This year, 2012, has been an exciting time for the Timber rattlesnake population and reproductive assessment survey research. The driving force behind this project was to better understand how human presence in the north eastern part of their range has affected overall rattlesnake numbers and breeding success compared to previous data. In addition, we wanted to learn more about Timber… Read more »
A deadly threat has been identified in a Southern Illinois population of Massasauga rattlesnakes (Sistrurus catenatus). In 2008, biologists found 3 eastern massasaugas with disfiguring lesions on and around their head. In addition, the snakes had multiple growths and ulcers, and experienced swelling that extended throughout the skin and skeletal muscle. Another massasauga with a similar condition was documented in… Read more »
