State trying to give massasauga rattlesnake more space
The state is trying to double the breeding grounds of the massasauga rattlesnake – a rather specialized prairie habitat at the Jennings Environmental Education Center in Brady Township near Slippery Rock.
Its personality as a shy and non-aggressive rattler makes the massasauga not as recognizable or known as the more conspicuous timber rattlesnake commonly found in the Laurel Highlands and other mountainous parts of the state.
The massasauga is also not as well known due to its absence throughout much of the commonwealth -- it's state-endangered and federally threatened.
The snakes live in limited areas of northwestern portion of the state where there are still natural prairies in Butler, Crawford, Mercer and Venango counties, according to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
Pennsylvania lies at the extreme eastern range of that type of habitat, the agency noted.
Jennings is in the process of creating more prairie habitat so the snakes can expand their range in the reserve, according to Will Taylor, center manager.
"The population is doing extremely well," he noted.
Although Taylor declined to say how many snakes were at the park, there have been reports of about 100 massasaugas.
The current 20 acre-prairie might not be able to carry more snakes, he said.
Jennings is looking to double the habitat.
But they must create that habitat from a nearby parcel, which other researchers have been trying .
"We have identified an area north that has the same quality as our prairie such as soil and water," Taylor said.
The park already started to thin the forest on the land this past winter and resume work this winter when the massasauga is hibernating and there's less impact to the soil, he said.
The center continues to conduct a number of research project of the snakes with volunteers, and now drones.
The public can see the snakes during guided tours offered free by the park in the summer, when the blazing star flower is in bloom.
While #JenningsEnvironmental EducationCenter is beautiful year round, blooming #wildflowers in the prairie late July/early Aug are breathtaking! Blazing Star & Prairie Loop trails are great spots for flowers like these ⬇️ Learn more ➡️ https://t.co/sZZL3srk7x #WildflowerWeek pic.twitter.com/InCIUSfA22
— PA Department of Conservation & Natural Resources (@DCNRnews) May 11, 2018
For more details, visit the park website :
Mary Ann Thomas is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach her at 724-226-4691, mthomas@tribweb.com or via Twitter @MaThomas_Trib.
