An important component of WPC’s <\/span>recovery of the Ojibway Prairie population of massasauga rattlesnakes in southwestern Ontario involves public outreach and education to curb human-rattlesnake conflict. These conflicts can result in a person experiencing a \u201cnuisance\u201d encounter with a snake, or, in rare cases, a snakebite requiring immediate medical attention. The snake, on the other hand, might end up being killed outright, or moved out of its home range (which is more humane, but still bad for the snake). Overall, human\u2013snake conflicts result in negative outcomes for people and snakes, and if left unmanaged, could undermine conservation efforts. <\/span><\/p>\n To help prevent conflicts between people and snakes, a few years ago WPC’s team installed six informational signs at strategic trailheads to inform park users on the presence of venomous snakes and measures to prevent snakebite. We weren\u2019t sure, however, if the signs would be noticed, read and understood by our target audience. So, to determine whether or not the signs were effective at increasing park user awareness of massasauga presence, status and threats, and snakebite prevention, we conducted random questionnaire surveys before and after the signs were installed.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div><\/section><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> \n
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