The Decline of the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake in Pennsylvania

The eastern massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus c. catenatus) was once known from nineteen separate localities throughout six counties in Western Pennsylvania. Today, it is found in less than eight localities scattered over three counties and only a handful of these populations have any hope of surviving the next 50 years. The chief components for this decline are habitat loss and human persecution. Factors such as wetland draining, residential and agricultural development, natural succession and resource extraction have effectively extirpated the eastern massasauga from much of its historical habitat and has left remaining habitat severely degraded and polluted. The Western Pennsylvania Conservancy is currently involved in a project to conserve the eastern massasauga's habitat and to devise a conservation and management plan that will ensure its future in Pennsylvania.

If you believe you have encountered an eastern massasauga, please contact WPC at (412) 586-2356, or webmaster.paconserve.org.

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