Nebraskaland

12 Nebraskaland • July 2021 IN THE FIELD By Melissa Panella THREATENED AND ENDANGERED: THE TIMBER RATTLESNAKE The timber rattlesnake is sometimes called the American timber rattler, because it lives wild in no other country and symbolizes American pride, strength and vigilance. The timber rattlesnake is the largest of four pit viper species in Nebraska. Within the state's borders, timber rattlesnakes are only found in the southeastern-most reaches, such as the Indian Cave and Rulo bluffs. You can get a pretty good idea about where to find timber rattlesnakes based on their common name. Timber rattlesnakes indeed use timbered landscapes, for instance woodlands along rivers and upland woodlots. But, they also rely on grassland areas to hunt prey and to disperse into new locations. Prairie openings and crop fields near woodlands serve them quite well. However, they can run into trouble when they have to cross roads, busy trails, or find themselves in a field actively being cut for hay. The cover and safety of rock outcrops can provide a place for timber rattlesnakes to den during harsh weather that grips Nebraska during the cold winter months. The distribution of timber rattlesnakes is shrinking everywhere they occur. Habitat has been lost or degraded, and in many parts of the country, rattlesnakes have been unnecessarily killed. While Nebraska's timber rattlesnake population represents only a small proportion of the population as a whole, the state's location within the species' distribution is important in terms of the species' biogeography, global genetic diversity and conservation value. These are several of the reasons why the timber rattlesnake was added to Nebraska's threatened species list earlier this year. To conserve timber rattlesnakes, it is crucial to protect their denning sites in the state since they are few and far between. Dens also need to get plenty of sunlight exposure to stay warm enough for this "cold-blooded" animal, so it may be necessary to cut back or otherwise limit weedy trees, shrubs, and invasive plants that grow near rattlesnake dens and cause too much shade. It is unlikely that timber rattlesnakes will ever have the opportunity to extend their range very far into the state of Nebraska, but we can do our best to provide suitable habitat to maintain and improve the unique populations currently here. Because timber rattlesnakes are rare here, chances are you won't come across one unless you intentionally seek them out. Timber rattlesnakes prefer to avoid people and usually remain motionless when encountered, striking only as a last defense. Under most circumstances, they don't present much of a danger. One of the best things to do is just choose to stay back if you happen upon one and consider yourself lucky to witness this amazing animal in the wild. Melissa J. Panella is a wildlife biologist for the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. JON FARRAR, NEBRASKALAND

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