Dr. Christopher Howey will cover the history, ecology, and conservation of America’s Rattlesnake – the Timber Rattlesnake. The Timber Rattlesnake has a checkered history with its own country, having once been placed on a pedestal and then quickly moved to the chopping block. Historically, it could be found throughout the eastern United States but is now found only in spotty areas in its old range. It is thought to be gone from Canada, Maine and Rhode Island and endangered elsewhere. Professor Howey will discuss reasons why this reptile is so special and should be conserved. He will discuss what makes a rattlesnake a rattlesnake and share some amazing facts about the Timber Rattlesnake and how it interacts with its environment. He will also explore the Northern Copperhead (the only other venomous snake found in our backyard), in addition to the Eastern Milksnake and Common Watersnake—two species that are commonly mistaken for venomous snakes. There will be safe opportunities to see live representatives of some of these snakes. All snakes will be locked in cages the entire time; however, there will be plenty of interactive moments for kids of all ages, including those that may be referred to as “adults.”
Christopher Howey grew up in southern New Jersey and frequented the woods of northeast Pennsylvania. He received his undergraduate degree in Wildlife Conservation from the University of Delaware, his Master of Science degree at the University of Central Arkansas, and his PhD from Ohio University. He has been studying amphibians and reptiles for over twenty years in places like Delaware, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Arkansas, Yellowstone National Park, and the Mojave Desert. He conducted a Post-Doctorate at Penn State University where he studied the effects of prescribed fire on the timber rattlesnakes in Pennsylvania. As Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Scranton, he currently serves as co-Director of the Environmental Science Program where he “continues to study timber rattlesnakes alongside other wonderful species of reptiles and amphibians.”
The program is free and open to the public, and light refreshments will follow the talk. The event is sponsored by the Historical Society’s Business Partner, McLain’s Auto Repair, Newfoundland.
