This morning we return to the topic of Timber Rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus) with Essex, NY's favorite wildway scout. John Davis, wildlife advocate, writer, naturalist, conservationist and athletic adventurer, has an uncanny knack for spotting wild critters in the West Champlain Hills. Here are just a few recent examples of local wildlife he's documented: skinks snakes songbirds coyotes and coywolves bobcats weasels snapping turtles beavers He frequently … [Read more...]
Serpentine Splendors: Snakes of Split Rock Wildway
Here on the equable Adirondack Coast, we are blessed with more snake species than colder parts of the Northeast. By northern forest standards we are fairly rich in amphibians, especially salamanders; but like most cool areas, we have only modest numbers of reptile species. The excellent field guide The Amphibians and Reptiles of New York State puts Champlain Valley tallies at about ten frogs and toads, eleven salamanders, five turtles, nine snakes, and a skink. Native Snakes Daintiest of … [Read more...]
Joe Racette Demystifies Timber Rattlesnakes
On Friday, April 25, I attended Joe Racette's lecture "Timber Rattlesnakes in Folklore and Fact" at Whallonsburg Grange Hall along with over fifty other attendees eager to learn more about this local snake. Racette is the New York State Wildlife Action Plan Coordinator for the Department of Environmental Conservation. As the event promoted we learned about how: The Timber Rattlesnake has long been feared and despised by many people. But scientific studies have shown them to be a complex … [Read more...]
Timber Rattlesnake Killed
On Wednesday afternoon I drove on Lakeshore Road from Essex to Westport in the late afternoon. A little before 4:00 pm I came across this unfortunate timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) dead in the middle of the road near Split Rock Mountain Wild Forest. Although his head had obviously been hit, there was very little apparent injury. The specimen was approximately three feet long and of substantial girth considering its length. As you'll notice in the photograph, someone had cut off the … [Read more...]
Timber Rattlesnake: Fact, Fiction & Mystery
Our recent timber rattlesnake post generated a larger than anticipated stir, so I'm returning to the alternately awe-inspiring and anxiety inducing Adirondack rattlesnake to clear up a few misunderstandings and to offer up a mystery that you may be able to help solve. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gctxWKzkPAo Timber Rattlesnake Despite its elusive nature, the Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) is being spotted with increasing frequency in recent years. While this is encouraging and … [Read more...]
Timber Rattlesnakes at Split Rock
Are you someone that finds snakes creepy or fascinating? Personally I am a mix of both, but creepy usually wins out with me. Either way you should be aware of the snakes local to your area, so you know which ones are dangerous. There is a particular snake that has been used as a symbol of American strength in the past. Think of the "Don't Tread on Me" slogan with the picture of a snake--that's the rattlesnake! The Adirondacks are home to many snakes, but one species that is unique to the … [Read more...]