Assessing the Status and Perceptions of the Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Population at Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Ann Arbor, Michiga

Abstract

The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus catenatus, EMR) was once widespread in the lower Great Lakes basin but now exists in scattered and isolated populations. The Matthaei Botanical Gardens (MBG) population in Ann Arbor, Michigan, represents one of the few remaining healthy populations. Given the EMR's threatened status under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) due to habitat loss, anthropogenic disturbances, and indiscriminate killing leading to population declines, protection is paramount. This study aimed to gather information on the status of the EMR population at the MBG. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine continued EMR presence using a validated survey technique at a selected historic population site (MBG), (2) survey residents' attitudes and awareness toward the EMR around the MBG residential area, (3) understand the distribution of EMR near MBG, (4) develop educational materials for the residents. I conducted visual encounter surveys at five search areas to determine whether the snakes were present and evaluated the search areas for potential hibernacula. The field surveys confirmed the presence of EMRs at MBG in three of the five search areas, with the greatest number of EMRs observed in Area 2. I also developed a questionnaire and distributed it over mail with accompanying educational materials to 306 residents living near the MBG property. Results indicated that the distribution of the EMR population extends beyond property boundaries and into the MBG surrounding neighborhoods. A significant proportion of respondents had favorable attitudes toward the EMR than unequivocal adverse attitudes. Moreover, more than half of the respondents acknowledged the importance of rattlesnakes in the ecosystem. However, there is still a need for more progress in education and communication efforts to correct mistaken beliefs and reduce heightened risk perceptions about the EMR