COS 260-3 - Landscape-level management of Timber Rattlesnakes within an exurban landscape

Background/Question/Methods

Human-wildlife conflicts are increasing among expanding exurban landscapes as human development contributes to fragmentation of wildlife habitat. To date, much of the focus on human-wildlife conflict has been on managing for large mammalian carnivores, with less attention to small less-charismatic species, including herptiles. Here we focus on the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) in the US state of Connecticut, where two populations exist of this state-endangered species. Our objective was to integrate locations of known human-timber rattlesnake encounters, land cover and landscape characteristics, and human dimensions data to assess opportunities for landscape level management of this species across the study area. Timber rattlesnake encounter locations were collected using encounter reports from snake removal volunteers and responses to a 2016 resident mail survey (n = 583). Human dimensions data were collected from the same mail survey, as well as semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders involved with timber rattlesnake habitat management and associated land use decision-making. Landscape characteristics information was derived from publicly available sources including 1-m resolution land cover, property parcel, and road map data layers

Results/Conclusions

Individual human-timber rattlesnake encounters were more likely associated with parcels closer to forested areas and containing greater proportions of grassland cover, but less forest and shrub cover. Clusters of encounters also were closer to forested areas proximate to impervious surface, and more likely on parcels containing less forest and developed open space. Encounters were spatially more likely in locations of clusters of survey respondents who were less favorable to coexistence with timber rattlesnakes. Proactive management efforts to reduce human-timber rattlesnake conflicts encouraged opening of forest canopy for basking sites away from residential areas. Managers also highlighted a customized spatial approach to public outreach messaging based on encounter locations and prominent favorable versus unfavorable attitudes toward timber rattlesnakes among residents at the fine scale. Recruitment of volunteers among the study area to serve as timber rattlesnake advocates and information sources within their community was also encouraged. Managers noted historically limited ability for landscape-level management because of capacity restraints, but interest in coordinated outreach and conservation efforts. Collectively, results suggested that particularly for small species, different ecological management and public outreach techniques may be warranted in different locations across relatively small areas to mitigate for human wildlife conflicts.