Montane rattlesnakes and prescribed fire

Using radio-telemetry we evaluate and discuss effects of a prescribed fire in a Madrean community on mortality, behavior, and habitat of 3 rattlesnake species. Eight snakes exposed to low intensity fire survived, whereas a sn ake exposed to intense fire died. Spatial descriptors of activity did not s ignificantly differ before versus after the fire; however, individuals move d significantly less frequently and were found in subterranean retreats mor e frequently after the fire than before the fire. Wooded canyons and wooded steep slopes burned intensely because of high fuel accumulation, resulting in habitat loss for Crotalus willardi obscurus. Reintroduction of fire is essential in maintaining a mosaic of habitats and ecosystem function. Prior to reintroduction of large-scale summer fires, consideration should be giv en to reducing artificially high fuel loads to preserve C. w. obscurus habi tat and reduce mortality.