The rare timber rattlesnake has been sighted in Willistown Township, writes Justin Heinze for Patch.
The rattlesnake was spotted under a vehicle in a residential area last Tuesday night. Township police officers trapped the animal before turning it over to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC).
The specific snake’s origins remain unknown, and it is unclear if there is a den nearby.
The timber rattlesnake was originally native to many counties across Pennsylvania. Since widespread residential development, especially around Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, sightings and encounters with the timber rattlesnake are rare.
The species is listed as endangered in New Jersey and several other U.S. states. However, the snake can still be found in 51 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties.
The species is only predatory towards small animals, including mice, rats, and rabbits. These species can potentially spread illnesses from disease-carrying insects, making the timber rattlesnake an important player in the local ecosystem.
Importantly, the species also poses little threat to human safety. Rattlesnake bites and deaths are incredibly rare across the state, and if residents spot one, police advise calling 911 so the animal can be safely removed with the PFBC.
Read more about the timber rattlesnake and a recent sighting of the animal in Chester County in Patch.
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