CHAPTER 4 - Western Pennsylvania Conservancy

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Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Conservation Plan Chapter 4. Biological Resources Unlike most nocturnal owls that are active at night, the short-eared owl is active at dusk and dawn, a behavior called crepuscular. All owls are beneficial to farmers for their pest control capabilities, feeding on mice and other rodents that damage crops. Agricultural lands comprise a majority of the large, open areas throughout the watershed that this species prefers. Conservation programs on agricultural lands may help to sustain this species, when tall grasses are left on fields over the winter (PGC 2 ). Amphibians and Reptiles Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake This reptile was once abundant throughout western Pennsylvania, but after decades of habitat destruction and human disturbance, the species is now endangered throughout the state. The eastern massasauga is a small, venomous snake that may reach three to four feet in length, leading to one of its pseudonyms, the “pygmy rattler.” This snake hibernates over winter, typically in crayfish burrows, and may eat up to nine pounds of rodents per year. As a natural pest control, they are beneficial to farmers of crops typically affected by mice, voles, and other rodent pests. Like most venomous snakes, the eastern massasauga will only use its precious venom, which it needs to obtain prey for sustenance, as a last resort of self defense against humans. The snake will typically avoid human interaction by utilizing camouflage to hide and its rattle to warn potential encroachers of its location. It may strike if stepped upon or if it feels cornered. One should be vigilant and attentive when hiking or traveling through rattlesnake territory. If you happen to encounter an eastern massasauga rattlesnake, do not harm the animal, as its endangered status in Pennsylvania makes it illegal to catch, harm, or kill the species. If possible, document your specimen with a photograph, note the location of your encounter, and report your findings to Western Pennsylvania Conservancy (WPC). WPC is conducting studies to document existing populations of eastern massasaugas. See Appendix N. Resources Guide for contact information. Eastern massasauga rattlesnake If your property is inhabited by massasaugas, be mindful of your land management techniques, and avoid mowing during the summer months when massasaugas are most active. This species reproduces only once every two to three years, so the loss of one individual may have a significant impact on the entire population. Avoid any habitat disturbance between April and November. Mammals Mammal diversity, in general, is low throughout the region encompassing the study area. Mammal diversity is typically associated with large, intact tracks of forest, which are not prevalent in the Connoquenessing watershed. Small mammals and game species, such as the whitetail deer, squirrels, rabbits, and foxes, do exist in many of the natural areas. These species, among others, provide opportunities for hunting and trapping recreation and wildlife viewing. Whitetail deer Proper management of whitetail deer populations may help to keep the impacts associated with the species to a minimum. In areas that are overpopulated with deer, forest regeneration may be hindered, crops may be damaged, and resources may be scarce for other wildlife. Habitat destruction by the overabundant deer population is having a huge impact on songbird populations, especially woodland 4-10
Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Conservation Plan Chapter 4. Biological Resources warblers. Many of the birds impacted are in decline. In addition, overabundant deer populations pose a significant risk to the safety of motorists and damage to vehicles when roadway collisions occur. Whitetail deer management occurs at the state level through hunting permit allocations by PGC. Public land managers experiencing high density deer populations should incorporate considerations into land and habitat management techniques. Food plots may be established to improve herd health and decrease the animals’ dependency on natural areas. Public and private landowners may now enroll in a program through PGC called the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP), which provides hunters with additional permits to hunt antlerless deer on registered properties and help reduce deer populations (PGC 1 ). Beaver Beavers were once trapped to extirpation throughout the Evidence of beaver activity in the watershed state for their prized furs. Reintroductions occurred in several locations in Pennsylvania in the early 1900s. Those parent populations reproduced and expanded their territory to include approximately 15 counties. Evidence suggests that beavers exist within a portion of the study area. These small mammals are capable of extraordinary feats, like downing trees several feet in diameter, though they more commonly use small saplings and trees for food and the construction of their lodges and dams. By damming small streams, beavers create wetlands, thus providing habitat for a variety of other species; sometimes their incessant behavior of damming to hush the sound of running water may lead to problems, especially when they clog drainage pipes used to regulate water levels of reservoirs and lakes. Beaver-proof cages can be constructed around drainage pipes to deter clogging by this unique species. Bats Bats are common throughout Pennsylvania, and despite myths and common misperceptions, they do not readily spread rabies or entangle hair. On the contrary, bats are very beneficial creatures to humans and the environment. Bats control pests, pollinate plants, and disperse seeds. They are both economically and environmentally beneficial. Two important bat species that utilize resources of the Connoquenessing watershed are the northern myotis and Indiana bat. Depending on the species, bats may roost and/or hibernate under the bark of trees, in cavities, or in caves. These habitats are most vulnerable to degradation. Forestry and mining activities, especially, can disrupt and displace an entire colony of bats. If the species utilizing an abandoned mine, for instance, was an endangered or threatened species, such as the two listed above, disturbances to those habitats could have damaging implications to the species as a whole. Gates constructed at the entrance of abandoned mines and caves allow for the passage of bats and exclusion of humans to limit disturbance to the habitat. Fish and Freshwater Mussels Two previously conducted studies occurred in the Connoquenessing to document the species of mussels that exist in the streams of the watershed and to infer the communities of fish and freshwater mussels that may inhabit the streams based on scientific research and data analysis. More information about fish and freshwater mussels of the Connoquenessing watershed can be found in the previous studies section at the end of this chapter. 4-11
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CHAPTER 4 - Western Pennsylvania Conservancy

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