Saturday, August 2, 2025
62.9 F
Beckley
More

    W.Va. launches citizen's initiative to document timber rattlesnakes

    Biologists are looking for help assessing the population of rattlesnakes in West Virginia.

    Wildlife biologists are asking the public to become involved in a research project aimed at determining the current distribution of timber rattlesnakes in West Virginia.

    Advertisement

    Although many people fear rattlesnakes and may want to kill them, the reptiles are a critical part of healthy forest ecosystems, says Kevin Oxenrider, a biologist with the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources.

    Rattlers reduce the human risk of contracting Lyme disease and other diseases spread by mice and chipmunks, the snake’s main prey, he says.

    “Rattlesnakes are essential to controlling populations of small mammals that can transmit human diseases,” Oxenrider.

    Advertisement
    Advertisement
    Advertisement
    Advertisement

    The project asks the public to report their rattlesnake observations to the division through an online form that can be found at .

    Participants can provide the location of their observation through GPS units or by using a map provided on the website. The site also asks users to submit a photo of the snake.

    “The map feature helps people report their rattlesnake observations by zooming in to the exact location of their rattlesnake observation,” Oxenrider said.

    The division is interested in all observations, whether the snake is alive or dead. Information gained from this project will allow the biologists to better manage timber rattlesnake populations and focus conservation and outreach efforts.

    Advertisement

    The timber rattlesnake has been disappearing throughout much of its range, mainly from habitat loss and direct persecution, Oxenrider said.

    “In West Virginia, we are fortunate that our state possesses the intact forests needed by timber rattlesnakes, so our snakes have a real opportunity to thrive,” Oxenrider said.

    “But to do that, people need to remember that although rattlesnakes are venomous, they are not out to get us or our pets, and that if left alone or observed from a distance, they pose no threat.”

    “Although we are collecting rattlesnake observations from the public, we will not be sharing user contact information or the locations of rattlesnakes with anyone. This protects people’s privacy as well as the location of the rattlesnakes.”

    Advertisement

    Sign up to receive a FREE copy of West Virginia Explorer Magazine in your email weekly. Sign me up!
    Will Reedy
    Will Reedyhttp://wvexplorer.com
    A consummate outdoorsman, Will Reedy has been hunting and fishing West Virginia since he was first able to wield rod and gun. He has been an outdoors writer for West Virginia Explorer since 2001.

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here

    Hot this week

    Unique northern panhandle of West Virginia created by historic dispute

    WEIRTON, W.Va — West Virginia's remarkable shape is partly...

    August in West Virginia: When mountain customs come home

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — August in West Virginia is a...

    Wild and Wonderful: A journey through West Virginia’s most beautiful places

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — There's a reason West Virginia is...

    Historic West Virginia heat waves and how the state can recover its coolness

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — While known for its forests and...

    West Virginia to host first-ever Spartan Trifecta World Championship in the U.S.

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia will make history in...

    Topics

    Related Articles

    Popular Categories