Scientists scramble to figure out deadly snake fungus
By Meg Jones of the Journal Sentinel
Nov. 16, 2014
A fungus that's killing snakes in Wisconsin and several other states ? including endangered rattlesnakes ? is baffling scientists who are trying to figure out how it's spreading.
Wildlife biologists are comparing it to white-nose syndrome, which is devastating bat populations. The mysterious disease has been documented in timber rattlesnakes in four Wisconsin counties: Sauk, Grant, La Crosse and Trempealeau.
Snake fungal disease leaves bumps, scabs or crusty scales on the head and mouth.
"It's not a good death," said Rori Paloski, a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources conservation biologist. "A lot of the deformities are on the face and mouth. A lot of them die from starvation or dehydration because they can't eat or drink."..
