THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, October 3, 1994 TAG: 9409290012
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A6 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 56 lines
The canebrake rattlesnake is a Virginia endangered species now represented in Southeastern Virginia by two protected populations (at Northwest River Park and the Great Dismal Swamp). For the past 2 1/2 years, the population of snakes at Northwest River Park has been the subject of an intensive field study designed to generate much-needed information concerning the ecology and population dynamics of the rattlesnake.
The study was making significant progress when a series of false allegations were made by local landowners concerning the purpose, the practices and the nature of the study. Among the accusations:
(1) Researchers were stocking the park with snakes. (2) Researchers were releasing snakes onto private property. (3) Researchers frequently trespassed and damaged private property. (4) The project was funded by state tax dollars. (5) Researchers were needlessly and recklessly placing the general public at risk by releasing the snakes onto park property.
The facts:
Researchers studied only snakes captured on park property; no snakes were ever released at the park that were not first captured in the park. The logic behind this practice is simple. If researchers were in fact introducing new snakes into the existing population, they would be putting the entire population at risk by potentially introducing new diseases or parasites, thereby defeating the purpose of the study.
No snakes were ever directly released onto private property. However, snakes were indeed tracked as they seasonably migrated on and off park property. When snakes were followed onto private property, permission to be on the land was first obtained from the landowners. No acts of vandalism or theft were ever reported or alleged in connection with the field practices of researchers.
The project was funded solely through voluntary contributions by private citizens and not with state funds.
Northwest River Park is a wildlife refuge; all wildlife on park property is protected. No reports of snake bites from rattlesnakes - or any other snakes - were documented at the park during the course of the study. The average person has a much higher chance of being struck by lightning than bitten by a snake. Canebrake rattlesnakes are secretive, non-aggressive, cryptic animals that tend to avoid contact with humans.
None of the allegations made by opponents of the study have any resemblance to fact or reason. I know, because I myself participated in the study for almost a full year. For what reason, then, aside from the sheer political nature of the event, was the canebrake rattlesnake project terminated prematurely?
VICTOR R. TOWNSEND JR.
Norfolk, Sept. 22, 1994 by CNB