breeding. Aggressive, stronger males will win the right to mate and many males may mate with a single female.</div>
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(Large mating ball in a drainage pipe at Squaw Creek NWR)</div>
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I have been making numerous trips to Squaw Creek NWR since May 4, 2012 when I discovered that the Northern Watersnakes were mating. There have been literally dozens of these snakes all over a spillway at the refuge. I was so excited to witness such a phenomena playing out for me to see. I was back up there this morning (May 21) and they were still there attracting mates. In about 3 to 5 months they will give live birth to as many as 30 offspring. </div>
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(Juvenile Northern Watersnake)</div>
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These snakes are often mistaken for Cottonmouths and needlessly killed out of fear. While they are very feisty and aggressive they are harmless. Many people erroneously believe that you can ID a venomous snake based on the shape of the head. Not all venomous snakes have triangular shaped heads, and many non-venomous snakes do. It is not an accurate why to tell a venomous snake from a non-venomous. Just look at the definite diamond-shaped head on this Northern Watersnake, which is another reason it is often mistaken for the cottonmouth.</div>
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I've had them come at me as if to chase me, and stood my ground and they slithered around me to escape. They would prefer to avoid confrontation and go out of their way to escape the presence of humans. If you decide to grab one you will most likely earn a bite for your trouble, or at the very least it will musk you. Musking is extremely nasty and smells horrible. It is a mixture of feces and a musk they produce that is guaranteed to earn the snake some distance and safety from being bothered or eaten by a predator who can smell the terrible odor. Although stinky, they are still preyed upon by raccoons, foxes, coyotes, snapping turtles, opossums and aerial predators like hawks.</div>
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A young friend of mine went to the refuge with me the other day and decided to try his hand at catching one of these ornery snakes. He chose a large female and soon discovered how fast and feisty they truly are. It struck at him numerous times and narrowly missed nipping his nose at one point. I admire his fearless nature and love of these animals though.</div>
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These snakes are often encountered by people while camping, kayaking, canoeing and fishing. Many are killed and discarded because of their aggressive nature and their similar appearance to the venomous cottonmouth. I would ask that we restrain ourselves and tolerate the presence of these snakes as being an important part of the aquatic habitats they occur in. They perform a service in the form of consuming dead, decaying or sick fish. They will only bite if handled. If you leave them alone they will surely leave you alone. </div>
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<br /></div>Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5405688716011124827.post-6486103769078582232012-04-29T20:23:00.003-07:002012-04-30T21:57:11.507-07:00Belated Save The Frogs Day Special!This year Save the Frogs Day fell on April 28. It is something that has been celebrated by wildlife conservationists from all over the globe with over 180 events being organized in 38 countries (spanning into 5 continents!). Yesterday I celebrated by going into the city, that's right the city, to look for amphibians and hopefully catch glimpse of some toads if it is not too chilly out. Unfortunately, I did not see any herps at all, most likely due to the fact that it was a steady 52 degrees out and completely overcast. A couple of weeks ago I had slightly better luck and at least saw some frogs.
Now a city is generally not the place one would expect to look for toads but just inside the city of Philadelphia, around where I live, there are several habitat areas where one can find the American toad (<i>Bufo Americanus</i>), the green frog (<i>Rana clamitans</i>, the Northern leopard frog (<i>Rana pipiens</i>) and the bullfrog (<i>Rana catesbeiana</i>) as well as a treasure trove of other reptiles and amphibians and a whole cast of other animal species. One of the largest areas for such habitat is a place called the Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education, a private wildlife preserve in Roxborough just inside the city itself that is dedicated to exactly what its title suggests.
I traveled to the Schuylkill Center to participate in the annual "Toad Walk" that they do every year in mid April. Although we did not manage to see any toads we did see some frogs and other pond life!
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There was also some remains of human settlements from the past as well, preserved as historical landmarks.
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The ground pictured here is normally at least muddy and when summer comes along it's a decent sized pond. Here it is dry as a bone. The tour guide, a woman named Gin, said that she had never seen anything like it in her years working there.
To learn more about the Schuylkill Center just visit them by clicking the link! They have plenty of great programs to educate kids and adults alike about the nature that can be found in PA.
