REPTILES
AMPHIBIANS
Snakes…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….Tab 1
Turtle, Common Snapping…………………………………………………………………………………..Tab 2
SNAKES
(Class Reptilia)
IDENTIFICATION: thirty eight (38) species of snakes occur in MO: 33 non-venomous and 5 venomous (poisonous). Distinguishing venomous from non-venomous snakes is critical. Non-venomous snakes may frighten but are not dangerous. Three of five venomous species are rattlesnakes: adults are distinguished from all others by the presence of rattles at end of tail (young may have only a "button" or two). The other two venomous species are the Osage Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix phaeogaster) and the Western Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus leucostoma): these two species are distinctive and easily recognized "in person"; I.D. over the phone is more difficult and not always reliable (unless dead or captive). Provide a copy of Mac’s free booklet Snakes of Missouri and/or refer to The Amphibians and Reptiles of Missouri field guide for I.D.
SIMILAR SPECIES: not usually confused with other animals, except the legless Western Slender Glass Lizard (Ophisaurus attenuatus attenuatus). Non-venomous snakes are frequently mistaken for venomous species (e.g. harmless water snakes are similar to and often identified as Western Cottonmouth (both are found around water). (See Snakes of Missouri booklet and/or The Amphibians and Reptiles of Missouri field guide for I.D.)
DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE: statewide; common and abundant (for non-venomous species); copperhead may occur in every MO county (even in suburban areas); populations of timber rattlesnakes are much more localized, generally favor wooded and rocky terrain; the Cottonmouth is restricted primarily to southern 1/3 of state; other venomous species are more restricted (persecution has greatly reduced ranges; populations may be extremely localized). The copperhead is Missouri's most common venomous snake.
LEGAL STATUS: protected by 3CSR10-4.110 (General Prohibition); SNAKES MAY NOT BE KILLED INDISCRIMINATELY! The massasauga rattlesnake and several non-venomous species are listed as State Endangered (see Snakes of Missouri booklet, The Amphibians and Reptiles of Missouri field guide, and MDC Wildlife Code).
As Pets:
Non-venomous: allowed under 3CSR10-9.110(1) (General Prohibition; Applications): up to five (total) non-endangered species may be caught and held captive without permit, but these may not be sold or transported out-of state.
Venomous: prohibited: cannot be held captive, except with MDC Class II Wildlife Breeder permit ($250); must possess permit before acquiring animal from licensed breeder (contact local MDC Conservation Agent). Local municipal approval may also be required.
Rehabilitation: prohibited: sick or injured wildlife cannot be taken, possessed, transported, or held except with MDC Wildlife Rehabilitation permit (see Wildlife Code).
Scientific Study: cannot be collected, possessed, mounted or preserved for scientific purposes except with MDC Wildlife Collector's permit (see Wildlife Code). Individuals may possibly obtain permission to keep and mount a single road-killed specimen (contact local MDC Conservation Agent or nearest MDC office).
PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERNS: bites of venomous species may be serious if not treated. All venomous species possess venom, even when new-born. Fatalities are rare (none in MO in past 25 years), but several weeks of hospital recovery may be necessary. Symptoms include: burning pain and swelling at bite-site, usually followed by discoloration and extreme swelling. Victims should get to a hospital ASAP; proper I.D. of snake will greatly assist medical personnel in treatment. The copperhead is responsible for most venomous bites (usually on the hand or foot), mostly when people attempt to handle the snake; in MO no fatalities have ever resulted from a copperhead bite. However, bites from rattlesnakes and water moccasins can occasionally be fatal. Takeprecautions: wear shoes when outside on summer nights; check under objects on ground, especially rocks or lumber, before reaching under with hands.
Bites of non-venomous snakes may result in a mild abrasion; clean with soap
and water.
BIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR: peak periods of activity are April - October; all snakes hibernate (often in rocky areas); may be seen in large numbers when entering or leaving hibernation dens; do not dig holes but will utilize burrows of
others (mouse or chipmunk burrows, mole runs, etc.); often found near and/or in buildings and dwellings in search of rodents and birds. Venomous snakes are poor climbers; harmless Black Rat snake (Elaphe obsoleta obsolets) climbs well. During summer months, snakes are most active at night and seek cool, shady cover during day.
