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Home , Bothriechis, Emerald tree boa, Epicrates (snake), Lampropeltis pyromelana, Rainbow boa, Reticulated python

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Animal Information Natural Treasures Table of Contents Non-Venomous Sonoran Mountain ………………………………………………………..2 ……………………………………………………………………………..4 Emerald Tree Boa………………………………………………………….………………6 Tiger Ratsnake………………………………………………………….…………………..8 Amazon Tree Boa………………………………………………………………………….9 Brazilian …………………………………………………………………10 Black Ratsnake…………………………………………………………………………….11 Reticulated ………………………………………………………………………12 Venomous Eyelash Palm Pitviper…………………………………………………………………..14 Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake…………………………………………………16 South American Bushmaster……………………………………………………….18 Brazilian Lancehead…………………………………………………………………….20 Mexican West Coast Rattlesnake…………………………………………………21 Timber Rattlesnake………………………………………………………………………22 Broad-banded Copperhead………………………………………………………….24

Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake 2 Lampropeltis pyromelana

John Ball Zoo Habitat – Located in the Natural Treasures building. Individual – 1 Female  Unknown hatch date and location  Arrived April 07, 2011 o From a private donor Life Expectancy  Wild: data deficient  Under managed care: up to 20 years Statistics  Length – up to 43 inches Diet – Carnivore  Wild – , , , and bats Predators  Raptors and . Habitat  Shrubland, rocky areas, and forests. Region  Range extends discontinuously from east-central Nevada, central and western Utah, Arizona, and southwestern New in the , to eastern Sonora and western Chihuahua, Mexico. Adaptations  When threatened can release foul smelling musk and feces.  Immune to rattlesnake .  By closely imitating the colors of the Coral , the Kingsnake can often scare off potential predators. o The image on the left is a . The black stripes are not touching the red stripes. The image on the right is a Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake, there are black stripes in between the red and white stripes.

Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake 3 Lampropeltis pyromelana

Reproduction  Mating takes place in spring  Oviparous: Lays  Clutch size: 3-6 eggs  Eggs hatch 66-83 days after being lain.

Behavior – Diurnal  Forages mid-morning.  Hibernates during the cold months of fall and winter.

Conservation Concerns  Urbanization and habitat destruction  Roadside mortality  The trade.

Conservation Ask  Be thoughtful while engaging and connecting with Nature o Participate in nature friendly behavior . Observe, don’t disturb wildlife . If you care, leave it there  Be mindful of wildlife and the environment as you make every day purchasing decisions o Choose your responsibly

Boa Constrictor 4

Boa constrictor John Ball Zoo Habitat – located in the Natural Treasures building in a mixed habitat with an Emerald Tree Boa and a Tiger Ratsnake. Individual Animals – 1 Undetermined – Athena  Estimated Birth: Unknown o Birth location: Unknown  Arrived February 19, 2015 o From: Private donor Life Expectancy  Wild: 20 years  Under Managed Care: 30-35 years Statistics  Length – 6-13 feet  Females tend to be larger than males Diet – Carnivore  Wild – Birds, small mammals, , and eggs. Predators  Numerous reptilian, avian, and mammalian predators such as Jaguars and Crocodiles. Habitat  clearings or edges, woodlands, grasslands, dry tropical forest, thorn scrub, and semi-desert regions. Region  Range extends from northern Mexico through Central and . Reproduction – Polygynandrous – referring to males and females pairing with several different mates.  Boa constrictors generally breed during the dry season, usually from April to August, though the timing of the dry season varies across their range.  Most female boa constrictors do not appear to reproduce annually.  Boa constrictors possess pelvic spurs which are hind leg remnants found on either side of the cloacal opening. They are used by males in courtship and are larger in males than in females.  Males possess hemipenes, a double-penis, of which only one side is commonly used in mating.  Gestation lasts for 5 to 8 months depending on local temperatures.  Ovoviviparous – embryos develop within their mothers' bodies.  The average litter has 25 young but can be anywhere from 10 to 64 young.  Boa constrictor young are born fully developed and are independent within minutes of birth. Boa Constrictor 5 Boa constrictor Adaptations  Lacks the heat-sensing pits that most snakes have.  Rows of long, recurved teeth of about the same size that are continuously replaced.  Boa Constrictors have spurs, or vestigial hind limbs, located on their abdomen.  Their tongues flick continuously, bringing odor molecules into contact with the chemosensory (vomeronasal) organ in the top of their mouths. In this manner, they constantly sense chemical cues in their environment.  Boa constrictors have good vision, even into the ultraviolet spectrum. Behavior – Solitary  Can be either nocturnal or crepuscular.  They periodically shed their skins (more frequently in juveniles than adults). o A lubricating substance is produced under the old skin layer. When this occurs, the snake's eye can be seen to cloud up as this substance comes between its eye and the old eye-covering. The cloudiness affects their vision and boas will often become inactive for several days until the shedding has completed and their vision is restored. During shedding, the skin splits over the snout and eventually peels back from the rest of the body.  Boa constrictors are most often in trees or on the ground near streams and rivers. Conservation Concerns  Boa constrictors are predators on birds and small mammals, including bats. They are important predators of rodents and opossums, especially, which can become pests in some areas and carry diseases.  Over collection for the pet trade and needless direct persecution has had an impact on their population. Conservation Ask  Be mindful of wildlife and the environment as you make every day purchasing decisions o Actions – Choose your pets responsibly

