The return of two endangered rattlesnakes to Iowa might not excite most residents of the state, but environmental groups like The Nature Conservancy are applauding the discovery. Shelly Hiemer is spokesperson for the conservancy.
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The Nature Conservancy has confirmed sightings of the two rattlesnakes this spring in the northwest and southeast corners of the state. A massasauga rattlesnake, also known as a “swamp rattler,” was spotted in the Lower Cedar Valley Preserve in Muscatine.
The other endangered snake — a prairie rattlesnake — was found in the Broken Kettle Grassland Preserve near Sioux City.
While just thought of a rattlesnake might terrify many Iowans, Hiemer said they’re an important part of Iowa’s ecosystem.
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The venomous female prairie rattlesnake found near Sioux City was three feet in length.