 |
 After
hearing much talk over many years about the importance of protecting
the threatened Eastern Timber Rattlesnake, (Crotalus Horridus),
we were amazed to discover how little has actually been done.
As near as we can tell, no serious attempt has been made to collect
even anecdotal references to sightings of or encounters with this
snake.
Until a few weeks ago, FRCH assumed someone else was documenting
the presence of local rattlesnakes. As soon as we discovered that
wasn’t happening, we set out on our own to locate people
who had seen rattlesnakes in the Fishkill Ridge / Wiccopee Pass
area, particularly in or near the Thalle Mine.
We’ve located several people just in the last few weeks
who said they have seen rattlesnakes, but who declined to say
so in a sworn statement. However, I’m pleased to report,
as of October 18th we have sworn statements regarding the finding
of a rattlesnake approximately ½ mile to the north and
on the same side of Route 9 as Thalle Mine.
You Can Help! Stories are Safer (and warmer during the cold winter
months):
If you have seen a rattlesnake in this area or know of anyone
who has who would be willing to talk to us, let us know! It is
possible to prove the positive case that rattlesnakes do exist
on or around the Thalle Mine property, which is within the two
and a half mile habitat range of two known rattlesnake dens.
All information is helpful, no matter how long ago the snake
was sighted or when the incident (including snakebite) took place.
The leads we get from stories you collect of local rattlesnake
sightings will be a big help. From them we’ll get some idea
of the distribution of the rattlesnake. Stories you get from your
parents and grandparents will help us understand more about past
rattlesnake distribution. The stories will also help our experts
know better where to look.
As the weather becomes colder the rattlesnakes will go to and
remain in their dens to hibernate through the winter. They will
emerge again in the warm spring weather to bask on the rocks in
the sun. Winter will be a great time to collect information about
sightings. Collecting the stories promises to be interesting and
it could be fun. |
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A Word of Caution
Do not handle rattlesnakes, alive or dead. There
are two main reasons for this:
1. Rattlesnakes are poisonous. Even dead rattlesnakes are dangerous.
A scratch from the fang of a dead rattlesnake may cause serious
poisoning.
2. It is illegal to possess or handle a rattlesnake or any other
threatened or endangered species, alive or dead, unless you have
a special permit to do so.
If You Find a Rattlesnake
1. Do not disturb it. Move slowly away from it. Leave the area.
Note its location and inform us as quickly as possible and we’ll
attempt to get an expert to the scene. If you are bitten, seek
immediate medical attention.
2. If it’s dead, do not touch it. If you can, photograph
it where it lies. Note the location and contact us as quickly
as possible. We’ll attempt to dispatch an expert for positive
identification.
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