PREVENTING SNAKE PROBLEMS: snakes may be present anywhere and at
anytime during the spring, summer, and fall. There are no reliable perimeter sprays or chemicals to repel snakes; for best control, eliminate rodent habitat (brush piles, lumber/rock piles, weedy areas, rock gardens, hay bales, etc.), especially near houses (keep grass mowed) (this will also tend to reduce other wildlife use of the property). Recommend that people learn to identify venomous from non-venomous species (provide Snakes of Missouri booklet). If snakes are consistently found inside home or building, do maintenance check and plug, repair, or caulk potential entrance points.
SOLVING SNAKE PROBLEMS:
IN THE HOUSE: If snake can't be found, put glueboards in corners and along walls (snakes can be removed from glueboards with vegetable oil); if snake is located, sweep it into large can with broom; or pick up with shovel or rake and drop into trash can and put outside; or call local animal control if venomous. Find out how snake got in and repair, plug, or caulk entry points.
OUTSIDE AROUND HOUSE, PORCH, BARN, etc.: Other than removing snakes when they are encountered, the only way to address this "problem" is to reduce or eliminate cover and habitat around buildings (see "Preventing" above). Educate people about the beneficial presence of snakes.
COMMON SNAPPING TURTLE
(Chelydra serpentina)
IDENTIFICATION: length = 8 - 12 inches; weight = 10 - 35 pounds; big pointed head; long thick tail. Usually brown carapace (top shell) with three rows of low keels (ridges); small, yellowish-white plastron (bottom shell).
SIMILAR SPECIES:
Alligator Snapping Turtle: may be larger, with three rows of prominent ridges on carapace; large head with sharp, strongly-hooked beak; long muscular tail. They are classified as Rare in Missouri.
DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE: statewide; locally abundant.
LEGAL STATUS: protected: may be taken during appropriate season with proper permit (see MDC Wildlife Code).
As Pets: prohibited: cannot be rescued from the wild or kept captive, except with MDC Class I Wildlife Breeder permit ($50); must possess permit before acquiring animal from licensed breeder (contact MDC Conservation Agent).
Rehabilitation: prohibited: sick or injured wildlife cannot be taken, possessed, transported, or held, except with MDC Wildlife Rehabilitation permit (see Wildlife Code).
Scientific Study: cannot be collected, possessed, mounted, or preserved for scientific purposes, except with MDC Wildlife Collector's permit (see Wildlife Code). Individuals may possibly obtain permission to keep and mount a single road-killed specimen (contact local MDC Conservation Agent or nearest MDC office).
PUBLIC HEALTH/SAFETY CONCERNS: none at present
BIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR: mostly nocturnal (night active), but may be active days; may be found in any permanent water; over winters in deep mud at bottom; usually stays in water except when migrating over-land to new areas or
female leaving water to deposit eggs; does not bask; aggressively defensive
when out of water; tries to hide or escape when in water; eats a wide variety of
foods (concern for sport fishery is common complaint: actual impact is usually insignificant; however, significant losses may occur in commercial aquaculture production ponds). Mate in late spring or early summer; female lays one or several clutches of 20 - 30 ping-pong-ball-size eggs in June; hatch in 55 - 125 days; young independent at birth.
PREVENTING SNAPPING TURTLE PROBLEMS: removing water (draining pond) is the only reliable method. However, a fine-mesh fence around pond should prevent access.
SOLVING SNAPPING TURTLE PROBLEMS: can be trapped (in hoop-type nets baited with fresh fish or red meat), shot (where allowed), or caught on hook-and-line: tie 4 or 5 feet of heavy-test fishing line to a sturdy but flexible 6 - 8' pole or tree limb; attach 12" wire (No.16) leader; use large hook (1" between barb and shaft); push pole into bank to anchor solidly so that bait is a few inches above bottom in relatively shallow water; bait with fresh but tough beef, pork, or fish.
Can be safely handled by picking up by the tail; hold well away from body; or scoop-up with snow shovel and place in barrel or bucket.
After pond is clear of turtles, a fine-mesh fence around pond will prevent others from gaining access.
Refer to independent NWCO or experienced trapper for contract trapping assistance.
