Rattler Tattler at North Table Mountain

“Ewww!  Gross!  Keep that thing away from me!”  Often are the first exclamations I hear as my bullsnake is introduced to an audience at one of my interpretive programs.  However, there are many, “He’s cute…What a beautiful animal…Never seen one this close.”  A genuine inquisitiveness builds, especially from the kids.  Snakes have a certain “X factor”.  Reviled or tolerated, it sure is an animal that fires up public curiosity.  As a Jefferson County Open Space interpretive educator, there have been many questions asked of me about snakes, particularly rattlesnakes.  So naturally, I was eager to participate in some of the prairie rattlesnake surveys taking place this year at North Table Mountain Open Space Park.  The survey is being conducted by Adaptation Environmental Services and their members were so helpful.  I am very grateful for their knowledge…there is so much more to know!  Who wouldn’t want to learn more about a legendary creature discussed on an almost daily basis with park visitors?  In addition to the new knowledge gained from the members of the NTM rattlesnake survey, I often conclude my interpretive programs with an audience invitation to touch the “gross” bullsnake.  Kids eagerly rush to be first in line and of course the cell phones come out.  There are many, many smiles along with surprised observations.  First time holders often comment how they didn’t expect the snake’s underbelly to be so soft or that it’s tongue flick tickled their forearm.  A connection?  An unexpected affection for the creature?  Maybe.  As interpretive pioneer Freeman Tilden stated:  “…through understanding, appreciation; through appreciation, protection.”
 
Mike Dempsey
Education Specialist
Jefferson County Open Space

​Project update:

As you can see from this map, and comparing it to previous ones, some of our rattlesnakes with transmitters move around quite a bit while others stay mostly in the same area. There are likely several reasons for this:

• Pregnant (yes, pregnant, because rattlesnakes do not lay eggs and give live birth) females tend to find areas where they can maximize staying warm to help their babies develop. 
• Resources like food and water change with the season, and so individuals may need to move to survive hot and dry summer days.
• Interactions between individuals, such as a territorial dispute, may lead to conflicts where one snake is pushed out of a "better" area by a more dominant individual. 

Reasons like these are better understood in other animals that have been studied for a long time, however we are just starting to understand such behaviors in rattlesnakes and other small animals.


We are excited to share that we now have all 20 transmitters deployed to the field! As many of you know, rattlesnakes are found throughout the property and in all of its habitats. We are always happy to visit with you at North Table Mountain to hear your rattlesnake encounter story and to answer your questions. We want you to be safe!!! Rattlesnakes are performing their role in this ecosystem, and seem to be doing fine at this site (i.e. a healthy population and numbers). It is important to us that you and your pets visit this area (or any Jefferson County Open Space) informed so you can enjoy your activities fully.

​Thanks for your interest in this project!