“While rarely seen, venomous timber rattlesnakes are native to New York State”
From the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation,
On July 9, ECO Baker received a report about a possible rattlesnake at an auto shop in the town of Painted Post. The ECO identified the snake as a timber rattlesnake after viewing a picture of the animal and contacted Lieutenant Lochner, a member of DEC Law Enforcement’s Wildlife Response Team, to assist. The Officers picked up a snake hook, bag, and lockable box and responded to the auto shop where they carefully collected the rattlesnake before releasing it nearby on State land. While rarely seen, venomous timber rattlesnakes are native to New York State. These snakes are generally found in small, localized areas and are a threatened species protected by law.
More information on timber rattlesnakes is available on DEC’s website.
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Division of Law Enforcement enforces the 71 chapters of New York State’s Environmental Conservation Law (ECL), protecting fish and wildlife and preserving environmental quality across New York. In 1880, the first eight Game Protectors proudly began serving to protect the natural resources and people of New York State. In 2022, Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) and Investigators across the state responded to more than 25,600 calls and worked on cases that resulted in nearly 13,800 tickets or arrests for violations ranging from deer poaching to solid waste dumping, illegal mining, the illegal pet trade, and excessive emissions violations.
“DEC Environmental Conservation Police Officers and Investigators work hard each day to serve their communities, protect our precious natural resources, and safeguard public health, while ensuring those who break the state’s stringent Environmental Conservation Laws are held accountable,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “In partnership with local, state, and federal law enforcement, DEC looks forward to continuing to support the work our ECOs perform in every corner of New York.
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