Rattlesnakes
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COTTONMOUTH Agkistrodon Piscivorus
COTTONMOUTH Agkistrodon piscivorus Agkistrodon is derived from ankistron and odon which in Greek mean “fishhook” and “tooth or teeth;” referring to the curved fangs of this species. Piscivorus is derived from piscis and voro which in Latin mean “fish” and “to eat”. Another common name for cottonmouth is water moccasin. The Cottonmouth is venomous. While its bite is rarely fatal, tissue damage is likely to occur and can be severe if not treated promptly. IDENTIFICATION Appearance: The cottonmouth is a stout- bodied venomous snake that reaches lengths of 30 to 42 inches as adults. Most adults are uniformly dark brown, olive, or black, tending to lose the cross banded patterning with age. Some individuals may have a dark cheek stripe (upper right image). The cottonmouth has the diagnostic features of the pit-viper family such as a wedge-shaped head, sensory pits between the eyes and nostrils, and vertical “cat-like” pupils. Juveniles are lighter and more boldly patterned with a yellow coloration toward the tip of the tail (lower right image). Dorsal scales are weakly keeled, and the subcaudal scales form only one row. Cottonmouths also have a single anal Mike Redmer plate. Subspecies: There are three subspecies of the cottonmouth. The Western Cottonmouth (A. p. leucostoma) is the only subspecies found in the Midwest. The term leucostoma refers to the white interior of mouth. Confusing Species: The non-venomous watersnakes (Nerodia) are commonly confused with Cottonmouths across their range, simply because they are snakes in water. Thus it is important to note that Cottonmouths are only found in southernmost Midwest. -
Venomous Snakes in Pennsylvania the First Question Most People Ask When They See a Snake Is “Is That Snake Poisonous?” Technically, No Snake Is Poisonous
Venomous Snakes in Pennsylvania The first question most people ask when they see a snake is “Is that snake poisonous?” Technically, no snake is poisonous. A plant or animal that is poisonous is toxic when eaten or absorbed through the skin. A snake’s venom is injected, so snakes are classified as venomous or nonvenomous. In Pennsylvania, we have only three species of venomous snakes. They all belong to the pit viper Nostril family. A snake that is a pit viper has a deep pit on each side of its head that it uses to detect the warmth of nearby prey. This helps the snake locate food, especially when hunting in the darkness of night. These Pit pits can be seen between the eyes and nostrils. In Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Snakes all of our venomous Checklist snakes have slit-like A complete list of Pennsylvania’s pupils that are 21 species of snakes. similar to a cat’s eye. Venomous Nonvenomous Copperhead (venomous) Nonvenomous snakes Eastern Garter Snake have round pupils, like a human eye. Eastern Hognose Snake Eastern Massasauga (venomous) Venomous If you find a shedded snake Eastern Milk Snake skin, look at the scales on the Eastern Rat Snake underside. If they are in a single Eastern Ribbon Snake Eastern Smooth Earth Snake row all the way to the tip of its Eastern Worm Snake tail, it came from a venomous snake. Kirtland’s Snake If the scales split into a double row Mountain Earth Snake at the tail, the shedded skin is from a Northern Black Racer Nonvenomous nonvenomous snake. -
Ecology of the Desert Massasauga Rattlesnake in Colorado: Habitat and Resource Utilization
Ecology of the Desert Massasauga Rattlesnake in Colorado: Habitat and Resource Utilization A report to the CDOW and USFWS for the Colorado Wildlife Conservation Grant Program Dr. Stephen P. Mackessy School of Biological Sciences University of Northern Colorado 501 20th St., CB 92 Greeley, CO 80639-0017 USA Tel: (970)-351-2429 Fax: (970)-351-2335 Email: [email protected] http://www.unco.edu/nhs/biology/faculty_staff/mackessy_stephen.htm Desert Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus edwardsii) from Lincoln County, Colorado ABSTRACT We conducted a radiotelemetric study on a population of Desert Massasaugas (Sistrurus catenatus edwardsii) in Lincoln County, SE Colorado. Massasaugas were most active between 14 and 30 °C, with an average ambient temperature during activity of 22.1°C. In the spring, snakes make long distance movements (up to 2 km) from the hibernaculum (shortgrass, compacted clay soils) to summer foraging areas (mixed grass/sandsage, sand hills). Summer activity is characterized by short distance movements, and snakes are most often observed at the base of sandsage in ambush or resting coils. Massasaugas gave birth to 5-7 young in late August, and reproduction appears to be biennial. Observations on three radioed gravid females indicated that Desert Massasaugas show maternal attendance for at least five days post-parturition. Snakes returned to the hibernaculum area in October and appear to hibernate individually in rodent burrows most commonly. However, the immediate region is utilized by several other species of snakes, particularly Prairie Rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis viridis), and Massasaugas were also observed at the entrance to these den sites, suggesting that they are used by the Massasaugas as well. -
