Lake County signs on to help endangered snake
They may come up empty, but researchers are prepared to rescue an increasingly rare rattlesnake before it's too late.
The Lake County Forest Preserve District is poised to join a consortium of conservation agencies to locate and capture the elusive Eastern Massasauga so that it can be bred in captivity and its numbers replenished.
Experts say the shy reptile is on the verge of extinction in Northeastern Illinois, a dire situation that requires immediate action.
A highly evolved predator that disposes of rodents that can carry disease, it also is prey for hawks, owls, cranes and some mammals, and plays a crucial role in the ecosystem, experts say. The use of its venom in certain drugs and medications is being studied.
But the initiative is not based solely on science.
"For me, the strongest argument is they are a fascinating icon of the wildness of the Midwest," said Joanne Earnhardt, director of the Alexander Center for Applied Population Biology at Lincoln Park Zoo.
She also is coordinator of the Eastern Massasauga species survival plan. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources are part of the effort to capture the creatures and breed them in appropriate facilities, including Lincoln Park Zoo.
Many may not be aware that the Eastern Massasauga was once common in Illinois and other Midwest states.
Its venom is more toxic than most other rattlesnakes but the amount injected is small in comparison. A bite would be painful and could be life-threatening but is rare because of the snake's elusive nature.
Its population has declined dramatically, however, not only from destruction of its habitat due to development and encroachment of nonnative invasive plants, but also because of persecution and poaching for the illegal pet trade.
At about 2 feet in length with distinct markings, the Eastern Massasauga is on Illinois' list of endangered species and is a candidate to be designated as such on the national level.
It is uncertain how many exist here but there is no question the number is low. Between 2006 and 2008, only 11 have been found, primarily in one undisclosed area outside Lake County, according to Earnhardt.
"Last year, there were only two found in several hundred hours of surveying," she added. There have been no confirmed sightings of the Eastern Massasauga in Lake County in more than 15 years.
It was last seen in the Deerfield area and the possibility of disrupting the snake's habitat has had occasional impact on the construction of roads and trails.
The Lake County Forest Preserve District approved an agreement in 2004 to look for the snake and has conducted annual surveys and restored habitats.
"This is different," said Allison Frederick, environmental communications specialist.
"The decision will allow us to be part of this regionwide effort to save the species."
The two Eastern Massasaugas that have been found are a male and female, Earnhardt said. Breeding season isn't imminent so researchers have a month or two to determine how to proceed.
"This is sort of the first effort like this," she said. "Everyone is watching to see how it progresses."