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Pennsylvania's "Swamp Rattler"
Just
saying the word rattlesnake can make some people recoil in fear. They
conjure up images of aggressive animals on 24-hour alert for the opportunity
to pounce on unsuspecting hikers.
According
to WPC Pa. Natural Heritage Zoologist Ryan Evans, those who have had the
opportunity to "get to know" these oft-maligned creatures see
them as a vital component of a healthy ecosystem. The eastern massasauga
rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) is listed by the Pa.
Fish and Boat Commission as endangered and is a candidate for federal
protection under the Endangered Species Act.
The term "massasauga" comes from a Chippewa Indian word meaning
"great river-mouth," which describes the type of location where
it was originally sighted. In Pennsylvania it is only currently known
from portions of Allegheny, Butler, Crawford, Lawrence, Mercer and Venango
counties. Its ideal habitat is in wet, open bottomlands adjacent to dry,
untilled upland fields.
WPC scientists would like to better understand the biology and ecology
of this species within its Pennsylvania range. WPC has conducted some
fieldwork and landowner education in 2002, has received a state wildlife
grant to pursue a larger research project. This research may help address
the needed conservation actions for the species in the state. By answering
questions related to these issues, not only will scientists better understand
the conservation status of this animal, but also better understand how
intact and healthy the habitats are that still support this magnificent
part of our natural heritage.
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