AWARE’S TAILS FROM THE WILD

Snakes! Why Did It Have to be ?

By Lisa Powers help prevent deadly stroke-causing clots This famous line from the movie Raiders of during difficult surgeries. Contortrostatin, the Lost Ark reflects the sentiment of many a protein found in the venom of the Fall 2012 folks in response to the mention of snakes. I Southern Inside this Issue cannot even begin to tell you how many times c o p p e r - Where There’s a “Will,” I have heard, ‘the only good is a dead head, is There’s a Way p. 5 snake.” But did you know that snakes are s ho wi n g such a valuable part of our environment we m u c h would be hard pressed to live without them? p r o m i s e In fact there are many people who now owe in treating their life to a snake! b r e a s t What is venom? The American Heritage c a n c e r , In Each Issue Dictionary of Science defines venom as, “a Southern Copperhead and the poisonous substance secreted by special venom of Director’s Reflections glands of some snakes, spiders, scorpions, the African black is being studied from the Wild p. 2 lizards, and similar , who inject it into for the treatment of Alzheimer’s. their prey or enemy by biting or stinging.” In But snakes are important to us in other Wing Beat: the scientific world, venom is injected, while ways too. Do you like to eat? Of course Nightjars (Goatsuckers) p. 3 poison is ingested. Therefore spiders and you do, but what do snakes have to do snakes are considered venomous rather than with food? Snakes are the best form of Rehab 911! Eek! A Snake p. 5 poisonous. Because of the many components control and have the unique ability of venom and the unique properties of each to go where the can go. None of Spotlight on Georgia’s Wildlife: specific to the many different venomous spe- the traps mankind has invented, the cats Copperheads p. 6 cies, researchers are studying the natural phar- we have spread around the world or even macy of potential medicines that may be used the of prey, can get to the rodents Meet the Ambassador: in the near future to treat and even cure dis- like snakes, or equal the number of ro- Legs the Corn Snake p. 6 eases. dents consumed by snakes. Even if you For instance, if you or a loved one have don’t like to eat your veggies, the meat Art for Armadillos Photos p. 7 ever suffered a heart attack and have been animals you consume rely on the vegeta- treated with either of the drugs Eptifibatide or tion/grain produced on farms. Without AWARE’s Mission, Hours, Tirofiban, then you owe many thanks to snakes to control the rodent population, Wish List & More p. 8 snakes. Eptifibatide is a drug that was devel- vegetation/grain production can greatly oped from the venom of rattlesnakes and Ti- be impacted. Crop loss and ruination of Senior Writer and Editor: rofiban was developed from the venom of the stored grain by rodents and their feces Melanie Furr [email protected] African saw-scaled viper. Venom is a com- and urine can range upwards to 100% on plex mixture of proteins and varies upon its some farms during periods of rodent makeup from different snake . Those population explosions. Grow your own www.AWAREwildlife.org same proteins that make venom a deadly vegetables and fruits? Many of our cocktail when injected by a snake, can be smaller snakes feed on slugs, snails and used by doctors in modified amounts to treat other garden pests and they are non-toxic human disease. The two drugs mentioned and do not cause cancer! above are used to halt heart attacks when Did you know that snakes could help given within the first three hours of symp- protect your home from fire? It is esti- toms. Ancrod was developed from the venom mated that about 20% of all house fires in of the Malayan pit viper and has been used to (Continued on page 4)

