Pennsylvania rattlesnakes

[RunningOnMT]

A friend and I were discussing our dislike of snakes. He mentioned that a wildlife officer did a presentation at a hunting and fishing club he belongs to awhile back. When someone mentioned killing rattlesnakes the officer warned the man that "he better not kill them". "The state of Pensylvania reintroduced the eastern timber rattler back into the environment for a reason". My friend didn't remember what that reason was.

My question is, does anyone have an idea why a state would reintroduce a rattlesnake into the environment and protect them? What possible good are poisonous snakes anyway? And lastly, why would they have to reintroduce them? What happened to them in the first place?

Just curious.

[heartmender]

Originally Posted by RunningOnMT

A friend and I were discussing our dislike of snakes. He mentioned that a wildlife officer did a presentation at a hunting and fishing club he belongs to awhile back. When someone mentioned killing rattlesnakes the officer warned the man that "he better not kill them". "The state of Pensylvania reintroduced the eastern timber rattler back into the environment for a reason". My friend didn't remember what that reason was.

My question is, does anyone have an idea why a state would reintroduce a rattlesnake into the environment and protect them? What possible good are poisonous snakes anyway? And lastly, why would they have to reintroduce them? What happened to them in the first place?

Just curious.

That's easy to answer, ROMT....the original "snakes" moved to DC and are inhabiting Congess and the WH under assumed personas! ~~

[pinecone70]

The only reason I can think of right now is that there must have been a small vermin problem, but it does sound kind of weird to bring venemous snakes in......in Pennsylvania.

[Pistol Shooter]

Snakes, like all other creatures in an ecosystem, have their role to play, ROMT. In the case of snakes, it is usually keeping the high-birth-rate small vermin populations in check. Without the balance the snakes provide, the ecosystem would suffer from over-proliferation of the populations the snakes prey upon, which often leads to the spread of disease and other imbalances. Mother Nature may be cruel, but she is not stupid.

The reason they are probably re-introducing them to the region is because humans have killed so many of them the timber rattler population is too small to perform its necessary function. Timber rattlers can indeed be dangerous to humans, no question of that, but less dangerous than the damage to the ecosystem if they are not there.

[mrkirker]

Originally Posted by Pistol Shooter

Snakes, like all other creatures in an ecosystem, have their role to play . . . . .

My role in the ecosystem, is to to kill 'em. . . . with whatever is handy.

[308 at my Gate]

Originally Posted by mrkirker

My role in the ecosystem, is to to kill 'em. . . . with whatever is handy.

I find a rattler and they will not survive. The are very dangerous and there are plenty of other non poisenous snakes that can handle the rodent population.

[ScottMac]

Originally Posted by Pistol Shooter

Snakes, like all other creatures in an ecosystem, have their role to play, ROMT. In the case of snakes, it is usually keeping the high-birth-rate small vermin populations in check. Without the balance the snakes provide, the ecosystem would suffer from over-proliferation of the populations the snakes prey upon, which often leads to the spread of disease and other imbalances.

It's also possible that they are an important food source for some other endangered animal and their reintroduction was intended to boost that secondary population.

[RunningOnMT]

Originally Posted by 308 at my Gate

I find a rattler and they will not survive. The are very dangerous and there are plenty of other non poisenous snakes that can handle the rodent population.

My sentiments exactly. Next time I go into the wilds I want you and mrkirker with me.

[pinecone70]

Originally Posted by RunningOnMT

My sentiments exactly. Next time I go into the wilds I want you and mrkirker with me.

Oh boy, can I come too??

[Pistol Shooter]

Timber rattlers make such nice pets!

[308 at my Gate]

Originally Posted by pinecone70

Oh boy, can I come too??

Sure just bring the your snake charmer 410 shotgun with you. I will have mine. I have a H&R single shot that can be held with one hand and works really good on rattlers.

[pinecone70]

The .410 is always ready to roll!!