Tennessee Rattlesnake

[Tom Flanigan]

Timber rattlesnake populations are way down. It's pretty rare when one shows up in a yard. In fact most people in my town of Pawling, NY don't even realize they are in the area. They are in selected higher elevation pockets of rocky outcropping and ledges and are not found where normal people go.

You Texas boys have different species of rattlesnakes that are abundant. You might have a Timber rattler or two but I imagine they are very rare down there. It's a different story in Texas and a lot of the west. They can show up anywhere and I wouldn't shed a tear over one being killed near a house. But I must admit I do cringe at the thought of rattlesnake roundups.

[Bob K]

Tom, Are rattlesnake roundups still held in NY? We still have them in PA but they are supposed to be returned to their den areas afterwards. Years ago, I caught them in similar areas that you hunted. Ledgey outcroppings near water. I sold them for $1 or $2 if it was a big one. They were milked but I don't know what became of them after that. Like you, I was more concerned with my hands on the ledges.