Tails from the Wild, Fall 2012 Page 2

Director’s Reflections from the Wild Board of Directors I am constantly The focus was a silent auction of numerous amazed by the hard pieces of nature-themed art. The art was gener- Kristi Warren work and dedica- ously donated from members of the public as President tion of the volun- well as our volunteers to help raise money for McKesson teers at AWARE. AWARE. The auction also helped raise aware- Our group of more ness of the center’s mission to rehabilitate Geor- Lindsay Wallace than 60 volunteers gia’s native wildlife and to educate the public Vice President commits an average about wildlife issues. I also cannot forget the Newfields of 350 hours per memorable contributions made by AWARE’s week and even non-releasable ambassadors, including Owlbert Linda Potter more than that dur- Einstein the barred owl, Koko the red-tailed Treasurer ing the busiest hawk, and Legs the corn snake. Their presence at Retired times of the year. the auction was an opportunity for us to further What is so unique educate the public about what we do at Dr. Tarah Hadley Hallie Lieberman about AWARE’s AWARE, and they also contributed to the auc- Secretary volunteers is that in their lives outside of the tion in their own way through pieces of art that KMS Technology center they are students, artists, stay-at-home they had created. parents, business owners, employees of retail AWARE volunteers contributed to this one Alex Hoffman companies, or retirees of various careers and event in so many ways: they helped create the MCL Industries professions worked over a lifetime. A few work works of art, solicited artwork from friends, cre- as nurses or veterinary technicians. ated and distributed flyers about the event, found Kelly Jordan Besides their hard work and dedication, I am a venue for the auction, prepared hors d’oeuvres, Point Center Corporation also amazed by the creativity of the volunteers. played live music, photographed the event, pro- Their creativity, along with the help and guid- vided event security, welcomed attendees, han- Melinda Matla ance of the staff, was a driving force for the dled and cared for AWARE’s ambassador ani- success of AWARE’s first annual Art Auction mals, helped the ambassador animals create art- KPMG st and Wine Tasting event held on November 1 work, donated their time to create jewelry and Kim Mitchell at The Sound Table in Atlanta. The art auction other wildlife pieces to sell at the event, and so Mitchell Consulting was one of AWARE’s very first public events much more. Please enjoy the pictures from the that brought together members of the public Art Auction, and I hope you understand the pre- along with volunteers, staff members, and cious contribution made by AWARE’s volun- AWARE’s board members. teers and why they do what they do.

Management Team

Dr. Tarah Hadley, DVM Director

Linda Potter Assistant Director

Marjan Ghadrdan Wildlife Care Supervisor

Tammi Scarbro Wildlife Care Supervisor

Turn to page seven for more Art for Armadillos photos.

Tails from the Wild, Fall 2012 Page 3 Wing Beat Enjoying Georgia’s Birds The Nightjars (Goatsuckers) The nightjars are an interesting family of birds. The Latin name their feathers, which are essential for camouflage on the forest for these birds translates as “goatsuckers” -- a name they re- floor. ceived centuries ago, probably from goat herders who saw People are probably most familiar with the Whip-poor-will, a these birds flying low over their fields at night and believed that often calls its name loudly and incessantly during the that they were coming to feed on the milk of their goats. night. One birder counted 834 consecutive calls without interrup- (Instead these birds were drawn to the insects that the livestock tion at 2.5 second intervals during one night. That can be pretty attracted). Sixty-seven species of nightjars are found through- annoying if you are trying to sleep and one is calling nearby! out most parts of the world, four species in the United States -- The Chuck-Will’s- Whip-poor-wills, Chuck-will’s-widows, Common Poor-wills Widow, also named and Common Nighthawks. These four species nest in the for its call, is the larg- United States during the summer months but migrate to Central est of the nightjars, or South America for the winter. Whip-poor-wills, Chuck- measuring about 11- will’s-widows, and Common Nighthawks can all be found in 13 inches in length. Georgia during the warmer months. Although it primarily As their name suggests, nightjars are nocturnal, flying eats insects, it may around catching insects in the dark with their large, bristle- occasionally eat small lined mouths. Although they have a very short beak, they have birds or , swal- a huge, gaping mouth that can open as wide as two inches, both http://commons.wikimedia.org lowing them whole. vertically and horizontally — great for scooping up insects in Like all nightjars, this chuck-will’s-widow blends in The Common flight. The bristles on the sides of their mouths may help to perfectly with its surroundings. Poor-will, a western funnel food into their mouths and/or to protect their eyes. U. S. species, is the only bird in the world that actually hiber- Nightjar feathers are mottled with browns, grays, blacks and nates. When the open, arid deserts where it lives have a cold spell tans so that they are extremely well camouflaged on the forest that kills the insects, this species can lower its body temperature floor. During the daytime, they rest on leaves on the ground or to its surroundings and remain dormant until better weather pre- lengthwise on horizontal branches — unlike songbirds that vails. (Other bird species, including some hummingbirds, can go perch perpendicular to the branches. They blend in with the into torpor, a condition in which they reduce their body tempera- leaf litter so well that birders rarely see them during the day ture by a few degrees, but only the poor-will can lower its tem- and even then only in the early morning or evening when they perature down to the surrounding environment’s temperature). begin flying around to feed. They are sometimes spotted lying Finally, Common Nighthawks, which are not related to hawks on the road at night when their bright orange eye-shine gives at all, can frequently be seen around our brightly lit signs, road- them away in the headlights. ways and stadiums during the warmer months. Look for them Brooding is done on the ground without any kind of prepa- around the bright signs at the Atlanta Braves games or in brightly ration -- just a leafy area that has a slight depression where the lit parking lots. They are easily distinguished by a wide white eggs can be kept together and the female can keep them warm. stripe running across each wing about halfway out from their The eggs are white, but have mottled spots to make them prac- bodies. tically invisible on the leaves. The young are born with most of By Jim Wilson

