Rattlesnakes in Wisconsin: A Historical and Conservation Perspective By Eric Roscoe, Education and Events Coordinator for the Madison Area Herpetological Society The sound of a rattlesnake sounding off its rattle is perhaps one of the most unmistakable sounds in nature, and very often is also one which elicits an especially strong fear response from manyRead More
Month: May 2018
Juvenile Ratsnakes (Pantherophis)
One of the most common snakes seen in and around houses are the ratsnakes (Pantherophis species). Unfortunately, the juvenile ratsnakes are often mistaken for copperheads and/or rattlesnakes. When approached they may put on a defensive display of gaping, coiling up, and shaking their tail. This behavior can startle people unfamiliar with them. Of course, thisRead More
Colubrid Spotlight : Bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer sayi)
One of the largest non-venomous snakes in the United States, the Bullsnake (Pituophis catenifer sayi) averages about 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 m) in total length, and specimens of up to 8 feet 4 inches (2.5 m) have been recorded. The Bullsnake is a subspecies of the Gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer), which consists of 6 subspecies in total. CollectivelyRead More
Introduction to the Cottonmouth
The Cottonmouth (also known as the Water Moccasin) is a venomous pit viper (family Viperidae) native to the U.S. where it inhabits swamps, creeks, slow-moving streams, bogs, ditches, canals, and the shore of ponds and lakes. However, it may be found far from water as it travels between water sources in search of food andRead More
Introduction to New World Coralsnakes
New World Coralsnakes are native to North and South America. Three genera are represented (Micrurus, Leptomicrurus, and Micruroides). These venomous snakes are within the family Elapidae. Coralsnake venom is mainly neurotoxic, although many of them also possess several other types of toxins, including cardiotoxins and cytotoxins. Bites are somewhat uncommon (especially in the U.S.) butRead More