The Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake is listed as endangered by the state of Minnesota as well as 10 of the 11 other states in its range. It is also a candidate for listing on the federal Endangered Species List. Most experts consider the rattlesnake’s populations to be declining across its range due to habitat loss and change, poaching, and vehicle strikes. This long-term project will collect mark-recapture data on individual rattlesnakes at a site in southwest Michigan, to better understand reproduction and survival in a relatively healthy population. Weight, length, sex, and condition measurements will also be taken each time an individual is located. The Ulysses S. Seal Conservation Grant Program provided funding to help cover the costs of this project’s rattlesnake field survey. Staff champions for this project are Doug Ludemann, Zookeeper/Aquarist, and Tom Ness, Supervisor of Tropics/MN Mammals.
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