Did you know... When a predator gets too close to their offspring, nightjars often feign injury, dragging a wing on the ground and lur- ing the predator away. AWARE recently rehabilitated a chuck- will’s-widow. Read about this unique pa- tient on page five.

Tails from the Wild, Fall 2012 Page 4 Snakes! Why Did It Have to be Snakes? (continued from page one) the U.S. of unknown origin can be attributed to damage ing them and the benefits living with them provide in the long caused by rodents chewing on wiring and other electrical com- run. So in answer to the question posed in the title of this blog, I ponents. Because of their constant need to gnaw to keep their know why it has to be snakes and I feel very fortunate to share teeth in check, rodents may also cause structural and other my world with them. 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 some- thing you want to ever have near your children and family pets? A snake can do a much better job at rodent control! If you are fortunate enough to What about disease? Hanta virus occurs naturally through- find a Dekay’s brownsnake in out most of North and South America; it is airborne, and in the your yard, you won’t be as absence of prompt medical attention, its infections are usually troubled by slugs, snails and fatal. The main hosts for the hanta virus are rodents. Rodents other pests eating your veg- carry many other diseases that can be transmitted to humans gies and decorative plants! (zoonoses), among them: Rabies, Plague, Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis virus (LCMV), Leptospirosis (Weil’s syn- drome), Salmonellosis, Tuberculosis and many of the tick- bourn diseases like Lyme’s Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Do you like to hunt or fish? Snakes affect the quality and numbers of game animals available. They help to prevent dis- eases in these animals and promote stronger stock by weeding As its name suggests, the gray out weak, diseased or old members. They can also affect the rat snake preys on rats, other food available for game animals to eat. Large timber rattle- rodents, and the occasional snakes show a food preference for squirrels. In preparation for bird and/or eggs. 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 acciden- tal uncovering of a poorly buried shallow stash. Nature is a system of checks and balances. If you remove Like most snakes, the timber one component from an ecosystem, the balance shifts in favor rattlesnake is a shy species of another. And while humans like to think we have control that rarely strikes unless con- over life, when we tinker with these systems we start a cas- fronted or disturbed and its cade of events the consequences of which we may not even venom has been used to de- realize for months, years, decades or even generations. In the velop life-saving drugs for United States, it is easy to learn the venomous snakes from the heart patients; who knows nonvenomous and how to take measures to reduce or even what other cures and treat- prevent human-snake encounters. There is NEVER a good ments may be teased from this reason to kill a snake in any of our protected parks and natural majestic beauty? habitats….or to harm those we encounter in our yards or homes unless they are presenting an imminent threat. If the Lisa Powers, a herpetologist and Project Noah Ranger, re- snake is outside and you keep your yard free of debris and searched and wrote the blog post you just read for the Center well-maintained, the snake has no reason to stay and will have for Snake Conservation and Project Noah Snake Week. moved on in an hour or so. If the snake is indoors and you AWARE thanks Lisa for letting us share this interesting and know it is a harmless species, you may use a broom and dust informative article with our readers. To learn more about the pan to gently urge the snake into a trash can or other lidded Center for Snake Conservation please visit CSC . container, place the lid on the container and then safely carry the snake to the outdoors and release it. If it is a venomous Project Noah is an online database for sharing photographs and snake in your house, remove pets and people, try to secure the information of organisms found throughout the World. This room the snake is in and call a professional. Do not try to cap- database will provide a valuable resource to educators, natural- ture or kill the snake…this is how bites occur and can some- ist, biologists, ecologists, herpetologists, etc. for wildlife edu- times prove a deadly mistake. cation and awareness. If you are interested, login to their page Remember, snakes do a valuable service in the environment and begin posting your photos. and the costs of killing them far outweigh the costs of protect-

