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Abstract
While management measures cannot eliminate human–wildlife conflicts, they have the potential to minimize the damage done to both parties, especially if areas where the nature of the potential interaction can be predicted before an encounter occurs. The timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) represents a wildlife species associated with public misconceptions that may foster unwarranted fears and retribution. This species is native to the eastern and southern regions of the United States, including a small population remnant in the southeastern region of Minnesota. To gain a better understanding of the environmental predictors relevant to human–snake encounters in Minnesota (that require action such as relocation), we studied point locations of human–snake interactions requiring human intervention in Winona County in southeastern Minnesota over a 13-year period between 2006 and 2019. We used the points to create a model to predict areas of increased potential for human–snake interactions. Our analysis identified areas with high potential for such contact between humans and rattlesnakes. This research highlighted environmental factors favorable to timber rattlesnake encounters with humans and may serve as a guide for management efforts to mitigate human–snake conflicts.
Recommended Citation
Borash, Ben M. and Pauli, Benjamin P.
(2022)
"Landscape Characteristics Predict Locations for Potential Human–Wildlife Interactions With Timber Rattlesnakes in Minnesota, USA,"
Human–Wildlife Interactions: Vol. 16:
Iss.
1, Article 17.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.26077/1fne-1a29
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/hwi/vol16/iss1/17
