The eastern massasauga rattlesnake found in parts of Missouri is being proposed to be listed an an endangered species.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed to list the rattlesnake under the Endangered Species Act.

Eastern massasaugas are found in scattered locations in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Ontario, Canada.

The species, which has been a candidate for listing since 1999, has been declining over the past decades due to loss of its wetland habitat and intentional killing by people who fear the snake. More than 30 percent of the historical populations are now extirpated and many more (20 percent) are of uncertain status. Of those populations that are known to remain, most are experiencing ongoing threats, meaning additional population losses are anticipated in the future.

The proposal is currently open for public comment. For more information CLICK HERE.