Tails from the Wild, Fall 2012 Page 5 Where There’s a “Will,” There’s a Way Late this summer, an injured chuck-will’s-widow came into Haire, who provided expert care and a flight cage for the bird AWARE’s care after it was found on the ground in a Home until it was ready for release. (Nightjars need lots of room to Depot parking lot. Because these birds frequently feed on the exercise their wings, and AWARE’s flight cages were occupied swarms of insects drawn to brightly lit areas like parking lots, by other patients). Happily, this special patient recovered and this bird had probably collided with a car, breaking a shoulder was released in time to continue its migration to Central or bone. Chuck-will’s-widows aren’t brought into AWARE often, South America where it will spend the winter until it returns to but when they are, they require very specialized care. its nesting grounds next spring. Since chuck-will’s-widows and other nightjars only feed in flight (having beaks too fragile for pecking on the ground), they will not self-feed in captivity and must be hand-fed. AWARE’s rehabilitators tube-fed their patient with a special insectivore formula, being careful not to damage the fragile bristles along the bird’s mouth or its sensitive throat. The bird was weighed daily to ensure that it was maintaining its weight, and because its feathers are extremely delicate, it was only han- dled using a clean, silk pillowcase. Jim Wilson

After a few weeks of cage rest, the bird’s injury was healed, Chuck-will’s-widow at AWARE — almost ready for release. and it was then transferred to wildlife rehabilitator Melanie Unlike other songbirds, nightjars typically perch horizontally. Rehab 911! AWARE Rehabilitators Provide Answers to Common Calls about Wildlife EEK! I saw a snake in my yard (on my driveway, under If you discover a snake in your house, main calm (remember, my porch, in my basement, etc.). Will it hurt me? How the majority are not dangerous) and try to avoid disturbing the can I get rid of it? snake and driving it into hiding. Try to confine the snake to one AWARE receives hundreds of calls every year from people room or corner with barriers or boxes. If the snake is non- who are afraid because they have seen a snake near their home. venomous, open a door and gently herd the snake out with a The first thing we try to do for these callers is to reassure them broom, if possible. Alternatively, place a pail or wastebasket that the majority of Georgia’s snakes are harmless and that even over the snake and weight it down to trap the snake until an ex- bites from the venomous species are rarely fatal. Except for the perienced handler can remove it. If the snake has gone into hid- state’s four venomous species, snakes don’t pose a threat to ing, a heating pad or pile of burlap or other cloth in a dark corner humans or pets, which is a good thing since all non-venomous may attract the unwanted guest since snakes are drawn to dark- species are protected in Georgia. ness and warmth. Once the snake has been captured, snake- Outdoor encounters with non-venomous snakes, even in your proofing (and rodent-proofing) the home by sealing all holes and yard, should be resolved by letting the go its own way, cracks is important to prevent reentry. Bear in mind that some most likely never to be seen again. Snakes are naturally reclu- snakes can fit through even the tiniest holes or cracks, and al- sive and will flee from humans if possible. Most bites occur though most snakes enter at ground level, some snakes are good when someone is attempting to capture or kill one. Furthermore, climbers and may climb trees or chimneys to enter. because any given area is able to support a fixed number of Remember, snakes play a major role in the ecosystem -- both snakes, killing one snake simply leaves a food supply available as predator and as prey -- and they provide an economic benefit for another snake to claim, perhaps a venomous one instead. To to humans by eating rodents and other pests that can damage force a snake to leave your yard, you can spray it with a garden crops and spread disease. Sadly, many species are in decline as a hose, but modifying the habitat in your yard may be necessary result of human activities. At AWARE, we hope to teach people to prevent the snake from returning. to appreciate and conserve these amazing wild animals and this To reduce the chance of a snake moving into your yard, re- important natural resource. move potential hiding places for both snakes and their prey: More good information about Georgia’s snakes can be found piles of rocks, wood, or other debris; tall grass and under- on the Department of Natural Resources website and at Snakes growth; cracks in concrete porches and sidewalks; and sheds, of Georgia and South Carolina. staircases, or other structures with space under the floor. Pet **Note: If you are bitten by a , get to a hos- food or household garbage left outside overnight, which attracts pital as soon as possible. Attempt to identify the species of rodents, can attract snakes as well. snake if you are able (but do not delay getting to the hospi- If you encounter a venomous snake in your yard, take it seri- tal), and mark the time to track the progression of symp- ously. Your local animal control may be able to assist you with toms. Doctors do not advise administering first aid as it can its removal, or AWARE can refer you to a professional service. do more harm than good. Do not handle venomous snakes without professional training.