http://www.schuylkillcenter.org/Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14464494546889042432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5405688716011124827.post-29913974094072803712012-04-15T15:00:00.000-07:002012-04-15T15:00:27.587-07:00Bullsnake, Mouth Rot and a Listing<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqAUqeMqxPDGQZ4GPb9Ps0Hk89DTBh2L5inakeHOr-zQ11wVsMv7kCkhdI9KDY3B6AWE7l8zr5OfPjGER2bDad_wk-p0NAdPdeoY-zZTY4BY_nlej26btzPfRL43AFziZMHw5uNYg9Lg/s1600/bullsnake43.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdqAUqeMqxPDGQZ4GPb9Ps0Hk89DTBh2L5inakeHOr-zQ11wVsMv7kCkhdI9KDY3B6AWE7l8zr5OfPjGER2bDad_wk-p0NAdPdeoY-zZTY4BY_nlej26btzPfRL43AFziZMHw5uNYg9Lg/s320/bullsnake43.jpg" width="320" /></a>This beautiful patterned snake is the increasingly rare Bullsnake (<i>Pituophis catenifer sayi</i>). In years past this snake was quite common and most every farmer boasted of having a resident bullsnake controlling rodents in their barns or bins.<br />
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Last Friday, March 30, 2012 I received a phone call from one of our agents, Jason. He had paid a call on one of the residents of the county he patrols. This man had in his possession a large bullsnake. Jason wanted to know if I would like to have the bullsnake to use as an exhibit snake for a period of time. I was thrilled by the prospect and told him "yes, I would definitely like to see the snake and keep it for awhile." The man who found the snake agreed that when we were done with the snake he would re-release the snake back on his property. I knew Dr. Mills our local herpetologist had been on the look-out for this species and had not found one in the entire 14 years he has lived in this area, other than one found on the road dead. I could hardly wait to let him know we had a bona fide bullsnake coming into out office, and not just any bullsnake, but a LARGE one.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphen58S21ng_lf6fs7xmOg6961Q1Xj8zhbFEKcs6kA_7K4Df1_DzluZDNMftRzzIeMLeYlaxhTGzRpFuckERARVPtCs_obZJRj2ORe1_iWwcu_g8rmp9jWESptdgm09KrpwPWuLq01zCFI/s1600/bulsnake4res.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihyphenhyphen58S21ng_lf6fs7xmOg6961Q1Xj8zhbFEKcs6kA_7K4Df1_DzluZDNMftRzzIeMLeYlaxhTGzRpFuckERARVPtCs_obZJRj2ORe1_iWwcu_g8rmp9jWESptdgm09KrpwPWuLq01zCFI/s640/bulsnake4res.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
That afternoon our herpetology class was planning a field trip to Squaw Creek NWR, so I told Dr. Mills I would bring the bullsnake along so the students could see it. He was anxious to see it and show it off the the class. We all met at 2:30, and as expected the students were impressed with this large snake. When it first came into the office it hissed loudly and rattled its tail, trying very much to sound like a rattlesnake. We could not get it to repeat the defensive behavior they are famous for in front of the students, perhaps he suddenly felt shy?<br />
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Dr. Mills took the snake out of its enclosure and showed off his unique snake wrangling abilities.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJaZ28UHqdAIBw9mDaAbteFrxc9QfJeJ8QhO9GJp0giVbEip3af0lO8k1Rhijlrta584_Gn2fTWG4iMBQHs936azivx5EQ1CzwdOFq7aig-VZ0J22Wud-6lp9FAUC3E4PEFC2FvmpE7QI/s1600/dr+mills.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJaZ28UHqdAIBw9mDaAbteFrxc9QfJeJ8QhO9GJp0giVbEip3af0lO8k1Rhijlrta584_Gn2fTWG4iMBQHs936azivx5EQ1CzwdOFq7aig-VZ0J22Wud-6lp9FAUC3E4PEFC2FvmpE7QI/s200/dr+mills.jpg" width="133" /></a></div><br />
He gently places the snake between his legs and slowly feeds the snake towards the front of his legs as he feels for the head. When he feels the head he grips it firmly but gently to keep it from biting. A snake as large bodied as a bullsnake can and will give a painful bite. This particular snake however calmed down almost immediately once in hand and did not offer to bite or act aggressive. We were able measure his length, but did not have time to take further measurements before we were confronted with the wildlife biologist and the Massassauga he had captured and wanted to show the class.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPr-p9fz1YlC7ceNHBMb9GGbDhZKciIV9I4JZhFmcq23T7VFgdD3szSvaJjVo840dSePff8jx5KCyySyNKsg6xdfK-YRhZfJBrYAM-sjxkgn_xvRnUYoRuxi6veLYjeNZE5mRxRnqFGRw/s1600/dr+millss.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPr-p9fz1YlC7ceNHBMb9GGbDhZKciIV9I4JZhFmcq23T7VFgdD3szSvaJjVo840dSePff8jx5KCyySyNKsg6xdfK-YRhZfJBrYAM-sjxkgn_xvRnUYoRuxi6veLYjeNZE5mRxRnqFGRw/s320/dr+millss.jpg" width="213" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Dr. Mills telling the class about the bullsnake.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KvhX2Bu1-Y7cBakW8n3Xo3JiirT6hGee1V8wMcqWMgv0DX5Hwv_QmjP4AOs_inDycg10R03i6Tkh936MPivowBYHNjJXjToS1PpbF9FNgRQNx6zAsEoK5U5itTe33qy2_fMHOo2dcV8/s1600/measuring+bullsnake.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KvhX2Bu1-Y7cBakW8n3Xo3JiirT6hGee1V8wMcqWMgv0DX5Hwv_QmjP4AOs_inDycg10R03i6Tkh936MPivowBYHNjJXjToS1PpbF9FNgRQNx6zAsEoK5U5itTe33qy2_fMHOo2dcV8/s320/measuring+bullsnake.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Students assisting Dr. Mills in measuring the bullsnake, he has a SVL of 171 cm (nearly 5.5 feet)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fKF9be4W-DelXUUzepsSowifsNkEnKEvodF014BtabSE_2h45vPfbJxkgOvWwNcGg50Cp28oqsaMG2eFHBaDhH_hyonNzDsEjX5Nn8dr38ah71LNbbH7ZMIrvLT60Pi5OKNzAXEsO4Y/s1600/dr+millsss.