June 12, 2017 - The emergence of a skin-destroying disease is having a deadly impact on snake populations, including a threatened species of rattlesnake in the United States. In decline due to habitat loss, human persecution, and other factors, the eastern massasauga rattlesnake was recently classified as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, but the
spread of snake fungal disease may be driving the snakes closer to extinction. Transmitted by fungal pathogens, this incurable disease can cause skin lesions, abnormal molting, and eye infections among other symptoms.
Researchers at the
Pierce Cedar Creek Institute are currently tracking eastern massasauga rattlesnakes in the wetlands and woods of Michigan to monitor how snakes may be contracting snake fungal disease and to assess what actions can be taken in the long term to protect the species.
Read more about snake fungal disease.
