by Heidi HargroveIt is late afternoon in the badlands of Alberta and the weary band of hikers set off under the blazing sun, in search of their elusive quarry: the mighty . . . rattlesnake?!?!
This summer saw the beginning of a project which monitors the migration and activities of Prairie Rattlesnakes in Dinosaur Provincial Park. Every year there are occasional sightings of rattlesnakes moving through the park. Although exact population size is not known, it has been noted by many local residents that the number of rattlesnakes seen in the area seems to be increasing. It was decided to track some individual rattlesnakes on their seasonal migrations in an effort to determine the most effective methods for promoting the welfare of both campers and snakes who frequent the park, as well as to help solve some puzzles of the natural history of local rattlesnakes.
It would be impossible to follow this well-camouflaged reptile without the help of technology. A tiny radio transmitter, smaller than a thimble, is surgically inserted under the anaesthetized snake's ribs. When the snake recovers from the operation and is released at the site of capture, the radio signal can be picked up with a hand-held antenna from a considerable distance, limited by signal strength of the tiny transmitter and the rough topography of the badlands. By hiking over hoodoos and walking in ever decreasing circles, the location of the snake can be narrowed down, and daily checks can result in a map of the route travelled by the snake. Although it is often hidden under thick vegetation or in a burrow, visual identification of the snake can give even more information. For example, a recent meal may appear as a lump along the snake's body, or opaque eyes and bad temperament may indicate the snake is getting ready to shed its skin. This year, two snakes have been implanted and released and the trackers have followed "Jake" and "Alice" on their wanderings through the river valley.
It is hoped that the snakes can be tracked all the way to the communal winter den (hibernacula) this fall. Rattlesnakes enter hibernation in late September and they will not emerge in the spring until the air temperature is about 10 C, usually late April or May. Young snakes are born live (not in eggs) late in the season. It is these young snakes which are most dangerous, since they are easily alarmed and may release more venom into a bite since they have not yet learned to preserve their venom for hunting. The bite of a rattlesnake is dangerous and painful but rarely fatal and antivenin is available at emergency facilities throughout the range of the snake. A healthy rattlesnake population is of considerable economic value since its diet includes pest species such as mice.
The lead partners in this project are Alberta Environmental Protection and Operation Grassland Community. This is an interdepartmental cooperative project of Alberta Environmental Protection with Dinosaur Provincial Park, and Brooks and Hanna Fish and Wildlife. Operation Grassland Community is a wildlife habitat stewardship program of the Alberta Fish and Game Association, funded by Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks and Wildlife Foundation and Wildlife Habitat Canada. Major funding for the telemetry project comes from The Alberta Wildlife Trust Fund, and equipment and expertise is supplied by the Canadian Wildlife Service. Additional assistance has been given by local landowners and assorted volunteers.
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