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_fKF9be4W-DelXUUzepsSowifsNkEnKEvodF014BtabSE_2h45vPfbJxkgOvWwNcGg50Cp28oqsaMG2eFHBaDhH_hyonNzDsEjX5Nn8dr38ah71LNbbH7ZMIrvLT60Pi5OKNzAXEsO4Y/s1600/dr+millsss.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The bullsnake behaving very calmly as it is being handled. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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Bullsnakes are the largest snake found in Missouri and may reach lengths up to eight feet, with 6 to 7 feet being common.They range in color from yellow, tan to white with approximately 41 dark brown or black blotches. Most of the specimens I've seen in previous years have been yellowish with brown blotches. They occur in traditional prairie habitats throughout most of Missouri.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5iv3Ifv02jtyQTRCh2pKI3rRFtDLIoX14eOBeGPb90lV_gI7DXjoShUz-CwnNXjSMqUL_gqtukcCxTe9CV5Bsrknq8ZsOufYH2tUOfIaZwzR8Dqq11CEib5_kKmDGpCZCq5Hf3EJWmk/s1600/bulsnake4res.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii5iv3Ifv02jtyQTRCh2pKI3rRFtDLIoX14eOBeGPb90lV_gI7DXjoShUz-CwnNXjSMqUL_gqtukcCxTe9CV5Bsrknq8ZsOufYH2tUOfIaZwzR8Dqq11CEib5_kKmDGpCZCq5Hf3EJWmk/s1600/bulsnake4res.jpg" /></a></div><br />
In the past 15 years their numbers have drastically fallen and they are becoming difficult to find. Joey and I raised hogs from 1990 until 2000. We had a couple of bullsnakes that hung around near the farrowing house, in large part because of the rats and mice that were there. With all the grain we had around to feed the hogs, we had no shortage of rodents. These bullsnakes soon learned that an easy meal could be had and they stayed pretty close to the building. When we got out of the hog business, the snakes left and I have not seen one since. In fact, I have not seen a bullsnake at all anywhere, and I am out looking for snakes all the time. Dr. Mills moved to St. Joseph in 1998 and said he found a bullsnake dead on the road and that has been the only specimen he has seen in all these years. So, to say he and I were excited about this bullsnake that suddenly came into our possession would be an understatement.<br />
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Bullsnakes are famous for their large size and the hissing sound they make when disturbed. They puff their body up to look bigger and then let loose with a hiss that will make you take a step back and reevaluate the situation. Do you want to get closer? Is this thing venomous? Will it hurt me? It is doing what Mother Nature designed it to do, mimic a rattlesnake. It will even shake its tail in leaf litter or dry grasses to carry the ruse further. Truthfully this species is harmless, however if you grab one it may earn you a bite. When I was in high school I remember one of my classmates was putting up hay and got bitten by a large bullsnake. He ignored the bite and continued to work in the hay. The superficial mound he received became infected from sweat, dirt, hay and the bacteria from the snakes mouth keeping the wound dirty. He spent some time in the hospital seriously ill from infection. Had he taken a few minutes to wash the bite and wrap it, this most likely would have turned out different for him. A snakes mouth carries bacteria from the things it is feeding on. Anytime you are bitten by a snake, it requires attention. If it is a venomous bite, seek medical help IMMEDIATELY! If it is non-venomous take a few minutes to clean the bite and wrap it. Putting an antibacterial topical ointment like neosporin is a good idea as well. Better safe than sorry.<br />
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Several days after acquiring the snake, myself and several others noticed it was holding its mouth funny, it was slightly agape and he was drooling. Snakes don't drool, Bulldogs do! I contacted Dr. Mills and explained my observations and he said he thought it sounded like Mouth Rot. I had never heard of such a thing, and did some research. I soon discovered this can be quite serious and may even kill the snake. I contacted several local vets, and none knew anything about it or how to treat it. A friend of mine from Squaw Creek NWR suggested a vet named Dr. Roy Wilson from Mound City. He and his wife run Rafter Cross Veterinarian Care. I called him and he knew how to treat it. I took the snake to him and after looking him over, he determined it was indeed mouth rot.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnvbu4NoMJ73F_Mrdrmxo6qOtgiWC7K71Wjg0fmDgS1F4kevZxOA6jWvDvx2myD46ER2OBIxoWVbLFApn7LU5KHkSjYJVZt2bnWeo0kmBFCAqILpjaFfYQoRLnTvo1kWFTUYjEkh7YE_0/s1600/553663_380138542020805_133723406662321_1234556_189761220_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnvbu4NoMJ73F_Mrdrmxo6qOtgiWC7K71Wjg0fmDgS1F4kevZxOA6jWvDvx2myD46ER2OBIxoWVbLFApn7LU5KHkSjYJVZt2bnWeo0kmBFCAqILpjaFfYQoRLnTvo1kWFTUYjEkh7YE_0/s640/553663_380138542020805_133723406662321_1234556_189761220_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> (Photo By: Carrie Wilson)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div> He weighed him (4 pounds) and gave him an antibiotic shot. He sent me home with four more doses of antibiotics to administer and then wanted to see him in a week.