Rattlesnake at Bill's Hill

[pch]

There is a Timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) that lives under the large, flat, light brown, rock to the left of launch. Be careful when in the area, it's a big snake with a loud rattle sound. This type of snake can be dangerous because of it's striking range(size), long fangs, and high yield of venom. I heard the rattle, saw the snake and slowly backed away. Other than that, Bill's was fun last Sunday. I had one solo and one tandem flight with a new pg student.
Pete H.

[jyoder111]

Thanks for the update!

Jesse

[pink_albatross]

FYI:

- timber rattlers are protected "Timber rattlesnakes are protected under specific regulations by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission."
see: http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/FORESTRY/wi ... nakes.aspx
- timber rattlers sit and wait for a suitable target - not too small, not too large (we are definitely "too large")
- timber rattlers are slow to anger and leave you plenty of time to retreat (I have a personal data point)
- rattlesnakes kill 5.5 people a year "Rattlesnake attacks are always defensive. Most rattlesnake related deaths are males between 17 and 27. Alcohol is usually involved which facilitates the venom." see: http://historylist.wordpress.com/2008/0 ... y-animals/
and: "no deaths in Pennsylvania attributable to timber rattlesnake bites for at least the past 25 years. "

-- ellis