POST CHRONICLE (Denville, New Jersey) 20 June 07 Study Seeks Snake, Human Harmony
U.S. scientists are tracking snakes in Missouri to develop ways in which people can live with snakes and avoid becoming "nature vigilantes" by killing them.
Wayne Drda, a Washington University in St. Louis researcher, along with Jeff Ettling of the St. Louis Zoo and Ryan Turnquist of St. Louis University are studying timber rattlesnakes and copperheads to determine how developing subdivisions invade the snakes' turf and affect the reptiles.
The researchers want to convince people they can live with the animals without destroying them.
The scientists use small transmitters implanted in captured snakes to study movement, migration patterns and habitat use.
"Our goals are to understand the ways of these species and to educate suburbanites and rural people about them, so that we can keep a proper balance in the face of development," Drda said.
Most people detest snakes, so the first instinct is to eliminate them, added Drda. "You can live with the knowledge that timber rattlesnakes and copperheads are in your area, and if you have a problem, you need to go to herpetologists, who can figure out a plan or help remove the snakes.
"We don't want to see people become nature vigilantes."
Study Seeks Snake, Human Harmony