1988b. Uhler, F.M., C. Cottam and T.E. However, it is recognized that strategies may also inadvertently lead to environmental effects beyond the intended benefits. Historically, the species likely occurred in most mountainous and hilly … Cook, F.R. The reptiles of Ontario. This is a large, heavy-bodied snake with a series of large, black, chevron-like crossbands down the pinkish gray or tan body. Crotalus horridus (Timber Rattlesnake) longevity. In the United States, the species is listed as apparently secure nationally (N4). The dorsal scales are keeled, giving the snake a dull appearance (Collins and Knight 1980). It may also consume carrion, other reptiles, amphibians, birds and bird eggs (Uhler et al. Timber Rattlesnake Brochures. Common Name (population): Timber Rattlesnake. That species reaches a length of only one metre. The timber rattlesnake is a long-lived species, and some individuals are thought to live for over 30 years. Like all rattlesnakes, the timber rattlesnake belongs to the viper family, Viperidae, and the pit viper subfamily Crotalinae. Specific summer habitat requirements differ according to sex (Brown 1993; Smith 2001; Ewing 2003). These phases or types indicate the overall colour or background colour of the species. These pits, along with the vertical nature of the pupils and the triangular head, which is distinct from its neck, distinguish it from non-venomous snakes (Harding 1997). In the context of species at risk conservation, recovery is the process by which the decline of an endangered, threatened, or extirpated species is arrested or reversed, and threats are removed or reduced to improve the likelihood of the species’ persistence in the wild. Museum and library searches for specimens and information. 1993. Logier, E.B.S. The timber rattlesnake’s colouration and ability to adapt well to captivity make them an attractive species for people involved in the pet trade (Brown, 1993). 1956. Habitat degradation by humans may also affect population numbers. Doubleday, Garden City, New York as reported in Rowell, J.C. 1995. The timber rattlesnake’s historic Canadian range was within some of the most developed areas in Ontario, which suggests that suitable habitat has since been largely destroyed. The Canadian Wildlife Service – Ontario, Environment Canada, led the development of this recovery strategy, and it was developed in cooperation with the Government of Ontario. 1961. Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series, About the Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series, SARA is the Act developed by the federal government as a key contribution to the common national effort to protect and conserve species at risk in Canada. Its fangs are between 2.6 and 3.8 millimeters long, and its venom contains hemotoxins and neurotoxins. No. Timber rattlesnake historical occurrence map in Canada (NHIC, 2001). 1982, Ernst 1992). Herpetological Review. Populations are isolated in the Northeast. Such removals would be anticipated to have significant impacts on any natural or reintroduced populations. Occupied sites range from mature forests to young forests. Depending on the status of the species and when it was assessed, a recovery strategy has to be developed within one to two years after the species is added to the List of Wildlife Species at Risk. As well, the higher energy costs associated with reproducing may leave non-gravid females with lower energy reserves than males, reducing the distance they can travel (Reinert and Zappalorti 1988b). Galligan, J.H., and W.A. 1988a. 2002. There are two common colour phases1 observed in the timber rattlesnake, “yellow” and “black”, which refer to the ground colour of the snake. 22. 1969. Ottawa. The only historic record that can be supported with any degree of certainty is that from the Niagara area. documents various sources to suggest that the consumption of timber rattlesnake and its use in folk remedies may have also played a role in its decline. In the summer, these snakes move up to seven kilometres away from their hibernation site to search for food and mates. 1998. SSAR Herpetological Circular No. Doubleday, Page and Company. Timber rattlesnakes can be found as far north as New York and as far south as northern Florida. Ditmars, R.L. This recovery strategy has been prepared in cooperation with the jurisdictions responsible for the timber rattlesnake. Timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) is the only wide-ranging woodland rattlesnake of deciduous forests in eastern North America. Accordingly, this recovery strategy will have no effect on the environment. Ditmars, R.L. In Preparation. Herpetologica. Last updated: September 6, 2003. Additional thanks are extended to Rulon Clarke who was extremely helpful in sharing his knowledge and experiences from recovery initiatives for the timber rattlesnake in the United States. Rare and endangered reptiles in Ontario (Part 1). This species no longer occurs in Ontario, likely because of human persecution and habitat loss. The most common overstory trees include red oak, eastern hemlock, sugar maple, white ash, white pine, American beech, birch, American basswood, and eastern red cedar (Brown 1993). Impact of reintroduction on other species. Males and non-gravid females tend to use habitat with greater than 50% forest canopy cover, dense surface vegetation, and few fallen logs (Ernst 1992). The Snakes of Ontario – A Natural History. It is not listed as a Specially Protected Reptile under the Ontario Fish and Wildlife Conservation Act. This snake uses its fangs to deliver venom produced in special glands behind its eyes. The prairie rattlesnake is the only venomous snakein the Canadian prairies. Females give birth to about 5-13 young, with reports ranging from 3–19 and an average of about 8, typically between late August and mid-September (Martin 1982). Timber Rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus)have been known historically from a couple of localities in Ontario. This would likely be a threat to timber rattlesnakes if they were reintroduced to Ontario. Regulations & Permits. Males tend to move greater distances in search of mates, while females are more passive in the search for mates (Reinert and Zappalorti 1988b). Adult males and non-gravid adult females prefer deciduous forests and woodland edges in an agricultural setting during the summer. If conditions should change, critical habitat identification will be reconsidered. This snake typically inhabits forested areas with rock outcrops, dry ridges and second growth deciduous or coniferous forests with southern exposures (Brown 1993; Smith 2001). 12:326. 2006. Note: The reference to unknown in the Threat Attributes category indicates where the threat level is not known for Canada due to the absence of the species here. The only other rattlesnake in eastern Canada is the Massasauga, which has dark bars on the top of the head. Biology, status and management of the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus): a guide for conservation. COSEWIC. It is not found in Mexico, and only a single small population is found in Canada. There are a number of biological traits which limit timber rattlesnake population growth and its ability to recover from large-scale losses. The range of the timber rattlesnake extends from southern New Hampshire south through the Appalachian Mountains to northern Florida and west to southeastern Texas and southeastern Nebraska and Wisconsin. There are also two timber rattlesnake specimens thought to be from Campbellton and Fitzwilliam Island (Figure 1) for which locality information cannot be confirmed  (Rowell, in prep. Reinert, H.K. Conservationalist. Venemous Reptiles. In Preparation. However, the impacts of increased shading are not entirely understood, with some suggestions that selective tree removal may actually harm the snakes more (Smith 2001). The University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor: MI. The earliest reports of timber rattlesnakes in Canada occurred in 1669 in what is now known as Waterdown in Halton County (Logier 1939 in Smith 2001). 17: 15-20. Genetic variation and gene flow within and between local populations of the timber rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus). 1994. University of Toronto Press, Toronto, Ontario. In some snakes, the pattern is obscured by the nearly black ground colour (Collins and Knight 1980). refers to timber rattlesnakes in New Jersey as inhabiting ‘flat forested country back of the central coast, [and] quite damp in spots’. 20: 1-8. Although some snakes are released, they may not be released in the same areas where they were captured or might have sustained internal injuries from being captured and ultimately die as a consequence (Reinert 1990). These hunts are legal in the United States. Cavanaugh, C.J. 1979. Is sufficient suitable habitat available to support the species or could it be made available through habitat management or restoration? At maturity, and cottontail rabbits available through habitat management or restoration rocky... Was put into service in 1905 ( the Niagara Gorge -specifically, the timber rattlesnake is and. 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