Tails from the Wild, Fall 2012 Page 6 Spotlight on Georgia’s Wildlife Copperheads Sometimes called the Highland Moccasin, Copperheads be- they become more nocturnal. In winter, Copperheads return to long to the family of snakes commonly known as pit vipers. Pit their den sites to hibernate, often in large groups of snakes that vipers share a common characteris- may include other species as well. tic - a deep pit between the eye and Copperheads usually breed in spring, and females give live nostril on each side of the head that birth to a typical litter of seven to ten young probably every opens to a pair of heat-sensing or- other year or less frequently. Resembling their parents except gans, an extremely sharp sixth lighter in color, the young are on their own and ready to hunt at sense that helps them detect heat birth. In addition to lighter coloration, young Copperheads have http://commons.wikimedia.org from predators or potential prey. a yellow-tipped tail that they wiggle like a worm to attract prey One of four venomous species in Georgia, the Copperhead such as frogs and lizards. lives primarily in wooded and rocky places, often near water Copperheads are opportunistic feeders. Typical prey consists sources. Copperheads also inhabit river edges and swamps. of small rodents, frogs, lizards, birds, and large insects. They They prefer habitats with abundant leaf litter, logs, and rocks ambush their prey, striking at it and injecting it with venom, for cover and typically stay away from open areas. then wait for it to die before consuming it head-first. While they Named for their solid copper-colored heads, Copperheads are usually feed on the ground, Copperheads have been known to usually brown or gray, but individuals vary from pinkish to climb trees, particularly to gorge on emerging cicadas. rusty-orange to almost black. Thick, medium-sized snakes, they Copperheads do not like to fight — they avoid humans and are easily recognized by the dark brown hourglass or saddle- flee if possible. If approached too closely, they shake their tails shaped bands down the length of their bodies that are wider at back and forth across the leaves, imitating the sound of a rattle- the sides and narrower along the center of the back. These snake to give warning. Unlike other snakes that slither aware markings provide excellent camouflage for copperheads among when startled, however, Copperheads "freeze", relying on their piles of dead leaves. Copperheads range in size from 22-53 camouflage as their defense instead. inches, but most are less than three feet. They often stay still even when ap- Many harmless species in Georgia are confused with the proached at close range, striking only Copperhead, but no other species in our region has the Copper- if physical contact is made. As a re- head’s distinctive hourglass-shaped bands. Other species have sult, bites sometimes occur from peo- circular or square blotches or blotches that are widest down the ple unknowingly stepping on them. center of the back rather than sides. Regardless of whether a Fortunately, a Copperhead bite is snake is venomous or not, leaving it alone is usually the best http://commons.wikimedia.org rarely fatal. Copperheads do not see thing to do. humans as prey, so the bite they inflict is often a “warning” Like all , Copperheads are cold-blooded and must containing little or no venom. However, a bite from any venom- warm themselves in order to become active. In spring and fall, ous snake should be taken very seriously. Seek immediate medi- they are active during the day and are sometimes seen basking cal attention. Do not administer first aid as it may do more harm on rocks and along roadways, but as the weather gets hotter, than good. Meet the Ambassador: Legs the Corn Snake “Legs” came to AWARE over three years ago. Purchased as populations in check. People are also a pet in another state, she was surrendered to AWARE by her curious about Legs’ diet. Legs is fed a owner when he realized that our state’s laws prohibit keeping variety of dead prey that meet her nutri- any native wildlife as a pet. AWARE was lucky indeed to have tional needs, but in the wild, these con- Legs become one of our wildlife ambassadors, for she has strictors kill their prey (small rodents, taught innumerable people that snakes are a vital — and, if left lizards, frogs, birds, other snakes, etc.) alone, harmless — natural resource. by squeezing it until it suffocates. Also known as red rat snakes, Whenever Legs attends programs and festivals, she is a hit most corn snakes have a rusty coloring in the wild, but bred as with the crowd, who are excited to see a snake up-close and ask pets in some places, they come in many colors and patterns questions. People often ask how corn snakes derived their name. ranging from bright yellows and oranges to dark browns and One theory suggests these snakes are named for the checkered black. Of course, our lovely Legs wears her own unique colors. pattern found on the their belly that resem- Legs loves to be taken outdoors to bask in the sunshine on bles Native American maize, a colorful warm days. On cool days, she’ll try to wriggle inside her han- predecessor to modern corn. Another theory dler’s shirt to stay warm. Luckily, Legs is extremely gentle and suggests the name was given because these easygoing and has never bitten or hurt her handlers. In fact, she snakes are frequently found near corn cribs is so docile that she is one of the first ambassadors that volun- hunting rodents that the corn attracts. Indeed, teers are taught to handle as they progress in their training. corn snakes play an important role in their AWARE is fortunate to have an ambassador that represents her ecosystems by keeping rodent and other pest species so well!