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Eight days later and 3 more shots later I returned to Dr. Wilson with our patient. He said he thought the mouth looked some better, it at least had better color. The snake however developed thrush (A type of yeast infection of the mouth) brought on by the antibiotic shots. Dr. Wilson cleaned a bunch of dead tissue out of the snakes mouth, gave him another antibiotic shot and an additional shot of an anti-inflammatory. He then tube fed him an electrolyte cocktail. He also applied an athletes foot/jock itch ointment to the mouth to help with the thrush. I will continue to give him another round of antibiotics and apply the ointment for another week then return to the vet in ten days. Hopefully this poor snake will be well on the road to recovery. I will try to feed him a small mouse tomorrow to see if he has any interest in eating. The sooner he eats the better and faster he will heal. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I contacted the man who found the snake and told him this snake could not be returned to him to be released on his farm. Once we began administering antibiotics we have no way of knowing how long those antibiotics will remain in the system of the snake. Dr. Wilson said in good conscience he could not recommend releasing it. If a predator such as a owl, eagle or hawk were to try and feed on this snake and in turn consume the antibiotics we don't know what the affects would be on them. The gentleman was fine with that and was happy for us to give it a home. This snake (should it survive) will be used as an ambassador of his kind in education.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I spoke to our state herpetologist and was told by him that there is a very good chance that this species will be listed as threatened in the state of Missouri as early as next year. This is a decision I support whole-heartedly, as do many of us in the herping/conservation community. We recognize the rarity of this species and know that protecting it may bring it back from the brink of extinction in Missouri. To have this snake extirpated from our state would be sad indeed. With humans encroaching on the habitats of the snakes in their desire for more strip malls, housing additions, agricultural ground and various other human related construction/destruction the snakes are finding it more and more difficult to hold on to what little remains of their natural habitats.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6BoH670Pa7tMVUpHwUbyD082oYMgYrn85oQc3M5jJk7TCfU0XjaLxjufZ2wONC9FzWAmkfhEnXxq20eW8_C0vSMPpbPwFnfTmViNtbI9POyZGg1oSoBInmzUPmUGv4g_obSwuvVKX_4/s1600/farm.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS6BoH670Pa7tMVUpHwUbyD082oYMgYrn85oQc3M5jJk7TCfU0XjaLxjufZ2wONC9FzWAmkfhEnXxq20eW8_C0vSMPpbPwFnfTmViNtbI9POyZGg1oSoBInmzUPmUGv4g_obSwuvVKX_4/s400/farm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
I will update later and keep everyone posted about this snakes progress.</div>Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5405688716011124827.post-56145162994546430362012-04-04T20:09:00.014-07:002012-04-09T17:30:06.816-07:00Claxton and Sweetwater: A Comparison<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=quiWqOfZu14&context=C48ae441ADvjVQa1PpcFPkJWjr7KqiGYct6F5v-WchoQFzWqMaOoc="></a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1DOix0vO6lhyHk69qwubrR4Wqy_aMiKjHH60clfcFidvfWazaT2Agq4LlMrFMVKNSsRDgp11UtxPZsmpNbPYLKxa-K5DMYj1bx1wWpUa9zU1-6dNGNAYDa2vY0pYpeUwpiDG-hT8lxag/s1600/22037_1331766170550_1122876656_30991327_3742548_n.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727758122404010306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1DOix0vO6lhyHk69qwubrR4Wqy_aMiKjHH60clfcFidvfWazaT2Agq4LlMrFMVKNSsRDgp11UtxPZsmpNbPYLKxa-K5DMYj1bx1wWpUa9zU1-6dNGNAYDa2vY0pYpeUwpiDG-hT8lxag/s320/22037_1331766170550_1122876656_30991327_3742548_n.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 213px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuvufp7_WOeLomHM3WppU9iAMqNYkhhLYtfgZCOMfbbLVhCm4xidFEM1atnSBX8DDaxCyLUk1hyzzSznKpEmJemTvuux5DYyU2Q846zFCTGxCZspurMH01gV22O6_rdywJXBxxORZo6_P/s1600/Claxton9.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727755061096562274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuvufp7_WOeLomHM3WppU9iAMqNYkhhLYtfgZCOMfbbLVhCm4xidFEM1atnSBX8DDaxCyLUk1hyzzSznKpEmJemTvuux5DYyU2Q846zFCTGxCZspurMH01gV22O6_rdywJXBxxORZo6_P/s320/Claxton9.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 135px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 180px;" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHF20eL1xVLvbNJUBAdK1940cBbaCvQapByLNCzau_WWO5NT-iGCLcEV1tKsdh4C7Q8unbDi4l8YGRwJIlC7hcFiOb5weK7nysfO__5yzZMftsMF3H6g6l0FJHBylRAC1gwuQCACOlJoD8/s1600/Claxton10.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727754731212363330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHF20eL1xVLvbNJUBAdK1940cBbaCvQapByLNCzau_WWO5NT-iGCLcEV1tKsdh4C7Q8unbDi4l8YGRwJIlC7hcFiOb5weK7nysfO__5yzZMftsMF3H6g6l0FJHBylRAC1gwuQCACOlJoD8/s320/Claxton10.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
