View Full Version : Timber Rattlesnake
Hiking part of the AT yesterday near DWG in New Jersey... came across a relatively large Timber Rattlesnake. Growing up in NJ, I've never seen a rattlesnake in these parts. Is this an unusual occurrence, or do I just need to get out more? :confused:
saimyoji
08-24-2009, 15:10
totally normal...pa/nj has the highest population density for that species...in fact at the trailheads in DWG have signs saying to watch out for rattlers and copperheads...you must have missed them. :)
Pacific Tortuga
08-24-2009, 17:22
or do I just need to get out more? :confused:[/quote]
YES
The Weasel
08-24-2009, 18:56
Just did a little looking. It appears that the Timber Rattlesnake is endangered.
http://home.netcom.com/~brlevine/sta-law.htm
TW
Rocket Jones
08-24-2009, 19:20
Just did a little looking. It appears that the Timber Rattlesnake is endangered.
http://home.netcom.com/~brlevine/sta-law.htm (http://home.netcom.com/%7Ebrlevine/sta-law.htm)
TW
Possibly because they taste like chicken.
saimyoji
08-24-2009, 19:37
Just did a little looking. It appears that the Timber Rattlesnake is endangered.
http://home.netcom.com/~brlevine/sta-law.htm (http://home.netcom.com/%7Ebrlevine/sta-law.htm)
TW
you can still trap 'em here in PA
http://www.fish.state.pa.us/fishpub/summary/repamp.html
a couple of years ago on a rocky stretch of the AT i ran into two nj state employees (DEP???) with a crook who were actually employed to count and measure rattlesnakes. i believed them, even though i am a tad bit gullible! i think i upset them when i was more interested in bears in nj than snakes in nj. oh well.
saimyoji
08-24-2009, 20:14
Just did a little looking. It appears that the Timber Rattlesnake is endangered.
http://home.netcom.com/~brlevine/sta-law.htm (http://home.netcom.com/%7Ebrlevine/sta-law.htm)
TW
you'll also notice that they are NOT considered endangered in PA.
http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/058/chapter75/chap75toc.html
Dances with Mice
08-24-2009, 20:27
[QUOTE=1azarus;883484]a couple of years ago on a rocky stretch of the AT i ran into two nj state employees (DEP???) with a crook QUOTE]How could you tell them apart?
saimyoji
08-24-2009, 20:40
we also notice that you posted a link to knife laws in the us. perhaps you mistook the thread. :)
saimyoji
08-24-2009, 20:42
[quote=1azarus;883484]a couple of years ago on a rocky stretch of the AT i ran into two nj state employees (DEP???) with a crook QUOTE]How could you tell them apart?
i'd guess the crook was the one reaching in to grab the snakes. sounds like a good crime deterrent.
You'll also notice that they are NOT considered endangered in PA.
http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/058/chapter75/chap75toc.html
Click on the link and then candidate species. You'll see timber rattlesnakes are accorded special recognition under The Pennsylvania Code and are a protected species. They may only be hunted, taken, caught or killed by someone who has a valid venomous snake permit.
You can still trap 'em here in PA
http://www.fish.state.pa.us/fishpub/summary/repamp.html (http://www.fish.state.pa.us/fishpub/summary/repamp.html)
I believe they may only be taken with snake tongs or by hand. Anyone interested in the details should refer to Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's website or contact them.
DCNR's Rattlesnakes in Pennsylvania's State Forests (http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/FORESTRY/wildlife/rattlesnakes.aspx) also links Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's regulations concerning rattlesnakes although someone must dig to find them.
saimyoji
08-24-2009, 21:14
Click on the link and then candidate species. You'll see timber rattlesnakes are accorded special recognition under the code and are a protected species which can only be taken under certain circumstances.
The DCNR rattlesnake link we've provided many times links Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission's regulations concerning rattlesnakes. PFBC is responsible for fish, reptiles and amphibians as well as regulating fishing and boating.
as are indicated in the link i provided. they are not endangered.
Wise Old Owl
08-24-2009, 22:20
Some don't notice I have watched other hikers step over them as they thought it was a branch, i encourged these folks to go back and look again.. wow were they surprised! Here in Pa most are blind.
Cookerhiker
08-24-2009, 22:32
Hiking part of the AT yesterday near DWG in New Jersey... came across a relatively large Timber Rattlesnake. Growing up in NJ, I've never seen a rattlesnake in these parts. Is this an unusual occurrence, or do I just need to get out more? :confused:
I also grew up in NJ and saw rattlesnakes where I went to Scout Camp also in NJ. There are several "Rattlesnake" place names near near the AT in NJ - Rattlesnake Mountain for one. The AMC's Mohican Center has a display on rattlers stating they're protected.
Some don't notice I have watched other hikers step over them as they thought it was a branch, i encourged these folks to go back and look again.. wow were they surprised! Here in Pa most are blind.
Most are blind? Are you referring to the snakes or the hikers?:rolleyes:
I also grew up in NJ and saw rattlesnakes where I went to Scout Camp also in NJ. There are several "Rattlesnake" place names near near the AT in NJ - Rattlesnake Mountain for one. The AMC's Mohican Center has a display on rattlers stating they're protected.
True - in fact, we saw the snake several miles north of the Mohican Center. Just to find that there is a side trail called 'Rattlesnake Swamp Trail'. :-?
Once thriving throughout New Jersey, loss of habitat and wanton killings has limited the populations. The timber rattlesnake was listed as an endangered species in New Jersey in 1979. Under state endangered species laws, it is illegal to harm, harass, or collect the timber rattlesnake.
http://www.njfishandwildlife.net/ensp/pdf/end-thrtened/tmbrrattler.pdf (http://www.njfishandwildlife.net/ensp/pdf/end-thrtened/tmbrrattler.pdf)
Wise Old Owl
08-26-2009, 16:06
Most are blind? Are you referring to the snakes or the hikers?:rolleyes:
The Hikers! I don't get it when I am with my hiking group I am never the first person so five or ten people will walk right past them within a foot or a boot and not see the 4 foot snake. I watched two women step over two of them (3 feet apart) on the AT. The snakes were lengthwise right across the trail.
[quote=1azarus;883484]a couple of years ago on a rocky stretch of the AT i ran into two nj state employees (DEP???) with a crook QUOTE]How could you tell them apart?
now that is one funny response! thanks for making me laugh.