Vermont timber rattlesnakes face fungal disease

Vermont conservationists are battling a new obstacle in the effort to conserve the state’s timber rattlesnakes and other snake species—a recently discovered infection referred to simply as snake fungal disease. Similar to white-nose syndrome in bats, the disease appears as white to brown blisters on the snake’s face. Snake fungal disease, thought to be causing declines in timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) populations in neighboring New Hampshire and Massachusetts, is now appearing in Vermont. Doug Blodgett, wildlife biologist for Vermont Fish & Wildlife, says that snake fungal disease was first discovered among Vermont’s rattlesnake population in 2012 and has been found in both of Vermont’s distinct rattlesnake populations. While timber rattlesnakes in Vermont have died after contracting snake fungal disease, scientists don’t know yet the extent of the threat or whether it will cause the state-endangered populations to decline even further. The disease is also suspected to have infected several other snake species in Vermont, including Eastern ratsnakes and common milksnakes. “We’re cautiously monitoring this disease among Vermont’s snakes and are watching for any signs that our populations are in decline,” said Blodgett. “Fortunately we have several partners in this effort with whom we are working closely.”

Source: Williston Observer, August 27, 2015
http://www.willistonobserver.com/vt-timber-rattlesnakes-face-fungal-dis…