Emerald Tree Boa 6

Corallus caninus John Ball Zoo Habitat – located in the Natural Treasures building in a mixed species habitat with a Boa Constrictor and a Tiger Ratsnake.

Individual Animals – 1 Female – Esmeralda  Estimated Birth: Unknown o Birth location: Unknown  Arrived February 19, 2015 o From: Private donor

Life Expectancy  Wild: data deficient  Under Managed Care: 15 years

Statistics  Length – up to 7 feet  Females tend to be larger than males.

Diet – Carnivore  Wild – Mainly rodents, but also lizards, mammals, and possibly birds.

Predators – Guianan crested eagles

Habitat  Rainforest canopy foliage, swamp forest, and along rivers.

Region  Northern , eastern , southern , southern , , eastern , , , and the extreme north of .

Reproduction  Viviparous: live birth  Gestation: 6-7 months.  The average litter size: 10  Females do not provide care after birth.

7 Emerald Tree Boa caninus

Behavior – Nocturnal  Form an ellipsoidal coil with their bodies, with the head in the center.  As ambush predators, they catch most prey by snatching them off the ground as they hang from these branches.

Adaptations  Emerald tree boas are cryptically colored and generally remain hidden in the foliage of trees.  Emerald tree boas perceive prey primarily through sight and infrared heat receptors (pits) located in the labial scales.  Elongated maxillary teeth longer than those belonging to other non-venomous snakes.

Conservation Concerns  Pet trade  Local people generally kill this snake when encountered.

Conservation Ask  Be mindful of wildlife and the environment as you make every day purchasing decisions o Actions – Choose your pets responsibly

Tiger Ratsnake 8 pullatus

John Ball Zoo Habitat – located in the Natural Treasures building in a mixed species habitat with an Emerald Tree Boa and a Boa Constrictor. Individual Animals – 1 Undetermined – Athena  Estimated Birth: June 2006 o Birth location: Unknown  Arrived April 26, 2013 o From: Private donor Life Expectancy  Wild: data deficient  Under Managed Care: up to 15 years Statistics – One of the longest snakes in the Americas  Length – up to 7 feet Diet – Carnivore  Wild – Birds, small mammals, lizards, frogs, and snakes. Predators – No known predators.

Habitat – Deserts and flooded forests.

Region – Mexico through tropical South America.

