Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Conservation Plan - Western ...

Connoquenessing Creek Watershed Conservation PlanChapter 4. Biological Resourceswinter. These owls prefer open spaces, and have been found to inhabit reclaimed mine areas in the region(PGC 2 ).Unlike most nocturnal owls that are active at night, the short-eared owl is active at dusk and dawn, abehavior called crepuscular. All owls are beneficial to farmers for their pest control capabilities, feedingon mice and other rodents that damage crops. Agricultural lands comprise a majority of the large, openareas throughout the watershed that this species prefers. Conservation programs on agricultural lands mayhelp to sustain this species, when tall grasses are left on fields over the winter (PGC 2 ).Amphibians and ReptilesEastern Massasauga RattlesnakeThis reptile was once abundant throughout western Pennsylvania, but after decades of habitatdestruction and human disturbance, the species is now endangered throughout the state. The easternmassasauga (also know as the “swamp rattler”) is a small, venomous snake that may reach 20–30 inchesin length, leading to another of its pseudonyms, the “pygmy rattler.”This snake hibernates over winter, typically in crayfish burrows, and may eat up to nine pounds ofrodents per year. As a natural pest control, they are beneficial to farmers of crops typically affected bymice, voles, and other rodent pests.Like most venomous snakes, the eastern massasauga will only use its precious venom, which it needsto obtain prey for sustenance, as a last resort of self defense against humans. The snake will typicallyavoid human interaction by utilizing camouflage to hide and its rattle to warn potential encroachers of itslocation. It may strike if stepped upon or if it feels cornered. One should be vigilant and attentive whenhiking or traveling through rattlesnake territory.If you happen to encounter an eastern massasaugarattlesnake, do not harm the animal, as its endangered statusin Pennsylvania makes it illegal to catch, harm, or kill thespecies. If possible, document your specimen with aphotograph, note the location of your encounter, and reportyour findings to Pennsylvania Fish and BoatCommission (PFBC) and Western PennsylvaniaConservancy (WPC). WPC is conducting studies todocument existing populations of eastern massasaugas. SeeAppendix N. Resources Guide for contact information.Eastern massasauga rattlesnakeIf your property is inhabited by massasaugas, be mindful of your land management techniques, andavoid mowing during the summer months when massasaugas are most active. This species reproducesonly once every two to three years, so the loss of one individual may have a significant impact on theentire population. Avoid any habitat disturbance between April and November.MammalsMammal diversity, in general, is low throughout the region encompassing the study area. Mammaldiversity is typically associated with large, intact tracks of forest, which are not prevalent in theConnoquenessing 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, provideopportunities for hunting and trapping recreation and wildlife viewing.4-10