On a recent DEC survey effort, surface temperatures quickly rose as the afternoon sun shined down on the rock faces of the mountainside, inviting this beautiful, dark-morph timber rattlesnake out from its shelter to bask in the warm light. It seemed unbothered with our presence and sat there long enough to take this photo before we continued on our hike.
Unregulated specimen collection and persecution, including a past bounty system, have resulted in declines in numbers and distribution by 50% to 75% of their historical numbers and many populations becoming extirpated or depleted in New York. Timber rattlesnakes are a venomous species and if encountered, should not be handled or provoked and instead given space. Notify DEC Wildlife by phone at 1-845-256-3098 or by email at wildlife.r3@dec.ny.gov to document your encounter. This will help us better understand the spaces they occupy and how to best conserve this threatened species.
Not sure what kind of snake you’ve come across? Check out the snake identification chart at: https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/amphibians-reptiles#snakeidentification for a few features to help you identify it.
