Habitat loss has caused eastern massasauga rattlesnakes to become endangered through much of its range, including Illinois. Lincoln Park Zoo works with partners across the country to guide recovery its recovery. Since 2009, more than 900 of these rattlesnakes have been captured, individually identified, and re-released at study sites in Michigan. By monitoring them over time, scientists are able to determine the characteristics that help them thrive, which in turn informs massasauga conservation