I'm wondering whether anyone has done any work with people who intentionally harm or kill snakes. Specifically, I am looking for tools to overcome attitudes and behavior which leads to people intentionally killing snakes (prairie rattlesnakes). Any feedback regarding mechanisms which have been shown to help, or even those that didn't, would be helpful. Thanks.
Kristen Campbell
Environmental Scientist/MA Candidate
Pratum Resource Consultants Ltd./Royal Roads University
Canada
Saving Snakes
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The massasauga recovery team has undertaken a significant amount of work in this area and would likely be a good source of information for various programs: http://www.massasauga.ca/
Also consider contacting Dave Ireland at OREG: http://www.torontozoo.com/conservation/RoadEcologyGroup.asp?
Finally Scisentional Sssnakes has a great outreach program: http://www.scisnake.com/
You are likely already familiar with this but good summary of Paul Ashley and Jeff Robinson's 1996 study: http://www.torontozoo.com/adoptapond/pdfs/r&e_Tues5.PAshley%20etal.pdf
Paper is here: http://www.lpcip.com/download/Road%20Mortality%20on%20the%20Long%20Point%20Causeway.pdf
Good luck,
Kate
Kate Hayes
Canada
Kristen:
One other thing that I forgot to mention - I seem to recall reading something several years ago about a young man who was convicted of 'turtle popping' in Ontario. The punishment included many hours of volunteer work to speak at schools about the effects that this has on turtle populations, etc. I believe that it was very effective for many reasons, including changing this individual's perspective, but cannot remember the details. Others may remember..
Kate
Kate Hayes
Canada
Hi Kristen
Coincidently, we've just had snake awareness training at work. The company involved (www.snakehandler.com.au) may be able to provide advice on delivering education and advice to the community.
Regards
Steve Shinners
Manager Environmental Governance
Gippsland Water
Australia
...
Hi Kristen,
I suggest you get in touch with Jeff Leggo, Chief Natural Resource Conservation at St. Lawrence Islands National Park. 613-923-5261. [email protected]
We have species at risk the Black Rat Snake in our locale, and the park has done a lot of work to monitor the species, identify the issues, and work with the public to educate. Jeff can also tell you about what happens outside the park area. You may also ask Jeff about Georgian Bay Islands National Park (Massassauga Rattlesnake) and their work, and any contacts at that park.
Norm Ruttan
President
iWasteNot Systems
Canada
www.iwastenotsystems.com