I have been contacted by a biology professor who is researching rattlesnakes in Iowa. He would especially like a photo of it and where you took the photo or if you killed it and have the rattles he would like to know that.
If you have information about the snakes, here is his contact information. Phone: 712-722-6279 and FAX 712-722-1198.
e-mail for him: mahaffy@dordt.edu. Mailing address: James Mahaffy, 498 4th Avenue NE, Biology Dept., Dordt College, Sioux Center, Iowa 51250-1697.
He knows about the high frequency of rattlers seen in the old Blackstone Mine area of Union township. If you know of anyone locally who has been bit and treated for the bite from the rattlesnake, he would like to know that too.
He has researched a list of persons who have died from bites in Iowa going back to the first Iowa settlers. Some farmers were bit in the field, some children died after a bite while berry picking or hazelnut picking, and some were bit in their own front yard! In those days all victims died as there was no venom antidote.
Thanks to you for any facts that can help him with his research.