Reproduction  Oviparous: lays eggs  Clutch size: 8-14 eggs  Offspring emerge 73-76 days after the eggs are laid. Adaptations  Tongues aids in smelling prey. It is forked to help determine the direction in which the smell is coming. Behavior – Arboreal and Terrestrial  Basks on large branches during the day. Conservation Concerns  There is a stable population in the wild.  This species is often kept as a pet, but can be dangerous. Conservation Ask  Be mindful of wildlife and the environment as you make every day purchasing decisions o Actions – Choose your pets responsibly Amazon Tree Boa 9 Corallus hortulanus hortulanus John Ball Zoo Habitat – located in the Natural Treasures building in a mixed species habitat with Brazilian Rain Boas and Smoky Jungle Frogs. Individual Animals – 1 Female  Estimated Birth: July 16, 2006 o Birth location: Private collection  Arrived October 22, 2006 o From: Private donor Life Expectancy  Wild: data deficient  Under Managed Care: approx. 20 years Statistics – Length – 1.7-6.1 feet Diet – Carnivore  Wild – birds, bats, frogs, rodents, lizards, and Predators  , Harpy eagles, and Saddleback tamarins Habitat – Forests and savannas Region – Guianas, Amazonia, south-eastern Brazil, southern , northern Columbia, northern Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, and the southern Windward Islands. Reproduction  Sexual maturity is reached at 3 years  Ovoviviparous: eggs hatch within the female  Young are independent at birth Adaptations  Their color patterns camouflage them during the day.  Tongue aids in smelling prey. It is forked to help determine the direction in which the smell is coming. Behavior – Arboreal and Terrestrial  Hunt at night using their infrared sensitivity or during the day using vision.  They are typically ambush hunters Conservation Concerns – The pet trade Conservation Ask  Be mindful of wildlife and the environment as you make every day purchasing decisions o Actions – Choose your pets responsibly Brazilian Rainbow Boa 10 cenchria cenchria John Ball Zoo Habitat – Located in the Natural Treasures building in a mixed species habitat with an Amazon Tree Boa and Smoky Jungle Frogs. Individual Animals – 1 Male  Born June 27, 2008 o Birth location: Tulsa Zoo  Arrived September 14, 2011 o From: Tulsa Zoo Life Expectancy  Wild: data deficient  Under Managed Care: approx. 20 years Statistics – Length – 4-6 feet  Females tend to be larger. Diet – Carnivore  Wild – rodents, birds and possibly some forms of aquatic life and lizards. Predators  Humans, small carnivores, and birds of prey. Habitat – Forests and savannas Region – French Guiana, Suriname, Guyana, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Reproduction  Sexual maturity between 2.5-4 years of age  Viviparous: live birth  Gestation: 5 months  Female gives birth to 12-25 babies Adaptations  Tiny ridges on the scales act as prisms to refract light and create a rainbow-colored effect. Behavior – Arboreal and Crepuscular  Typically found near water.  Prehensile tails help them climb. Conservation Concerns – The pet trade, however there is a stable population. Conservation Ask  Be mindful of wildlife and the environment as you make every day purchasing decisions o Actions – Choose your pets responsibly Black Ratsnake 11 Pantherophis obsoletus John Ball Zoo Habitat – Located in the Natural Treasures building in a mixed species habitat with Broad-banded Copperheads and a Timber Rattlesnake. Individual Animals – 1 Male  Hatched September 07, 2012 o Birth location: Wild (Virginia)  Arrived December 11, 2015 o From: Virginia Zoological Park Life Expectancy  Wild: data deficient  Under managed care: up to 30 years Statistics  Length – 3.5-6 feet Diet – Carnivore  Wild – Birds, small mammals (mainly rodents), and occasionally eggs. Predators – No known predators. Habitat – Savannas, grasslands, and forests. Region – New England south through Florida and west through the eastern halves of Texas and Nebraska and north again to southern Wisconsin Reproduction  Oviparous. Lays eggs 5 weeks after copulation  Clutch size: 12-20 eggs  Offspring emerge 65-75 days after the eggs are laid.  If conditions are good, females will sometimes produce two clutches of eggs a year. Adaptations – snakes produce a foul-smelling musk and will release it on the predator if they are picked up. Behavior – Arboreal and Terrestrial  Shy, they avoid confrontations Conservation Concerns – No major threats are known.  This snake thrives on partial deforestation. Locally, some populations have declined as a result of extensive deforestation and various forms of intensive development. Conservation Ask  Be mindful of wildlife and the environment as you make every day purchasing decisions o When you make purchases, support green companies/eco-labels . Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) - paper and wood Reticulated Python 12 reticulatus John Ball Zoo Habitat – located in the Natural Treasures building Individual Animals – 1 Male – Trooper  Estimated Birth: 2006 o Birth location: Unknown  Arrived October 15, 2014 Life Expectancy  Insuficient data  Wild – Oldest recorded: 23 years  Under managed care – Oldest recorded: 32 years Statistics  Weight – 375-595 pounds  Length – 15.6-29.5 feet  Females tend to be larger than males Diet – Carnivore  Wild – Birds, mammals, reptiles  Zoo – , rabbits, and . Fed weekly. Predators  Eggs and newly-hatched pythons are at risk from predators such as small mammals, hawks, eagles, and herons.  Predation on adult pythons is very scarce and limited primarily to crocodiles. Habitat  Tropical , wetlands, and grassland forests. Region  Southeastern Asia and western to south eastern and on the Indo-Pacific islands west of New Guinea. o Some reticulated pythons have been introduced in southern Florida, a direct result of the negative effects of pet importation.