The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Is Toxic, but Only a Small Amount Is Injected Through Short Fangs
What’s so special about the massasauga? Northern Indiana’s The rare eastern massasauga is northern Indiana’s only native rattlesnake. Endangered Because eastern massasaugas are shy and secretive, you may never see one in the wild. These snakes hide under Rattlesnake brush and retreat to a sheltered area if spotted in the open. Although eastern massasaugas are venomous, they usually flee from humans rather than bite. Their venom Range of the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake is toxic, but only a small amount is injected through short fangs. The last human fatality from an eastern Why are they endangered? massasauga bite occurred more than 60 years ago. Eastern massasaugas are endangered over much of their Eastern massasaugas live in range because their wetland habitats are often drained and northern Indiana’s swamps, Eastern massasaugas play an important role in the filled for development. These snakes are also collected for bogs, and wetlands. ecosystem by feeding on mice, voles, and shrews, thus the illegal reptile trade. People may kill massasaugas out of Christopher Smith helping to keep the rodent population under control. fear, not realizing the snakes’ importance to the ecosystem. People and snakes can live together. Nicholas Scobel Understanding snakes is the first step. Learn to identify eastern massasaugas and other Indiana snakes. A field guide to native reptiles can help. Wear proper footwear when hiking in areas where snakes might be found, especially at night. Stay on trails. Limit the use of pesticides and other chemicals on natural areas on your property. All wildlife will benefit. Teach your family and friends about snakes and what to do if they see an eastern massasauga. -
Pit Vipers: from Fang to Needle—Three Critical Concepts for Clinicians
Tuesday, July 28, 2021 Pit Vipers: From Fang to Needle—Three Critical Concepts for Clinicians Keith J. Boesen, PharmD & Nicholas B. Hurst, M.D., MS Disclosures / Potential Conflicts of Interest • Keith Boesen and Nicholas Hurst are employed by Rare Disease Therapeutics, Inc. (RDT) • RDT is a U.S. company working with Laboratorios Silanes, S.A. de C.V., a company in Mexico • Laboratorios Silanes manufactures a variety of antivenoms Note: This program may contain the mention of suppliers, brands, products, services or drugs presented in a case study or comparative format using evidence-based research. Such examples are intended for educational and informational purposes and should not be perceived as an endorsement of any particular supplier, brand, product, service or drug. 2 Learning Objectives At the end of this session, participants should be able to: 1. Describe the venom variability in North American Pit Vipers 2. Evaluate the clinical symptoms associated with a North American Pit Viper envenomation 3. Develop a treatment plan for a North American Pit Viper envenomation 3 Audience Poll Question: #1 of 5 My level of expertise in treating Pit Viper Envenomation is… a. I wouldn’t know where to begin! b. I have seen a few cases… c. I know a thing or two because I’ve seen a thing or two d. I frequently treat these patients e. When it comes to Pit Viper envenomation, I am a Ssssuper Sssskilled Ssssnakebite Sssspecialist!!! 4 PIT VIPER ENVENOMATIONS PIT VIPERS Loreal Pits Movable Fangs 1. Russel 1983 -Photo provided by the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center 1. -
Jennifer Szymanski Usfish and Wildlife Service Endangered
Written by: Jennifer Szymanski U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service Endangered Species Division 1 Federal Drive Fort Snelling, Minnesota 55111 Acknowledgements: Numerous State and Federal agency personnel and interested individuals provided information regarding Sistrurus c. catenatus’status. The following individuals graciously provided critical input and numerous reviews on portions of the manuscript: Richard Seigel, Robert Hay, Richard King, Bruce Kingsbury, Glen Johnson, John Legge, Michael Oldham, Kent Prior, Mary Rabe, Andy Shiels, Doug Wynn, and Jeff Davis. Mary Mitchell and Kim Mitchell provided graphic assistance. Cover photo provided by Bruce Kingsbury Table of Contents Taxonomy....................................................................................................................... 1 Physical Description....................................................................................................... 3 Distribution & State Status............................................................................................. 3 Illinois................................................................................................................. 5 Indiana................................................................................................................ 5 Iowa.................................................................................................................... 5 Michigan............................................................................................................ 6 Minnesota.......................................................................................................... -
