Jacobs Creek Watershed Association shared a post.

2 days ago

Snakes are an important part of most healthy ecosystems, and unfortunately the Timber Rattlesnake is a threatened species in PA. Snakes help limit rodent populations and almost never strike humans unprovoked. Snakes are friends not foes!While hiking on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail it is possible that you will cross paths with a timber rattlesnake, especially during summer months from July to early September. It is important to note that the timber rattlesnake is a threatened species in Pennsylvania and is protected under the Pennsylvania fish and Boat Commission. Killing, injuring, or harassing a timber rattlesnake is prohibited. Most rattlesnakes will rattle when they are approached and feel threatened. If you hear a rattle proceed only after identifying its location. Timber rattlesnakes are not an aggressive species and avoid human contact if given an opportunity to flee; they view humans as predators, not prey! Bites from a timber rattlesnake are rarely lethal to humans if given the proper medical attention and there have been no fatalities in Pennsylvania in over 25 years. ...