Well, against tremendous odds, I made it to Claxton. How I actually got there is a long story filled with empty promises, broken dreams and last minute betrayals and is an insane story all in of itself. One day, it may be told but there is no reason to right now, there are more important matters to discuss, such as the Rattlesnake Roundups in Texas and Georgia. These three were known to be among of the bloodiest spectacles to take place in the Deep South in the name of “family entertainment” and it was this year that they were changed forever.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvw9UfUlVayogkqW4F08ZrnmuVL1BNLwa36TXkdcqPdVY2_GmYEC9CviNSP37WAjSL-6aVpTbtCqKf5U3aHEFKety5Pyj88-xMCOciUcQ02gqCVBkzccXk-5IXuHpAl2dr1kaUcUMdIxk2/s1600/17147_875942172750_4922666_52854961_2421479_n.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727753718820903282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvw9UfUlVayogkqW4F08ZrnmuVL1BNLwa36TXkdcqPdVY2_GmYEC9CviNSP37WAjSL-6aVpTbtCqKf5U3aHEFKety5Pyj88-xMCOciUcQ02gqCVBkzccXk-5IXuHpAl2dr1kaUcUMdIxk2/s320/17147_875942172750_4922666_52854961_2421479_n.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 240px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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The towns of Sweetwater, Texas and Claxton, Georgia: those are what we are going to be looking at for our purposes today. We have plenty of footage from both.<br />
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Sweetwater has become gravely paranoid in response to new negative publicity and the declaration of Danny Mendez that he would personally attend with photographer and biology student, Sky Stevens, in order to document the cruelty displayed there. Danny describes the act of decapitation in one of the videos perfectly on his weekly radio show “Urban Jungles Radio” at about 23 minutes into the program. Unfortunately, before Danny and Sky were able to enter the roundup they were stopped by the Sheriff and several deputies. They were then issued a criminal citation and told that they could not come back to the roundup or attend any of the other local Jaycees events.<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=up1VxI2JINg&list=UUfwsDQ5lGquSAX3r4kRv-MQ&index=3&feature=plcp">Danny and Sky's invitation to leave</a><br />
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And here is the link to the show itself:<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/urbanjunglesradio/2012/03/12/ujr-in-sweetwater-the-herpetological-holocaust-report">Sweetwater Roundup---Holocaust on Rattlesnakes</a><br />
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What Sweetwater did not count on were other people with cell phones and video cameras, ones that did not necessarily support their gory festival, getting in and documenting what went on. Ray Autry, who is a concerned wildlife enthusiast and noted member of the group Rise Against Rattlesnake Roundups, managed to gain entry and film some of the more gruesome events of the roundup. The links will take you to the radio broadcast and the videos.<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ta4nzZW4cwM&context=C48ae441ADvjVQa1PpcFPkJWjr7KqiGYct6F5v-WchoQFzWqMaOoc=">Public Video---Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dugmhR0iOm0&context=C43c6e9dADvjVQa1PpcFPkJWjr7KqiGQ6b3-2K0qoaBCEKVIGSfHQ=">Video #2</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4Yj0AM0wos&context=C4be804dADvjVQa1PpcFPkJWjr7KqiGe4vlEREWI_K2UmJrpyXcq8=">Video #3</a><br />
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Meanwhile, I managed to get to Claxton, which garnered a good deal of publicity for their change from a rattlesnake roundup to a wildlife festival that teaches children about the importance of nature and the place that snakes, including rattlesnakes, have in the ecosystem. Here are some pictures and videos of what happened on the weekend of the 10th and 11th of March.<br />
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Instead of capturing wild rattlesnakes as the vast majority of the roundups do (even the no-kill roundups), the newly christened Claxton Rattlesnake and Wildlife Festival borrowed snakes from wildlife rescues and private collection. Throughout events leading up to the roundup I had a chance to discuss the matter with one of the rescuers that volunteered use of his snakes so that the reformation could be successful. Jason Clarke of Southeaster Reptile Rescue willingly let his snakes be used as part of the show, provided that they were not used in any of the demonstration shows or handled anymore than necessary. Although some rattlesnakes were used for demonstration none were permanently harmed and, as far as I could tell, these shows did not last very long at all. I only arrived in time to see the closing of the second to last “snake show” where some of the rattlesnakes were handled (but not Mr. Clarke’s); the final show after that used no snakes other than a kingsnake that was simply held for show. Here are some videos and photos from Claxton, I will let the readers decide how well these snakes were treated but please keep in mind that just one year ago every snake seen here would be slaughtered for the sake of the weekend festivities.<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azW4m_8tnUM&context=C4057d3dADvjVQa1PpcFPkJWjr7KqiGXGqVfP6ij2WMNGDq-CgvtU=">Claxton, GA Wildlife Festival</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ca_Ese1oOfU&list=UUSuG9dpVwTOmypVR4iylbGw&index=2&feature=plcp">Claxton, GA Wildlife Festival Video #2</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdqgtcuhnQI&list=UUSuG9dpVwTOmypVR4iylbGw&index=6&feature=plcp">Claxton, GA Wildlife Festival Video #3</a><br />