Reproduction – Polyandrous (Referring to females mating with several males during one breeding season).  The reticulated python male uses vibrations to signal his mating status to the female, who will choose whether to mate or not.  Males and female are ready to reproduce at 3-5 years of age  Breeding season is concentrated in the months of February and March  Oviparous – eggs hatch after being laid  Females can have a clutch of eggs every 1-3 years Reticulated Python 13 Malayopython reticulatus

 In a breeding year, a single female can produce 8- 107 eggs, but the number is typically 25-50 eggs.  Through a process of muscle contractions called "shivering thermogenesis", a female reticulated python can warm up the eggs beneath them causing an increase in the rate of incubation and chances of survival. o The female python incubates the eggs in a nest for roughly 90 days.  Independence is immediate for hatchlings Adaptations  Using pit organs, specialized organs in certain species of snakes which detect radiant heat, Reticulated Pythons detect the location of prey by the temperature relation of the prey to the surrounding area. This allows the python to detect prey and predators without necessarily seeing them.  Spurs are vestigial hind limbs which are located on his abdomen.  Although uncommon, parthenogenesis has been documented in captive pythons. o Parthenogenesis is the process of mating without a male. The female will fertilize an within herself, creating offspring with identical DNA. This is an adaptation to reproduce even when males are not present.  Newly hatched reticulated pythons use a specialized feature called an egg tooth, which is located on the upper-lip, to open the eggshell. Behavior  Due to the reticulated python’s great size, rectilinear movement (a of movement where the snake contracts its body and then unfolds in a linear motion) is more commonly observed because it allows for greater size to move more swiftly.  Using the technique of constriction and unfolding a python can climb trees. This is more common in smaller, younger individuals. Conservation Concerns  This species is used in the pet trade, but often they become too difficult to care for and are released into areas that they are non-native.  Trading and selling of its skin is regulated to ensure its survival is not compromised. Conservation Ask  Be mindful of wildlife and the environment as you make every day purchasing decisions o Actions – Choose your pets responsibly

Eyelash Palm Pitviper 14 John Ball Zoo Habitat – located in the Natural Treasures building in a mixed species habitat with Green and Black Poison Dart Frogs. Individual Animals – 1 Male

 Birth: September 15, 2011 o Birth location: Riverbanks Zoo and Garden  Arrived September 13, 2017 o From: Indianapolis Zoo Life Expectancy  Wild: data deficient  Under Managed Care: up to 10 years Statistics  Length – 13.7-32.2 feet Diet – Carnivore  Frogs, lizards, birds, bats, rodents, and marsupials. Predators – Hedgehogs, Badgers, Fox, , and Humans

Habitat  Moist tropical forests, moist lowlands, and mountain foothills. Region  From the southernmost state in Mexico, through northwestern Ecuador and western Venezuela. In Central America and northern South America, they occur in portions of , , Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela. o This species is considered to be one of the most widely distributed of the arboreal vipers Reproduction  Eyelash pit vipers reproduce throughout the year in warm environments. o Mating typically occurs at night.  Eggs gestate for approximately 6 months  Ovoviviparous: eggs hatch within the female.  Brood size: 2-20 young