The Massasauga Rattlesnake
Pennsylvania Amphibians & Reptiles TTheh e MMassasauga s s a s a u g a R a t t l e s n a k e by Andrew L. Shiels “Massasauga,” “swamp rattler,” and “black snapper,” are a 24 to 30 inches. It has a grayish body color with a series of few of the nicknames given to a rare, secretive, yet interest- dark-brown, irregularly shaped blotches along the top of ing rattlesnake found in northwestern Pennsylvania. Its the back. These blotches are the source of the Latin spe- limited distribution and unique ecological needs have un- cies name “catenatus,” which means “chain-like.” Along fortunately placed this species among Pennsylvania’s most the sides of the body are two to three rows of smaller, more endangered. Out of sight and out of mind to most Penn- rounded spots. sylvanians, the massasauga has been quietly disappearing Massasaugas are pit vipers, which means there is a for years. However, recent conservation efforts have been heat-sensing pit on the side of the head between the eye undertaken to ensure its survival in the Commonwealth. and nostril. Like our other two venomous species, the Understanding its biology and ecology are keys to devel- northern copperhead and the eastern timber rattlesnake, oping an effective conservation strategy. massasaugas have vertically elliptical pupils and a single The eastern massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) row of scales on the underside of the tail. Unlike timber is a medium-sized venomous snake that reaches lengths of rattlesnakes, which have many small scales on the head, a massasauga’s head is covered with nine large, scale plates typical of our non-venomous species. -
Lesser Known Snakes (PDF)
To help locate food, snakes repeat- edly flick out their narrow forked tongues to bring odors to a special sense organ in their mouths. Snakes are carnivores, eating a variety of items, including worms, with long flexible bodies, snakes insects, frogs, salamanders, fish, are unique in appearance and small birds and mammals, and even easily recognized by everyone. other snakes. Prey is swallowed Unfortunately, many people are whole. Many people value snakes afraid of snakes. But snakes are for their ability to kill rodent and fascinating and beautiful creatures. insect pests. Although a few snakes Their ability to move quickly and are venomous, most snakes are quietly across land and water by completely harmless to humans. undulating their scale-covered Most of the snakes described bodies is impressive to watch. here are seldom encountered— Rather than moveable eyelids, some because they are rare, but snakes have clear scales covering most because they are very secre- their eyes, which means their eyes tive, usually hiding under rocks, are always open. Some snake logs or vegetation. For information species have smooth scales, while on the rest of New York’s 17 species others have a ridge on each scale of snakes, see the August 2001 that gives it a file-like texture. issue of Conservationist. Text by Alvin Breisch and Richard C. Bothner, Maps by John W. Ozard (based on NY Amphibian & Reptile Atlas Project) Artwork by Jean Gawalt, Design by Frank Herec This project was funded in part by Return A Gift To Wildlife tax check-off, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the NYS Biodiversity Research Institute. -
Eastern Massasauga Natural Diversity Section June 2011
Species Action Plan Eastern Massasauga Natural Diversity Section June 2011 Species Action Plan: Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus) Purpose: This plan provides an initial five year blueprint for the actions needed to attain near-term and, ultimately, long-term goals for the conservation and recovery of the eastern massasauga. The action plan is Figure 1. Eastern Massasauga (Sistrurus a living document and will be updated as catenatus). Photo-Charlie Eichelberger. needed to reflect progress toward those goals and to incorporate new information as it becomes available. Description: A small, stout-bodied rattlesnake. The body is patterned with a Goals: The immediate goal is to maintain series of large, dark brown, mid-dorsal the extant populations of eastern blotches and two to three rows of lateral massasauaga in the Commonwealth and to blotches set upon a light gray or tan protect its remaining habitat. The ground color. The tail has three to six dark secondary goal is to enhance extant cross-bands. The venter is typically black. populations by improving and increasing Neonates have the same pattern and local habitat. The long-term recovery goal coloration as adults, with the exception of is to increase viable, reproducing the neonate exhibiting a yellow tip at the populations in extant and historic locations proximate end of the tail. At birth, S. c. with the possibility of removal of the catenatus average 23.6 cm in total length species from the Pennsylvania list of (Reinert, 1981) and have a single rattle endangered species (58 Pa. Code §75.1). segment (button) at the tip of their tail. -
Reproductive Biology and Natural History of the White-Lipped Pit Viper (Trimeresurus Albolabris Gray, 1842) in Hong Kong Anne Devan-Song University of Rhode Island
