Rare Fungus Kills Endangered Rattlesnakes in Southern Illinois

reference: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120221151543.htm

Summary: A small population of rattlesnakes, already is in decline in southern Illinois, faces a new and unexpected threat in the form of a fungus rarely seen in the wild, researchers report. In 2008, biologists studying the snake reported to Allender, that they had found three sick snakes in a park in southern Illinois, all with disfiguring lesions on their heads. Long-term population of the snakes in Illinois and elsewhere had never turned up evidence of debilitating fungal infections.

Critique: I would never think that there was a fungus the would kill rattlesnakes.

Impact: I thought it was illgeal to kill rattlesnakes but im guessing its not in Illinois.