Reptile & Amphibian Forums

MIDLAND MIRROR (Ontario) 14 July 04 $250,000 fine possible for snake killer (Janis Leering)
Whoever killed a rattlesnake while camping on Beausoleil Island could be facing a fine of $250,000 and up to five years in jail.
National Parks staff is investigating the crime after a visitor beat a massassauga rattlesnake to death while on the island for the long weekend. On July 1, staff in the Honeymoon Bay Campground at Georgian Bay Islands National Park found the dead snake. The massassauga rattlesnake is native to the area, and is an indicator of a healthy environment. The snake is classified as a threatened species, because its numbers are dwindling.
"We did an autopsy, and found broken bones, and the internal organs were pulverized. This was more than just someone prodding it, to frighten the snake," said Hugh Bremner, manager of resource conservation with the national park.
He said the body is now being held as evidence.
"They are timid, and avoid people if possible. They would only bite if they were provoked, or threatened."
There are two different ways the culprit could be charged, either a summary conviction, or an indictment. "A summary conviction is similar to a speeding ticket, and the charge is up to a $150,000 fine, or six months in jail, or both. An indictment is more serious, and has a maximum fine of $250,000, or five years in jail, or both. Both types charges can be held with trials."
$250,000 fine possible for snake killer

MIDLAND MIRROR (Simcoe, Ontario) 04 September 04 Midland man charged in snake killing (Janis Leering)
A Midland man will be appearing in court on Sept. 16, to face a charge of poaching, after an Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake was killed over the Canada Day weekend this year.
Mark McIntyre, senior park warden with the Georgian Bay Islands National Park, and its law enforcement specialist, said a man was charged after the rare slithering reptile was found dead at the park on July 1.
"He was taken into custody on Aug. 3, and was released, and charged with poaching in a national park, under the National Parks Act," said McIntyre.
The man, whose name has not been released to the press, can face a maximum fine of $250,000 and/or five years in jail, if faced with an indictment.
The Massasauga rattler is on a list of endangered species, which are protected under the National Parks Act. Other species on the list include the whooping crane, peregrine falcon, polar bear and grizzly bear.
"They all require special protection, and most of it is centred around illegal hunting, or collecting," said McIntyre.
Although hunting doesn't appear to be the motive behind this year's crime, he said the park has been victim to it before.
In 1999, someone broke into the building and stole a live snake, which was on display in a terrarium.
The snake that was killed over the July long weekend was a female, one that had been tagged, or chipped, by staff in 1995 in the Honeymoon Bay area of Beausoleil Island.
"We have 'tagged' approximately 300 snakes, and one-third of them are female, so if you start removing them, you are going to notice a quicker decline, because you are taking away the breeding snakes."
The microchips inserted into the snakes are similar to the ones used with a cat or dog, and are used for identification purposes, and don't harm the snake.
"This snake was first captured in 1995, and she was a full-grown female then. It had been in this area for nine years, and this is an unfortunate incident."
McIntyre said witnesses were interviewed from Parry Sound and Toronto, after the snake was found beaten to death. An autopsy was done, which showed bones were broken, and organs were 'pulverized', and that resulted in the charges being laid. The carcass is being kept as evidence in the case.
The 32-year-old man is under conditions not to enter the park again until the matter has been addressed by the court.
In the past 12 years, McIntyre said approximately six snakes were killed, but it has only been a major crime under the National Parks Act since 2000.
McIntyre said humans should learn to protect the species, instead of contributing to its demise.
"The snakes are shy, timid, not aggressive, and most of the bites we've had are after someone picked one up, chased it or harassed it."
Massasauga rattlesnakes try to hide from people, and will use their rattle as a warning if someone gets too close, said McIntyre.
"The rattle is a nervous reflex, not a sign of aggression.
"The chances of seeing one are slim, but if you do see one, we tell people to stop where you are, turn and look. Leave them alone, or call a warden, and we can come and remove it for you."
He guessed the snakes can live to be approximately 20 years old, and said ones as old as the female killed this year are surviving because they are smart.
"Females have between six to 15 babies a year, and 90 per cent of the young die before their first winter, most to predators."
Massasauga rattlesnakes eat mice and frogs, and are hunted by owls, hawks, and other birds of prey.
Another problem for the snakes is cars, and McIntyre said approximately 10 were found dead along Honey Harbour Road over the past two years.
All campers on Beausoleil Island are informed about what the snakes look like, and what they should do if they see one.
"It's nice to have a national park in your area, but wildlife species aren't going to be kept viable in the parks alone. They need individuals outside, to co-exist with them."
Midland man charged in snake killing