Eyelash Palm Pitviper 15 Bothriechis schlegelii Adaptations  Venomous  Eyelash pit vipers are named for the small, bristly, keeled scales just above each eye. The function of these "eyelashes" or horn-like modified scales is not clear, but it has been suggested that they protect the eyes as the snake moves through dense vegetation. o The “eyelashes” break up the pattern and aids in camouflage.  Scales are tougher than other species of snake providing protection from rough branches and allows for a better grip when moving and anchoring on vines.  Heat-sensitive pits set between its eyes and nostrils.  Well-developed binocular vision and pupils with long vertical slits that increase their visual perception.  Long tongue which they "flick" in order to sense chemical changes in the air around them. Behavior – Nocturnal  Solitary  Ambush predators, they lay in wait camouflaged amongst leaves. Conservation Concerns  Habitat loss as a result of deforestation, agriculture, or urbanization. Conservation Ask  Be mindful of wildlife and the environment as you make every day purchasing decisions o Action: When you make purchases, support green companies/eco-labels . Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) - paper and wood

Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake 16 Sistrurus catenatus catenatus

John Ball Zoo Habitat – Located in the Natural Treasures building Individual Animals – 1 Female, 1 Male  Female – Cassie o Birth date: Late 2014 (estimate) o Arrived July 08, 2015 . From Toronto Zoo  Male – Andy (behind the scenes) o Birth date: Late 2014 (estimate) o Arrived July 08, 2015 . From Toronto Zoo Life Expectancy  Average at AZA institutions: 9.4 years  Oldest recorded at AZA institutions: 19.3 years  Wild – Unknown Statistics  Length – 1.5-3 feet Diet – Carnivore  Wild – small mammals such as voles, white-footed mice, jumping mice, and shrews. They sometimes also take other snakes, frogs, birds, eggs, and insects, especially when they are younger and smaller. Predators  Large snakes, hawks, herons, raccoons, foxes, and humans. o and will trample rattlesnakes when they see them.

Habitat  Damp lowland habitats, including bottomland forests, swamps, bogs, fens, marshes, sedge meadows, and wet prairies. o The name 'massasauga' means 'great river mouth' in the Chippewa language.  During the spring and summer months they often move into drier, more upland habitats, such as grasslands and farm fields. Region  Central New York and southern Ontario to southcentral Illinois and eastern Iowa.

Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake 17 Sistrurus catenatus catenatus Reproduction  Young snakes become mature at 3-4 years.  Mating occurs in the spring and fall.  Gestation lasts about 3.5 months.  They give birth to live young (viviparous).  Females give birth to 5 to 20 young in abandoned burrows or fallen logs while living in their drier, summer habitats.  The young remain near their mother for a few days after birth and then move away. Adaptations – Venomous  Enlarged, hollow fangs at the front of their mouth which are used to inject a modified saliva into their prey. This saliva is venomous and causes their prey to die.  Sense organs on either side of their head that help detect heat. They are used to locate their prey. Behavior  Massasaugas wait until their prey is dead before eating.  They have a series of segments at the end of their tail that are loosely connected and make a hissing rattle sound when vibrated by the snake.  All rattlesnakes have -like pupils which are elliptical and oriented vertically in the eye. Conservation Concerns  The eastern massasauga rattlesnake has been listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act  Massasaugas are often killed by humans when they show up near homes.  Habitat loss. Draining wetlands for farms, roads, homes, and urban expansion has eliminated much of the massasauga habitat. Conservation Ask  Support Global and Local Conservation Programs. John Ball Zoo participates with the Eastern Massasauga Recovery Team. There is also a Species Survival Plan for Massasaugas. o Action – Donate time/money to the zoo . Volunteer, donate funds/materials, become a member, return visit, make purchase