Tails from the Wild, Fall 2012 Page 7 Art for Armadillos & bats, beavers, bobcats, chipmunks, cottontails, coyotes, foxes, mice, opossums, otters, etc...

Photos: Alex Johnson

Tails from the Wild, Fall 2012 Page 8

Preserving Georgia’s Wildlife through Rehabilitation and Education 4158 Klondike Road, Lithonia, GA 30038 (678) 418-1111 www.AWAREwildlife.org

Tours given Saturdays AWARE is a volunteer-based organization working and Sundays at 1 P.M. to preserve wildlife through rehabilitation and educa- Donations gladly accepted tion. We believe that peaceful coexistence of humans —————————————— and wildlife is essential for our mutual survival. Book an educational program and meet AWARE rescues and rehabilitates about 1,600 wild our ambassador animals up close! animals each year and returns most of them to the wild. In addition, our licensed rehabilitators answer approxi- mately 10,000 phone calls each year from people with wildlife concerns, providing AWARE with opportunities to help people better understand, appreciate, and coexist with wildlife. Our educational outreach programs, which feature our non-releasable ambassador animals, include school programs, festivals, fairs, nature centers, commu- nity events, scout meetings, and anywhere there is an audience interested in wildlife. Our non-releasable ambassador animals (a bobcat, four owls, two hawks, a snake, an opossum, a skunk, and a crow) provide a face to our lessons on how to peacefully coexist with wild animals. AWARE’s Wish List  Home Depot and Wal-Mart gift cards AWARE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that  Towels and linens (no holes or loose threads) relies on private contributions of time and money.  Sticky notes, fine-tipped permanent markers AWARE receives no government assistance.  Applesauce, mixed fruit baby food Your donations make our work possible.  Pecan halves or miscellaneous whole nuts  Unscented HE laundry detergent and bleach  Purina Dog Chow Complete, Friskies Grillers Blend Cat Chow, or Friskies Classic Pate

At Thanksgiving and throughout the year, AWARE is thankful for our many friends and supporters.