On a rattlesnake survey in Virginia's Allegheny Mountains led by David Garst, a Virginia Tech graduate student, VDGIF biologist Mike Pinder and VDGIF cameraman Ron Messina were able to find and photograph both black and yellow color phase adult rattlesnakes, as well as several neonates (newborn) animals. Timber rattlesnakes bear young only every three to five years, and adult snakes can live up to 30 years. The rocky, exposed area where the snakes were found is used by gravid (pregnant) females throughout the summer. This video follows Garst as he conducts a rattlesnake survey for a research project that will ultimately help the Department better understand issues challenging timber rattlesnakes and provide recommendations on how to protect them.
Virginia Standards of Learning:
The Timber Rattlesnake video discusses the relationship between the rattlesnake and it food sources, supporting the predator/prey Standards of Learning in Science. The video also discusses other habitat needs of the rattlesnake, addressing concerns for the future of the snake's ecosystem. Use the video to begin the discussion for these Science Standards of Learning: 4.5, 4.8, LS.4, LS.5, LS.7, LS.11, LS.9, LS.10, Bio.9, Bio.10.