A Rattlesnake On Your New York Doorstep? This Is What Happened

New York State is home to 17 different species of snakes. According to the State University of New York Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY ESF) some are common, some are venomous and some might surprise you. What would you do if you saw a Timber Rattlesnake or the Boa Constrictor? Both made appearances this week.

Several sightings of Timber Rattlesnakes were reported throughout New York this week, which isn't uncommon. One report of a Boa Constrictor was also reported and that is not supposed to happen in the Empire State. Check out the pictures below.

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On Friday August 2nd, according to a New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NYS DEC) press release,  Environmental Conservation Officers received a call regarding a large, unknown species of snake slithering around a vacant home in Lackawanna, NY.

Officers responded to the call and, following an investigation, discovered a large reptile identified as a boa constrictor. The snake, shown below, was taken to an animal hospital for evaluation. The snake will eventually be placed in a new home.

You may not like it but the Timber Rattlesnake is at home in New York and this summer has been busy with Rattlesnake reports to NYS DEC. These venomous pit vipers are considered a threatened species and protected by State law. Best Advice is to leave them alone and they will leave you alone.

At least six separate complaints arrived at NYS DEC offices this summer, 5 of which came from the same address in Delaware County. Time to move?

• July 22nd - Hancock, NY - Timber Rattlesnake at the front door of a home. The snake was relocated.
• July 29th, August 5th, August 11th - Timber Rattlesnake reported at the same address in Hancock, NY. All different snakes.
• August 4th - Deposit, NY - A 5-foot-long Timber Rattlesnake has been relocated