Timber+Rattlesnake

= Timber Rattlesnake = = //Crotalus Horridus//  = = =  =General Description : =
 * stout bodies, with a triangular shaped head
 * rigid rough looking scales
 * colors range from black or dark brown to yellow, with dark colored bands
 * May reach up to 5ft in length
 * not an aggressive snake at all

Habitat: The preferred habitat is deciduous forests, but in the winter when hibernating, rocky outcrops provide them with protection from harsh weather.

Reproduction:  Niche: Status: <span style="font-size: 10pt; color: rgb(0,0,0);"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0,0,255); font-family: Georgia,serif;">Why is it a Species of Concern? <span style="color: rgb(0,0,0);">
 * mating occurs in spring or fall
 * gestation period is 4-5 months
 * usually reproduces every 2-3 years
 * gives birth to an average of 9 babies enclosed in an individual egg
 * carnivore
 * predator
 * prey(for large birds of prey, other snakes)
 * diet consists of small mammals such as rats, rabbits, chipmunks, shrews, moles, and occasionally small amphibians<span style="font-size: 10pt; color: rgb(0,0,0);">
 * <span style="font-size: 10pt; color: rgb(0,0,0);">Species of Concern
 * <span style="font-size: 10pt; color: rgb(0,0,0);">not yet threatened or endangered
 * <span style="font-size: 10pt; color: rgb(0,0,0);">being observed and closely monitored
 * <span style="font-size: 10pt; color: rgb(0,0,0);">protected under specific regulations by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission
 * destruction of habitat
 * hunting and poaching
 * illegal collection and killing
 * high mortality rate

<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(0,0,255); font-family: Georgia,serif;">Recovery Plan: <span style="color: rgb(0,0,255);"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: Georgia,serif;">More information :
 * you must have a license to hunt capture or collect throughout the whole year
 * can not keep or kill them(unless in imediate danger), must let them go
 * education for public
 * collect tissue samples to observe genetic variations
 * mother rattlesnakes incubate their eggs by basking in the sun
 * mild tempered snake; they will play dead, hide, or rattle their tail as a warning before actually striking
 * rattlesnakes can control the amount of venom they disperse
 * timber rattlesnakes can recognize siblings, even if separated at birth

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http://herpcenter.ipfw.edu/outreach/accounts/reptiles/snakes/Timber_Rattlesnake/index.htm&2

http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/herpetology/fl-guide/Crotalushorridus.htm

http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/wrcf/Keynotes/spring02/projects.htm