snakes

[talyen]

I need to know which rattlesnakes are native to Cincinnati.

I am part-cat enough to have turned back toward the rattle just 'cuz the sound was so interesting.

I had enough self-preservation not to disturb the grass, after all.

Comments

Not sure

[legocoach.livejournal.com]

But maybe someone here would know!

[legocoach.livejournal.com]

Apparently there are only two native to Ohio: the Missisauga and the Timber rattler. I think I've spelled that right. Anyway, the Missi-whatsit is a wetland snake, so unless you were running through a swamp, I'd guess the Timber rattler. Google "Ohio Rattlesnakes" for links.

Timber Rattler

[talyen.livejournal.com]

You've got to be right about that snake, and thanks!

I wish you could have heard the rattle - it was awesome. Just a small rattle, pause, rattle ... so cool.

Re: Timber Rattler

[legocoach.livejournal.com]

Oh, I've gotten plenty close to a rattle snake. Scrambling up a hillside once, I grabbed onto a ledge and pulled myself up. When I was eye level with my hand, I saw that there was a rattlesnake coiled on the same ledge, just sort of looking at my fingers. I went back down.

[the-mad-elf.livejournal.com]

http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/ohio/volunteer/art7239.html

"There are dozens of species and sub-species of rattlesnakes in the Americas, but only two in Ohio: the eastern massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus) and the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus). These two, along with the northern copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix), are the only venomous snakes that naturally occur in the state."

A look but don't touch approach is a very good idea.

Important safety tip: If you find a rattler, before you step away from it, check where you're stepping just in case the nest is where your foot is about to go.