BIRDS
Attacking Windows - People – Pets………………………………………………………………….Tab 3
Goose, Canada……………………………………………………………………………………………………..Tab 4
Crow, American ("blackbird")……………………………………………………………………………Tab 5
Grackle, Common ("blackbird")…………………………………………………………………………Tab 6
Pigeon (Rock Dove)………………………………………………………………………………………………Tab 7
Woodpeckers & Sapsuckers………………………………………………………………………….…Tab 8
Starling, European ("blackbird")………………………………………………………………………Tab 9
BIRDS ATTACKING WINDOWS/
PEOPLE /PETS
ALL birds, including songbirds, woodpeckers, waterfowl, birds of prey, etc., are protected by the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act: birds, eggs, or nests CANNOT be molested or destroyed without special federal permit. Violations can result in hefty fine and/or imprisonment.
(NOTE: The only exemptions from the Act are some introduced (not native to U.S.; i.e. "exotic") species. These include: pigeons (rock doves) (Columba livia), European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), English (house) sparrows (Passer domesticus), Eurasian tree sparrows (Passer montanus), and some others that do not usually occur locally. However, a federal permit shall not be required to control yellow-headed, red-winged, rusty, and Brewer’s blackbirds, cowbirds, all grackles, crows, and magpies, when found “committing or about to commit” depredations upon ornamental or shade trees, agricultural crops, livestock, or wildlife, or when concentrated in such numbers and manner as to constitute a health hazard or other nuisance (see page 18 of 50 CFR 21.43 of the federal regulations (Migratory Bird Permits.))
To apply for a special permit to kill protected species, contact: USDA-APHIS-WS, 1714 Commerce Court, Suite C, Columbia, MO65202, (573) 449-3033. The application process takes some time so apply early. There is a $25 fee.
Canada Geese: see section on Canada geese (page C-4) for information dealing specifically with problems related to this species.
WINDOWS
PROBLEM: Males have established and are defending breeding territory; sees reflection in window and believes a rival has invaded; attacks to drive rival out (usually cardinals, robins, and mockingbirds). Instinct results in persistent attacking behavior (common complaint during spring breeding season, especially with Northern cardinals and American robins).
SOLUTION:
1.reduce / eliminate reflective ability of window by covering with sheet or other non-reflective material on outside of window, or hang strips of heavy, clear plastic; window can be uncovered after peak of breeding season (usually after a few weeks).
- hang frightening devices (scare-eye balloons, strips of mylar tape or aluminum foil, inflatable owl, etc.) from eves of house in vicinity of window; devices can be removed after peak of breeding season (usually after a few weeks).
3. cut silhouette of soaring bird-of-prey out of dark paper and tape to outsideof window; use only one cut-out per window; appearance of natural predator may deter behavior in some instances.
PEOPLE
PROBLEM: Males and females defend nest/young against perceived threats; human or pet proximity to nest may trigger attacks (common complaint during spring breeding season; usually blue jays and mockingbirds).
SOLUTION:
- 1. if possible, avoid area around nest until young birds fledge (usually in a matter of weeks). If the area cannot be avoided, wear head and eye protection to guard against injury while in the vicinity of the nest or place a temporary barrier such as a sheet, blanket, or large piece of cardboard between the nest sight and human activity if possible. If defending behavior poses a serious threat to public safety (e.g. children in a school yard), contact USDA-APHIS-ADC (see above), or MDC Wildlife Damage Biologist
CANADA GOOSE
(Branta canadensis)
IDENTIFICATION: easily recognized by long black neck, white "chin strap", and gray-brown body; characteristic "honk!" sound is distinctive. There are eleven recognized races of Canada Geese in North America, varying from the large "Giant" race common year-round in parts of MO, to the diminutive Richardson's and Cackling races, usually seen only in migration.
SIMILAR SPECIES: Brant geese, uncommon in Missouri, are similar but lack the white chin strap and have a black breast or "bib" (Canada geese have gray breast).
DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE: statewide, locally abundant. Numbers peak in fall and winter when migrants swell the ranks of resident flocks. Numbers of resident geese have skyrocketed since the early 1980's; currently at about 65,000.
