Meeting Abstract
Some snakes use venom to subdue their prey, but some prey species have evolved resistance to these toxins. Previous studies have shown that small mammal populations that overlap with rattlesnake populations are more resistant to a venomous bite. Resistance to venom allows the animal an increased chance of survival but comes at the energetic cost of maintaining resistive proteins. Our objective was to investigate small mammal resistance to timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) venom in areas where there are currently rattlesnakes (rattlesnake treatment) and in areas where rattlesnakes have been extirpated (extirpated treatment) to determine if resistance persists in the prey population once the predator is removed. Rattlesnake venom and small mammal blood samples were collected from a rattlesnake treatment site and small mammal blood samples were also collected from an adjacent, extirpated treatment site within the state of Pennsylvania. The initial activity of the venom proteins was determined using a Bradford Assay, and the venom activity in the presence of small mammal serum was determined using the EnzChek Gelatinase/Collagenase Assay Kit. We hypothesize that small mammals at the rattlesnake treatment site will have resistance to the venom while mammals at the extirpated treatment site will show no signs of resistance since creating and maintaining unnecessary resistive proteins expends energy which could be allocated elsewhere. This study will further our knowledge on how selective pressures within an environment alter the physiology of local organisms.