Although I was unable to actually meet with Jason Clarke in person I did keep an eye on his animals to the best of my abilities and when I called him after returning home to Pennsylvania he confirmed that every one of his snakes made it home no worse for the wear. Talking with several of the vendors and groundskeepers at Georgia confirmed that the numbers either matched or beat those of the previous years. Overall I would say that the new festival was a huge success in converting the slaughter of thousands of wild animals to celebrating their existence and acknowledging their place in nature. Sweetwater could learn a valuable lesson from this.<br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eA0jjhMxvxo&feature=context&context=C44b84d0ADvjVQa1PpcFPkJWjr7KqiGSOt-GTIbv-HioUl7zLxHSU=">Bob Irwin weighs in</a>Billhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14464494546889042432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5405688716011124827.post-4983870073038133652012-03-20T17:06:00.001-07:002012-03-20T17:07:34.835-07:00Humans Can Be Bizzare, Too by: David Steen Ph. D.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">There never seems to be much of a shortage of </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2010/12/photogalleries/101207-top-ten-weird-new-animals-2010/" target="_blank">articles</a> or</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"> </span></span><a href="http://uglyoverload.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">blogs</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"> about how some animals are truly bizarre, weird, or otherwise outrageous. These discussions never resonated with me. Animals have incredible and diverse strategies, behaviors, shapes, and sizes that allow them to persist and thrive in their environment. It would never occur to me to think of these animals as weird.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGx-YtUffUvg_XEOr6ZX26vGjEJCpkZBesITysnyntWiP92Sr_K5GGQOFpPJzg4eM4mp15bWZlRHPvhSowwtn11k7WAQnJLhqtSe0VmzRmWXAruUT2ti9PKMtAXaSVl4pecRGJaoxH0Es/s1600/DOR_CRHOR.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGx-YtUffUvg_XEOr6ZX26vGjEJCpkZBesITysnyntWiP92Sr_K5GGQOFpPJzg4eM4mp15bWZlRHPvhSowwtn11k7WAQnJLhqtSe0VmzRmWXAruUT2ti9PKMtAXaSVl4pecRGJaoxH0Es/s320/DOR_CRHOR.JPG" width="240" /></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">No, for the truly strange, we must look inward. How weird is it that humans hold annual celebrations in which the main focus is </span></span><a href="http://www.livingalongsidewildlife.com/2010/04/round-em-up.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">rounding up and killing animals for entertainment</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">? How bizarre is it that this is socially acceptable and encouraged?</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">These thoughts occurred to me recently as I was reading a number of newspaper articles promoting, excuse me, reporting on the events associated with the Sweetwater, Texas Rattlesnake Roundup. How else can we explain why skinning a recently decapitated and still-squirming animal is considered, "</span></span><a href="http://www.reporternews.com/news/2012/mar/10/rattlesnake-skinning-provides-eye-popping-at/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">laugh-inducing</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">"? Is it really that much fun to cut up an animal, feel it's still-beating heart, and then slap your bloody handprints on the wall? If so, I have to admit that I have been looking for entertainment in entirely the wrong places. I think </span></span><a href="http://www.livingalongsidewildlife.com/2010/12/rattlesnakesfinding-their-poise-and.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">it's much more interesting if the snake's heart is beating when the skin is still on</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20waszmHx18wa_D5bLqnwanqxKBbpI4JeUfV7uQuXj1GZqMKLCrj5OZxU4f0uUXNoTAw5qAEz2mpsQpLkkOXev0De6rLNC8DxoM-ql7vn7VPBLItLDNVWU6LPmzj_nePUI_CTJxQmi78/s1600/diamondback_road.bmp" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj20waszmHx18wa_D5bLqnwanqxKBbpI4JeUfV7uQuXj1GZqMKLCrj5OZxU4f0uUXNoTAw5qAEz2mpsQpLkkOXev0De6rLNC8DxoM-ql7vn7VPBLItLDNVWU6LPmzj_nePUI_CTJxQmi78/s320/diamondback_road.bmp" width="320" /></span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">I wrote last week about how the organizers of the Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup</span></span><a href="http://www.livingalongsidewildlife.com/2012/03/friday-roundup-western-diamondback.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"> raised their rattlesnake bounty this year</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"> in hopes of gathering more snakes. It didn't work. As this press-release, excuse me, </span></span><a href="http://www.reporternews.com/news/2012/mar/11/eat-up-trophy-day-at-sweetwater-rattlesnake/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">newspaper article, notes in relation to a rattlesnake-eating contest</span></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">, it was once again a below-average year. Whether the roundup organizers are correct in attributing low rattlesnake densities to weather patterns, there seems to be no arguing the fact that there have been less rattlesnakes crawling around Texas lately. I guess this means people should</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">try harder to round up what's left? After all, those bloody handprints on the wall aren't going to get slapped on themselves.</span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;">Now that is what I consider bizarre.</span></span><br />