LEGAL STATUS:CanadaGeese are protected and regulated by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) and MDC. Hunting seasons are set annually by federal and state authorities. Canada geesemay not be captured, handled, moved, or destroyed except with permission of the USFWS and MDC. When necessary to resolve or prevent injury to people, property, agricultural crops, or other interests, applications may be made for a federal permit to destroy Canada goose eggs and nestsat the USFWS’ website:
As Pets: prohibited: adults, goslings, and eggs cannot be taken from the wild and kept, raised, or incubated.
Rehabilitation: prohibited: sick or injured wildlife cannot be taken, possessed, transported, orheld except with MDC Wildlife Rehabilitation permit (see Wildlife Code), and Federal USFWS rehabilitation permit (contact local USFWS agent).
Scientific Study: cannot be collected, possessed, or preserved for scientific purposes except with permit from USFWS and MDC Wildlife Collector's permit.
PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERNS: usually involve feces or aggressive geese. Do not handle feces; discourage dogs from eating feces; keep walkways clean of droppings as much as possible. Aggressive during nesting season (February - May): male goose (gander) defends mate and nest territory, may attack people and "beat" them with wings; will bite, but has no teeth.
BIOLOGY AND BEHAVIOR: Primarily herbivores, feed on grass, seeds, and other plants. Pair-up and establish nesting territory late winter/early spring; favor open areas near water, islands, peninsulas; nest usually on ground or rooftop, not concealed; 3 - 9 eggs; begin 28 day incubation period after full clutch is laid. Goslings follow adults to water shortly after hatching, do not return to nest. Pair will use the same nest area year after year; are joined by mature offspring if additional territory is available. Geese lose their flight feathers in June and become flightless for about five weeks. Geese are long-lived (up to 20+ years in captivity).
PREVENTING GOOSE PROBLEMS: DO NOT feed geese or other waterfowl; domestic geese or ducks on pond will attract geese; do not provide nest tubs or allow geese to nest on property; do allow ponds to ice over in winter; encourage vegetation to grow three feet or more high around water margins; encourage hunting during appropriate season if local law permits.
SOLVING CANADA GOOSE PROBLEMS: there are no quick fixes at present: no one can come and remove geese. Long-term planning is the only solution; property managers must institute a population reduction program incorporating as many of the following as possible: egg depredation, habitat management, fencing that prevents geese from getting to or using potential nest sites, "do not feed the geese" policy, taste repellents (in some cases), scare tactics and harassment of adult geese, and in-season hunting.
1. "Do Not Feed the Geese" Info: MDC Wildlife Damage Biologists have handouts.
2.Mylar ("Flash") Tape: intimidates geese; also see "Urban Yards" below. Inexpensive; MDC Wildlife Damage Biologists will know sources.
3.Scare Tactics: dogs, noise-makers, etc.
4. Repellents: ReJeX-It™ and Flight ControlTM are taste-repellent (non-toxic,); sprayed on grass (lawns, golf courses); relatively expensive; must be reapplied periodically. Call the MDC Wildlife Damage Biologists for local sources.
5.Egg Depredation ("egg shaking") Permit:Apply for a permit at the USFWS website:
AGGRESSIVE GEESE: Aggression in geese is usually associated with nest and nest territory (February - May). Prevent nesting to solve an "aggressive goose" problem (see above). In short-term, redirect human traffic to avoid area or place a barrier between the nest and human activity.
IN URBAN YARDS: surround perimeter of area with mylar ("flash") tape, tautly strung about 12 - 15" high, twist tape every two feet or so to give a "spiral" effect; does not work well on young geese (May - July). To keep geese off small ponds, cross with a strand or two of mylar (as above).
ON GOLF COURSES: harass with dogs or golf carts; scare with cracker-shells or propane cannons; use taste-repellent (ReJeX-It™ and Flight ControlTM) on grass; contact MDC Wildlife Damage Biologist.
IN AGRICULTURAL FIELDS: frightening devices and techniques may be helpful,
at least for the short term. These include: propane cannons, shellcrackers, noise bombs, helium-filled balloons, mylar tape, and the standard scarecrow. Permits for
lethal control may be obtained through MDC Private Land Services Division from March 11-August 31. Additional information can be obtained from USDA APHISWS, 1714 Commerce Court, Suite C, Columbia, MO65202, (573) 449-3033.