Landscapes are thematic regions of the Pennsylvania Wilds, each with their own character and unique, place-specific experiences. The adult Eastern timber rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus, is stockily built and ranges in length from three to four-and-a-half feet, fully extended (you’re more likely to see one coiled up). In June of 2018, a contractor at a construction site in the Town of Woodstock was issued a summons for possession of threatened species parts, after killing a timber rattler at a job site and cutting off the head and rattle for souvenirs. While rattlesnakes can be taken in PA from June 9 through July 31, 2019 with a venomous snake permit (issued by the PFBC), some populations are protected. In northern latitudes and at higher elevations, females give birth only every second or third year. It is illegal to take, import, transport, possess, or sell an animal listed as Threatened. Unfortunately, the timber rattlesnake is listed as threatened or endangered in many states that surround PA (e.g. Description: Many are run over by automobiles during their most active months, in the summer. Habitat: Upland forest with rocky outcroppings, talus slops, rock crevices, rock ledges with vegetation, mature forest with numerous fallen logs, young forest with predominant leaf litter cover. Rattlesnakes emerge from their winter dens in early spring and typically seek out sunny, open, south-facing rock habitat. Scenic forest vistas can have spectacular views, but they are particularly attractive to basking reptiles. In the summer, gravid (pregnant) females seem to prefer open, rocky ledges where temperatures are higher, while the males and non-gravid females seem to prefer cooler, thicker woods where the forest canopy is more closed,” says the Department of Environmental Conservation. The state long encouraged the killing of venomous snakes, even awarding bounties until they were outlawed in 1971. And their habitat is under pressure due to development. Make a contribution. Dark markings appear in bands around the body; they're rounded toward the head and become more v-s… Timber Rattlesnake Fact Sheet – p. 3 . Taxonomy. Late April/early May is the time of year when timber rattlers are emerging from hibernation, which happens in dens below the frost line, often in company with dozens of other snakes to conserve body heat. The timber rattlesnake’s color pattern varies somewhat, but typically features black or brown crossbands against a yellowish, brown or grey background. Also, be careful when visiting sunny, open, and rocky areas. Our Journeys are the many roads & byways & trails & waterways that connect our landscapes and inspire your exploration. The physical color of a timber rattlesnake can vary widely depending on its area. Dark crossbands or chevrons overlay the base color and can range from yellows and shades of brown to black. Watch Wallace’s video of his encounter below! There have been no recent recorded cases in New York State of human fatalities from a bite from a timber rattler, but symptoms may be severe, including nausea, vomiting, paralysis and tissue damage, and an allergic reaction can certainly be life-threatening. Photo by Bill Byrne, MassWildlife . Known for its distinctive yellow phase or black phase coloring, fear-inspiring rattle and hollow folding fangs, the timber rattlesnake is enjoying a resurgence in Pennsylvania. Natural resource professionals and forest visitors are urged to review these documents. nostril and eye and a distinct rattle at the tip of the tail. Timber rattlesnakes can occur in two color patterns: The black phase, which consists of dark bands against a dark background, and the yellow phase, which consists of dark bands on a lighter background. Hiking a state forest trail this time of year brings a higher probability of a snake encounter, and the timber rattlesnake is the species that people generally fear the most. The amazing changing snakes…Black Rat Snake and Northern Black Racer Unlike other New Jersey snakes, the Black Rat Snake and Northern Black Racer transition from a highly-patterned hatchling to a virtually all black adult. #newpaltz #hudsonvalle, www.dec.ny.gov/docs/administration_pdf/snakes.pdf, McKee takes Land Trust helm at Scenic Hudson; Aguirre tapped for advocacy chief, Film about Esopus Creek streaming for a limited time, Woodstock study details local wildlife species and distribution, World’s oldest forest unearthed in Catskills quarry, Poll: The decline of big retail in Ulster County, Great places to catch live music in the Hudson Valley: 2019 edition, Ulster getting fewer vaccines this week than last, Saugerties teen charged with DWI, reckless driving following crash, Two arrested following Shandaken drug investigation, Two Saugerties restaurants close due to positive Covid-19 cases, While I Waited — A COVID-19 Christmas Story, Ulster County Legislature reappoints Donaldson chairman. Yellow (light phase), Black (dark phase). Rattlesnakes emerge from their winter dens in early spring and typically seek out sunny, open, south-facing rock habitat. Please help us conserve timber rattlesnakes by tolerating and respecting these unique and beautiful creatures. If you are hiking in the woods, be aware of your surroundings. Snakes out and about in Ohiopyle, region. AMY MCGINNIS/NEW YORK STATE PARKSA New York timber rattlesnake in its black phase. Scientific Name: Crotalus horridus. Timber Rattlesnake -. Substantive. There are two distinct color morphs the black phase and. The most distinctive feature of the timber rattlesnake, of course, is the rattle, which starts as a single “button” at birth; the snake grows a new segment with each molting, which occurs once every one-to-two years. If the head is a striking yellow-orangey color, that’s a copperhead: also wisely left alone. We’re all in this together. Although they spent a couple of weeks combing the talus slopes that would seem to be prime habitat, with Scheuer as their knowledgeable guide, the scientists went away empty-handed. The snake continued to rattle as it slowly crawled away with its head high; the forward third of its body held in a S curve ready to strike if necessary. Local. Become part of our local support family. Dorsal scales are heavily keeled and scales under the tail are not divided as in most non-venomous snakes. The young are born live, not from eggs, from late August to mid-September. What it mostly comes down to is this: If you leave rattlers alone, they’ll leave you alone. Thus, rattlesnakes in Michaux State Forest are protected and cannot be taken, even with a venomous snake permit. But the rattles are brittle and have a tendency to break off easily, so this is not a strictly reliable method. Birthing: 8-12 in late August through mid-September. The much-maligned rattlesnake generally exhibits a docile nature but still must be respected. Not that they’d actually want to pick one up. The award for the most rattles went to Darren Baver, with 15 rattles. Timber rattlers shun very high altitudes, but otherwise favor hilly and mountainous areas throughout the Appalachians. Most people who are bitten by venomous snakes are attempting to handle them. The timber rattlesnake, canebrake rattlesnake or banded rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus), is a species of venomous pit viper endemic to eastern North America. Previous Next. For this reason, it is important to not move nuisance snakes (e.g., snakes that repetitively appear at a campsite) more than 200 yards. Fill out this form and tell us a little about yourself so we can provide you with upcoming events and news that are hand-picked for your interests! The timber rattlesnake is the only rattlesnake species inhabiting West Virginia. 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