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<blockquote style="border-left: 2px solid blue; padding-left: 3px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: arial; font-size: xx-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>David A. Steen received his Ph.D. from Auburn University, his B.S. from the State University of New York-College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and his B.S. from the University of New Hampshire. He researches the ecology and conservation biology of wildlife and blogs about his work at </i></span><a href="http://www.livingalongsidewildlife.com/" style="color: #417b23; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>www.LivingAlongsideWildlife.com</i></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>. His copyrighted work appears here under a </i></span><a href="http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/" style="color: #417b23; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Creative Commons license</i></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>.</i></span></span></span></blockquote>Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5405688716011124827.post-62191577307707141682012-03-17T17:47:00.001-07:002012-03-17T18:45:04.694-07:00Why we Shouldn't LitterFew things in this World get me as riled as littering. Not only is it unsightly, but it often has detrimental consequences on wildlife. Tonight my daughter was coming in the backdoor and yelled for me to "come quick!" I hurried to see what the problem was and she had found a black snake with a piece of plastic PVC pipe wrapped around its midsection. There as no possible way this snake would have survived had my daughter not found it and we had not been given the opportunity to rescue it.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1fNRnf990i3EAA8YE6ZfMLWa58UWxmZyc3EdpyvOskluTOiaKjMPS7gUH8XcJ7KgEPVxchY-kjkc5N6SgMlriAn_A8vPMd-totn1pFqQitZr4a4tK89grLVNdyI_mj32MdWfwcQl_8An/s1600/black+snake+rescueres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1fNRnf990i3EAA8YE6ZfMLWa58UWxmZyc3EdpyvOskluTOiaKjMPS7gUH8XcJ7KgEPVxchY-kjkc5N6SgMlriAn_A8vPMd-totn1pFqQitZr4a4tK89grLVNdyI_mj32MdWfwcQl_8An/s320/black+snake+rescueres.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I picked the snake up and immediately it musked and bit me. Which is exactly the type of behavior one can expect from a snake that has been snatched up by a giant. You can see the blood on my finger. It is nothing more than a superficial scratch.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4x_NlXOZ88p8Tmni15J_kLB6JTdY0QGSWtfgRV1yzLeJwteeaaY7h0lzqdJUlrZF5V1mbfOHlgoycCVgVhUI6tB_ndb6jHorZx9oxQ2jUUSh7UyUoOggsDEu2qfB02xEf9vz26-SJzvz/s1600/black+snake+rescue5res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT4x_NlXOZ88p8Tmni15J_kLB6JTdY0QGSWtfgRV1yzLeJwteeaaY7h0lzqdJUlrZF5V1mbfOHlgoycCVgVhUI6tB_ndb6jHorZx9oxQ2jUUSh7UyUoOggsDEu2qfB02xEf9vz26-SJzvz/s320/black+snake+rescue5res.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIVhTXHgE_QztshE_ZM5y7rFKhggYSJgy6gosW71QXrGnvhqD7ro8kQbRy9ZDkDNI1Kw3xHdLAUPhZr8hRPE5q4huzVjGVU-7gMBKDPAjOea-nlNLNDkbVX8qkAn3BVY7xJwAPuq5RgKP/s1600/black+snake+rescue6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihIVhTXHgE_QztshE_ZM5y7rFKhggYSJgy6gosW71QXrGnvhqD7ro8kQbRy9ZDkDNI1Kw3xHdLAUPhZr8hRPE5q4huzVjGVU-7gMBKDPAjOea-nlNLNDkbVX8qkAn3BVY7xJwAPuq5RgKP/s320/black+snake+rescue6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
The snake is probably 3 to 4 years of age and measures nearly 2 feet in length. The piece of pipe had grown into its skin and my fear was that it was so embedded that we would not be able to remove it without causing further damage.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2A_dpHnqzEtrrwAZrRSKgYQRehD2xxtvlI48KXV-GjJWp6h43O36S1RClvSbCBVwSBvjDE-TEggwcvnZKrO7j9sWChuTa2jvNebVKDJ9RoRVZEOSW0PQIoV0FXgvZkvoKb2nQ-aIfSV4V/s1600/black+snake+rescue2res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2A_dpHnqzEtrrwAZrRSKgYQRehD2xxtvlI48KXV-GjJWp6h43O36S1RClvSbCBVwSBvjDE-TEggwcvnZKrO7j9sWChuTa2jvNebVKDJ9RoRVZEOSW0PQIoV0FXgvZkvoKb2nQ-aIfSV4V/s320/black+snake+rescue2res.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwKktx6-wTAqXueW1NnRoSFADHIgA_B30d4_o7DI6VrguowdDuU1sb8V38Adh2RPdd1K_7zmLo1y88umsr30gmZbz8E44-S8dCf_Q3KllmEZJ2OoVFRZBFD9tRXiK79zrYvuzSHpyMT6X/s1600/black+snake+rescue3res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwKktx6-wTAqXueW1NnRoSFADHIgA_B30d4_o7DI6VrguowdDuU1sb8V38Adh2RPdd1K_7zmLo1y88umsr30gmZbz8E44-S8dCf_Q3KllmEZJ2OoVFRZBFD9tRXiK79zrYvuzSHpyMT6X/s320/black+snake+rescue3res.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
We decided to try and saw the pipe off. My husband helped me, and it took about 20 minutes to finally free the snake of its PVC entrapment. I need you to understand something too, my husband does not like snakes and I really think he secretly fears them. He bucked up and helped me save this snake when he saw the condition it was in and how important it was to me. He really came through for me and for this snake in need. The wound that was exposed did not look too severe so I made the decision to release it in a safe place in the yard.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCti_UpqVqmc4Qr8e5XCJAnhtsPYHIZUFDvR_NwEzM5r090aHkSJdNbtAXPAOYY4l7RCZu02VywdF-nB_GcZGyethuZ7s7a0RFbxs7bdayWOYUA8gn8K2BV9rM_tQFuhuRrSfzoGAJsal/s1600/black+snake+rescue7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxCti_UpqVqmc4Qr8e5XCJAnhtsPYHIZUFDvR_NwEzM5r090aHkSJdNbtAXPAOYY4l7RCZu02VywdF-nB_GcZGyethuZ7s7a0RFbxs7bdayWOYUA8gn8K2BV9rM_tQFuhuRrSfzoGAJsal/s320/black+snake+rescue7.