South American Bushmaster 18 Lachesis muta muta John Ball Zoo Habitat – located in the Natural Treasures building. Individual Animals – 1 Male  Hatched January 23, 2017 o At the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens  Arrived February 23, 2017 o From the Los Angeles Zoo & Botanical Gardens Life Expectancy  Under managed care: 12-18 years on average Statistics  Length: 6.5-11 feet o Longest in the Americas. o 2nd longest venomous snake worldwide (after King Cobras). Diet – Carnivore  Wild – Primarily small mammals, some birds, and reptiles. Predators  Juveniles are preyed upon by other snakes and raptors. While adults tend to only be preyed on by humans. Habitat  Tropical moist forested areas. Region  Native to several Central American and South American countries. Reproduction  Sexual Maturity is reached at 4 years of age.  Males find females by following a scent trail.  Oviparous – reproduction in which eggs are released by the female o Bushmasters are the only egg-laying pit vipers in the New World.  Clutch size: 5-19 eggs  Incubation period: 60-79 days. o Females do not eat during this time, but may leave the nest to drink.  Females guard their nests until the eggs hatch.  Young are independent once they hatch.

South American Bushmaster 19 Lachesis muta muta Adaptations  Venomous  Paired pit organs on the face, between the eye and nostril to sense infrared energy. Behavior – Solitary  Can be crepuscular or nocturnal predators.  Bushmasters are mainly ground-living, sit- and-wait predators; they conceal themselves near likely areas of activity and wait for a prey to come within striking range. Conservation Concerns  Deforestation and habitat destruction are the major threats for the survival of this species. Conservation Ask  Be mindful of wildlife and the environment as you make every day purchasing decisions o Actions – When you make purchases, support green companies/eco-labels . Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) - paper and wood

Brazilian Lancehead Bothrops moojeni 20

John Ball Zoo Habitat – located in the Natural Treasures building. Individual Animals – 1 Female  Born November 10, 2013 o At the Houston Zoo  Arrived July 02, 2014 o From the Houston Zoo Life Expectancy – Data Deficient Statistics  Length: 5.5 feet Diet – Carnivore  Wild – Primarily mammals, but some birds. Predators  No known predators. Habitat  Semi-arid, tropical savannas Region  Brazil and Reproduction  Viviparous: bringing forth live young that have developed inside the body of the parent. Adaptations  Venomous Behavior  Terrestrial Conservation Concerns  The species needs to be studied further. Conservation Ask  Be thoughtful engaging and connecting with nature o Actions – Participate in nature friendly behavior . Observe don’t disturb nature.

Mexican West Coast Rattlesnake 21 Crotalus basiliscus John Ball Zoo Habitat – located in the Natural Treasures building. Individual Animals – 1 Female  Birth date and location: Unknown  Arrived October 11, 2009 o From Glades Herp, Inc. (Florida) Life Expectancy – Data Deficient Statistics – Length: 4-7 feet  This is one of the largest species of rattlesnake. Diet – Carnivore  Wild – Primarily mammals, but some birds. Predators  No known predators. Habitat  Dry, coastal cactus forest. Also, rocky areas and canyons. Region  Western Mexico, from southern Sonora south through Michoacan and Guerrero. Reproduction – Viviparous: bringing forth live young that have developed inside the body of the parent. Adaptations  Venomous Behavior  Crepuscular, but nocturnal during the warm summer month.  Basking occurs in close proximity to shelters of unused burrows and rock crevices.  Disappear quickly if disturbed. Conservation Concerns  There is some habitat destruction in parts of the range.  The species is venomous and is killed because of this. Conservation Ask  Be thoughtful engaging and connecting with nature o Actions – Participate in nature friendly behavior . Observe don’t disturb nature. Timber Rattlesnake 22 Crotalus horridus

