Where are rattlesnakes found in Massachusetts?
Where are rattlesnakes found in Massachusetts?
Timber rattlesnakes, which are state-listed as endangered and protected by law, are still found in five areas of Massachusetts, Jones said, including portions of Berkshire County, the Connecticut River Valley, and the Blue Hills.
Are there any rattlesnakes in Massachusetts?
The timber rattlesnake is the most critically imperiled reptile in Massachusetts. It is found in only five localized, mountainous areas within the Commonwealth. The timber rattlesnake has a triangular head and ver- tical pupils. Timber rattlesnakes avoid people.
What is the most poisonous snake in Massachusetts?
timber rattlesnake
About Venomous Snakes in MA There are only two venomous snakes in Massachusetts: the timber rattlesnake and the copperhead. Contrary to popular belief, there are no venomous “water moccasins” in the Bay State, only harmless water snakes.
Where is the highest concentration of rattlesnakes?
Rattlesnakes are large, venomous snakes that are found throughout North and South America. The greatest concentration of them is in the Southwestern United States and in Northern Mexico. Arizona is home to 13 species of rattler, more than any other state.
Where are copperheads in Massachusetts?
Copperheads have been documented in Massachusetts only in the Connecticut River Valley and the Boston area in the past 25 years. Destruction of rocky, wooded habitat and summer feeding grounds, excessive removal by collectors, and mortality at the hands of snake hunters and the general public imperil the Copperhead.
What snake bites are fatal?
The eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) kills the most people in the US, with the western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox) ranking second. However, some authorities believe the western diamondback is responsible for the most deaths.
Are there diamondback rattlesnakes in Massachusetts?
Not quite. There are five isolated populations of rattlesnakes in Massachusetts. But state environmental officials have made a similar effort to revive populations of the northern red-bellied, cooter, the diamondback terrapin, the wood turtle, the eastern box turtle and the eastern spadefoot toad.
Are there rattlesnakes in the Blue Hills MA?
Timber rattlers are native to all six New England states — but so rare these days they’re among the most endangered species in Massachusetts. …
What state has the biggest rattlesnake?
The world’s largest rattlesnakes can be found in South Carolina, but the eastern diamondback’s population is declining.
Are water moccasins found in Massachusetts?
There are 14 species of snakes that call Massachusetts home. The two venomous species, the timber rattlesnake and northern copperhead, are very rare, and prefer rocky, forested hillsides. There are no water moccasins, cobras, or other exotic venomous snakes native to Massachusetts.
How many Copperheads live in Massachusetts?
French said there are three known populations of copperheads in the state, two in Western Massachusetts and the third in the Blue Hills. He estimates there are only 150 to 200 copperheads left in Massachusetts, with about 50 of the snakes living in the Blue Hills.
Where do timber rattlesnakes live in Massachusetts?
In Massachusetts, the Timber Rattlesnake was formerly widespread and locally abundant in Essex, Middlesex, Worcester, Suffolk, Norfolk, Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, and Berkshire Counties until the late-19th century.
How many venomous snakes are there in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts is home to 14 different kinds of snakes, most of which are harmless, but two of which are venomous. Thankfully, the state has only seen one snake-bite death, and it came from a snake that prefers hiding over anything.
What happened to the timbertimber rattlesnakes?
Timber Rattlesnake populations across Massachusetts had mostly collapsed by the late-19th century as a combined result of widespread deforestation and eradication efforts, the latter supported by a bounty system.
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