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9FEpG7edIvQ91dguoaK35NcEcQ4VmUbHCXH0GXvW5LO20DB9hD4RO_bXGjpqXk8J7m-_wVcO8Kvm5xFZvkCNTMdDoEnHelr2TgD9h5T69aZv5Twfphsk-vrFxgMKLaKJeF1-lLobmBBC/s1600/black+snake+rescue8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM9FEpG7edIvQ91dguoaK35NcEcQ4VmUbHCXH0GXvW5LO20DB9hD4RO_bXGjpqXk8J7m-_wVcO8Kvm5xFZvkCNTMdDoEnHelr2TgD9h5T69aZv5Twfphsk-vrFxgMKLaKJeF1-lLobmBBC/s320/black+snake+rescue8.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6wpJK9gvTU7VK1wZCgvsG4_fFDCj4TmhQ3Je7iiak62bc5Rdup4uTXxvEgPP8_kXxgAMcA3h2bxz6_5gTGHEwdI92FTC7A-o8V-3yzOeiejKvDyGVZvKNZ70U5kM1G_MEyvKTLicIWJw/s1600/black+snake+rewscue11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6wpJK9gvTU7VK1wZCgvsG4_fFDCj4TmhQ3Je7iiak62bc5Rdup4uTXxvEgPP8_kXxgAMcA3h2bxz6_5gTGHEwdI92FTC7A-o8V-3yzOeiejKvDyGVZvKNZ70U5kM1G_MEyvKTLicIWJw/s320/black+snake+rewscue11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXHqnbNKf-Bf_YUZDoi6WwedxpyZhp5WC6m9DU19zu1DGrC4E_A_6HBR4CU2GXNdpvuzKhyeD7ctZvCGmmQCH0Po0V9Fy4aIy9BbBaKLQNhf5-3CrCHw05z6-7EDlp1s4Sz62yRXIfKC6/s1600/black+snake+rescue10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAXHqnbNKf-Bf_YUZDoi6WwedxpyZhp5WC6m9DU19zu1DGrC4E_A_6HBR4CU2GXNdpvuzKhyeD7ctZvCGmmQCH0Po0V9Fy4aIy9BbBaKLQNhf5-3CrCHw05z6-7EDlp1s4Sz62yRXIfKC6/s320/black+snake+rescue10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope this snake heals and goes on to lead a productive snakey life. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZw9rdzaUaFM-s5cKXyerTCM_v9LIZcGevq5xPHx_B6ukvGVMWkRm_jzgVEVJb-kZu1GzfZAbmm5_FBITAZ-sJXv9NswH0NRoe6Quv0KKz3fh8-g2wdT0_PtLZHK3QPhufAIWMWVHIEpZ_/s1600/black+snake+rescxue13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdd1ciskbXHATTVkAX6nkBsNlyt6XXAHn_PPiOUNIUu1x5f3UUr_i3xtpFfDYRoIlJNK-HVXCWAqq1WVB8dkpvN1XOyYTZ0_0a8Mm2dGkmJv_S8zwp9xxI-TdAToawFu4f17vlDH7ZRAip/s320/black+snake+rescue9.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWsJw5SNO41blT1gTwQQBTUDy0flF4jpyJFWistOxXlMpJuUWuRnUYxAFJ5W6-T2LAeE4mCps0cLgddAuzlzcAzaUnTTbhEr9-UlWryLWbOig0xIimH-sa1Pv281jl2RJQT-nf2dhQqTJ/s1600/black+nake+rescue12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLWsJw5SNO41blT1gTwQQBTUDy0flF4jpyJFWistOxXlMpJuUWuRnUYxAFJ5W6-T2LAeE4mCps0cLgddAuzlzcAzaUnTTbhEr9-UlWryLWbOig0xIimH-sa1Pv281jl2RJQT-nf2dhQqTJ/s320/black+nake+rescue12.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK63SUnM45KnRBjPCy8Mo9SDr8Ex8TMZaK9UkKIFDW7PXA1QQ-yyQ9Cm5guOX8iEfQaMae2mQ6gJ5nEcCjnjtbrLyWq5x2fFESZiPFhcHTwY4pLj0_MPJgl0HPZNv22Q6etC_s_-Xi0_94/s1600/black+snake+rescxue13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK63SUnM45KnRBjPCy8Mo9SDr8Ex8TMZaK9UkKIFDW7PXA1QQ-yyQ9Cm5guOX8iEfQaMae2mQ6gJ5nEcCjnjtbrLyWq5x2fFESZiPFhcHTwY4pLj0_MPJgl0HPZNv22Q6etC_s_-Xi0_94/s320/black+snake+rescxue13.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Littering is an ongoing problem faced by wildlife on a daily basis. We as humans often discard our trash without a second thought. We wrongly assume that someone else will take care of it. We throw trash out of our car windows, simply because we don't want our cars littered with trash. For some reason we prefer it laying along the highways, roadways, walking trails and other natural areas. Why can we not take the trash home with us and dispose of it properly? Why can we not pull into the nearest gas station and dispose of it in the trash bin? Do we really need to throw it out for all the World to see? I don't know about you but there is nothing I hate worse than hiking a beautiful trail, only to have it disturbed by fast food packages, pop or beer cans, bottles, plastic bags, etc. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">There are many stories that abound of animals that have been in similar situations including the one here <a href="http://conservationreport.com/2009/04/24/animal-welfare-turtle-deformed-by-being-trapped-in-a-six-pack-plastic-ring/">Common Snapper trapped by six pack ring</a> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXpGrVOm0Q2g7o7QudTQZ9Sat0Vk3fzVKNUm4zY-XJVvlj_0YMZrK3AtlFny9RwWgoxHoZ7lTPw-PYmHed5cv-bj6Wdz69DCur081a5Qa7WYVTczO0iLHwxWGsDmzFlY_ODpLlKEBrav9/s1600/mae-west-turtle-plastic-ring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXpGrVOm0Q2g7o7QudTQZ9Sat0Vk3fzVKNUm4zY-XJVvlj_0YMZrK3AtlFny9RwWgoxHoZ7lTPw-PYmHed5cv-bj6Wdz69DCur081a5Qa7WYVTczO0iLHwxWGsDmzFlY_ODpLlKEBrav9/s320/mae-west-turtle-plastic-ring.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">In Missouri we have an ambassador of trash by the name of Peanut. Peanut's story can be read here <a href="http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/adoptriver/peanut.html">Peanut the Turtle</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLcht2DmC5zcrgkt34uwqPaTBKIf6N2N6VOXY_TShN8gKaN0tjekyEqe5iypGxTm2cdYSnjRkI0pjjYPslj1_UMw4B-mX1G21cDuIif4sxfQPMqkkyLR00j9_i485hKQi4uloGLM5njPq/s1600/peanut.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxLcht2DmC5zcrgkt34uwqPaTBKIf6N2N6VOXY_TShN8gKaN0tjekyEqe5iypGxTm2cdYSnjRkI0pjjYPslj1_UMw4B-mX1G21cDuIif4sxfQPMqkkyLR00j9_i485hKQi4uloGLM5njPq/s1600/peanut.gif" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">If you plan to be outside this spring, summer and fall, if you pack it in, please remember to pack it out. Our wildlife will thank you.</div>Shelly Coxhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18367843308248195970noreply@blogger.com7