John Ball Zoo Habitat – located in the Natural Treasures building in a mixed species habitat with 2 Broad-banded Copperheads. Individual Animals – 1 Female  Female – Mirabell o Birth location and date: Unknown o Arrived January 20, 2018 . From Kentucky Garden Life Expectancy  Wild – Can live up to 30 years.  Under managed care – Can live up to 37 years. Statistics  Weight – Males: 2lbs; Female: 1.3lbs  Length – 3-5 feet Diet – Carnivore  Wild – Small mammals, such as mice, rats, squirrels, rabbits, and sometimes birds Predators  Hawks, Owls, Chickens, Turkeys, Hogs, Bobcats, , Foxes, Skunks, and snakes. o Most predation happens to juveniles. Habitat – Forested rocky hills and swampy areas Region – Eastern United States Reproduction – Polygynous: having more than one female at a time.  Males become sexually mature at 4-6 years old.  Females become sexually mature at 7-13 years old.  Mating occurs from mid-July to October.  Females store sperm through winter for use in the spring when they emerge from hibernation.  Females give birth in birthing rookeries, which are often the same place they hibernated in the winter.  Ovoviviparous, meaning that the eggs are incubated and hatched within the female and she gives birth to live young. o Usually 6-10  Young are born in the autumn, August through October and the female stays with them for 7-10 days.  First shedding occurs at 7-10 days old, at which point they expose a button-like terminal scale where their rattle will eventually grow. Timber Rattlesnake 23 Crotalus horridus

Adaptations  Venomous  Timber Rattlesnakes have heat sensitive pit organs located between the nostrils and the eyes. They are sensitive to radiant energy and can distinguish very slight changes in temperature. Behavior  Migration occurs during the summer  Hibernates for 7 months each year in dens that accommodate 15-60 snakes.  Attack stance: The snake rises vertically with their head and neck forming an S, and when ready they thrust with fangs exposed.  Timber rattlesnakes engage in ritualized fighting among the males which often occurs in the periods just before mating season. They lift their bodies and wrap themselves around each other, moving back and forth in a swaying motion, trying to pin each other down.  They are good swimmers. Conservation Concerns  Habitat destruction o Housing developments near rattlesnake dens are causing the most serious problem.  Hunting and road mortality are also concerns. Conservation Ask  Support Global and Local Conservation Programs o Action – Donate time/money to the zoo . Volunteer . Donate funds/materials (sponsor, enrichment, round up purchases) . Become a member, return visit, make purchase

Broad-banded Copperhead 24 Agkistrodon contortrix laticinctus John Ball Zoo Habitat – located in the Natural Treasures building in a mixed species habitat with 1 Timber Rattlesnake. Individual Animals – 1 Male, 1 Female  Hatch date and location: Unknown  Both arrived September 17, 2010 Life Expectancy – Insuficient data, however there are records of individuals surviving over 20 years under managed care. Statistics – Length: 20-30 inches Diet – Carnivore  Wild – small rodents, ground birds, lizards, large insects, cicadas, frogs, toads, and other small snakes. Predators  Bullfrog, alligators, snakes, opossums, hawks, and owls.

Habitat  Upland woods with sandy soil, near river bottoms and streambeds. Typically found among dried leaves and pine needles. Region  From central Texas north to the southern border of Kansas and Oklahoma.

Reproduction  Females are not sexually mature until they are three years old.  Adults may mate in spring or in fall, but the eggs are only fertilized in the spring.  The gestation period is from 3-4 months.  Viviparous – bringing forth live young that have developed inside the body of the parent.  Females can have litters of 3-10 young.  The young are paler in pigment, and about seven to ten inches long.  Broad-banded copperheads can have one litter every year.  Once born, the snakes are on their own and are equipped to survive on their own with venom and fully developed senses. Broad-banded Copperhead 25

Agkistrodon contortrix laticinctus

Adaptations  It has a large head to accommodate the large venom glands right before its neck region.  Venomous – Hinged fangs come out when striking its prey or defending itself.  Excellent camouflage enables this snake to ambush its prey.  When disturbed copperheads will emit a musk odor from their anal glands.

Behavior  Spends the spring days basking in the sun where it will sit and wait for its prey.  During the fall, the snake becomes less active.  Juveniles are known to shake their tail and use it as a lure for animals that mistake it for a worm.

Conservation Concerns  Habitat destruction, insecticide poisoning, automobiles have reduced populations, however, there is no danger of extinction or of this species becoming endangered.

Conservation Ask  Be thoughtful engaging and connecting with nature o Actions – Participate in nature friendly behavior . Observe don’t disturb nature.