Rattlesnake Rescue – Wyoming County
On July 20, ECOs Powers and Scheer received a call from a New York State Park Ranger about an injured timber rattlesnake near a walking trail at Letchworth State Park in the town of Castile. ECO Powers confirmed the identity of the snake through pictures and quickly coordinated with the Ranger to keep curious visitors away from the snake. The ECOs responded to Letchworth, secured the snake, and transported it to Cornell University’s veterinary hospital for treatment. Experts believe the snake was run over by a motor vehicle.
Timber rattlesnakes are venomous pit vipers, native to New York State. They are considered a threatened species and are protected by State law. Timber rattlesnakes seldom display aggression unless defending themselves. The public is reminded to leave the snakes alone and observe from a safe distance.