University of Rhode Island DigitalCommons@URI Natural Resources Science Faculty Publications Natural Resources Science 2017 Reproductive Biology and Natural History of the White-lipped Pit Viper (Trimeresurus albolabris Gray, 1842) in Hong Kong Anne Devan-Song University of Rhode Island Paolo Martelli See next page for additional authors Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/nrs_facpubs Citation/Publisher Attribution Devan-Song, A., Martelli, P., & Karraker, N. E. (2017). Reproductive Biology and Natural History of the White-lipped Pit Viper (Trimeresurus albolabris Gray, 1842) in Hong Kong. Herpetological Conservation and Biology, 12(1), 41-55. Retrieved from http://www.herpconbio.org/Volume_12/Issue_1/Devan-Song_etal_2017.pdf Available at: http://www.herpconbio.org/Volume_12/Issue_1/Devan-Song_etal_2017.pdf This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Natural Resources Science at DigitalCommons@URI. It has been accepted for inclusion in Natural Resources Science Faculty Publications by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@URI. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Authors Anne Devan-Song, Paolo Martelli, and Nancy E. Karraker This article is available at DigitalCommons@URI: https://digitalcommons.uri.edu/nrs_facpubs/115 Herpetological Conservation and Biology 12:41–55. Submitted: 30 September 2015; Accepted: 18 January 2017; Published: 30 April 2017. Reproductive Biology and Natural History of the White-lipped Pit Viper (Trimeresurus albolabris Gray, -
Western Massasauga ( ЛХЦФЧФЧХ ЦЗФЙЗПЛРЧХ)
Western Massasauga (Sistrurus tergeminus ) A Species Conservation Assessment for The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project Prepared by Melissa J. Panella and Brent D. Johnson for Nebraska Game and Parks Commission Wildlife Division Lincoln, Nebraska June 2014 The mission of the Nebraska Natural Legacy Project is to implement a blueprint for conserving Nebraska’s flora, fauna and natural habitats through the proactive, voluntary conservation actions of partners, communities and individuals. Purpose The primary goal in development of at-risk species conservation assessments is to compile biological and ecological information that may assist conservation practitioners in making decisions regarding the conservation of species of interest. The Nebraska Natural Legacy Project recognizes the Western Massasauga ( Sistrurus tergeminus ) as a Tier I at-risk species. Provided are some general management recommendations regarding Western Massasaugas. Conservation practitioners will need to use professional judgment to make specific management decisions based on objectives, location, and a multitude of variables. This resource was designed to share available knowledge of this at-risk species that will aid in the decision-making process or in identifying research needs to benefit the species. Species conservation assessments will need to be updated as relevant scientific information becomes available and/or conditions change. Though the Nebraska Natural Legacy Project focuses efforts in the state’s Biologically Unique Landscapes, it is recommended that whenever possible, practitioners make considerations for a species throughout its range in order to increase the outcome of successful conservation efforts. And in the case of conservation for massasaugas, it is particularly necessary to take into account the seasonal needs of the species and conserve both wintering and summer foraging habitat. -
Movement and Home Range of Green Pit Vipers (Trimeresurus Spp.) in a Rural Landscape in North-East Thailand
RESEARCH ARTICLE The Herpetological Bulletin 142, 2017: 19-28 Movement and home range of green pit vipers (Trimeresurus spp.) in a rural landscape in north-east Thailand CURT H. BARNES1, COLIN T. STRINE1*, PONGTHEP SUWANWAREE1, & JACQUES G. HILL III2 1School of Biology, Institute of Science, Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand 2Department of Biological Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, USA *Corresponding author Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT - Rural communities and agricultural landscapes serve as important areas for biodiversity, yet study of snakes in these fragmented environments is severely lacking. Hospital records indicate that green pit vipers (Trimeresurus spp.) inflict the highest number of venomous snakebites of any snake group in the Nakhon Ratchasima, Pak Thong Chai, and Wang Nam Khieo rural regions of north-east Thailand, causing debilitating injuries and, subsequently, negative perceptions of these species. We utilised radio telemetry to assess male and female Trimeresurus albolabris (N = 1, N = 1) and T. macrops (N = 2, N = 7) movements and home ranges in rural portions of the the Sakaerat Biosphere Reserve in north-east Thailand from October 2015 through January 2017. Green pit vipers of both species were tracked for a mean of 97.6 ± 15 days (median = 88, range 35-190). They moved a mean distance of 26.3 ± 3.32 meters between locations (median = 25.11, range 13.2-50.4) and exhibited mean minimum convex polygon home ranges of 0.14 ± 0.043 hectares (median = 0.095, range 0.006-0.423). Big-eyed green pit vipers (T. macrops) differed in movement patterns and home range size by sex and fecundity, although not statistically so.