O.W.L.S. - Terry VanDeWalle - Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake Studies in Iowa

Event Summary

Eastern massasauga rattlesnake populations have undergone a serious decline in Iowa and across their geographic range.  The snake is currently listed as endangered in Iowa and is listed as federally threatened as well. This presentation will present the results of a 26-year mark and recapture and radio telemetry study of eastern massasauga rattlesnakes in Bremer County, Iowa. 

Terry is a Senior Principal Biologist at Stantec Consulting Services Inc. with over 30 years of experience specializing in animal and natural areas surveys, herpetology, threatened and endangered species surveys, Endangered Species Act Consultation, and coordination of environmental impact statements and assessments. He is also an Adjunct Professor at Hawkeye Community College where he teaches a course on Wildlife Ecology. 

Terry specializes in herpetology and is a recognized expert in the Midwest who has authored and co-authored peer-reviewed papers and regional herpetological guides, including The Natural History of the Snakes and Lizards of Iowa and The Natural History of the Turtles of Iowa. Each book takes an in-depth look at the natural history of a specific group of Iowa reptiles. Each species account includes a sampling of the common names the species has been known by in the past, the first specimens collected in the state, and a brief history of the early Iowa literature related to the species, along with a complete description, and discussions of similar species, distribution, habitat, behavior, threats, foods and feeding, and reproduction. Terry will have signed copies of both books available for purchase.  

These O.W.L.S. programs are scheduled for Baby Boomers and older folks to interact with those of a similar maturity and are meant to keep us engaged mentally and physically in the world around us.  We hope you can join in!     

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