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Two new Rattlesnake dens found in Greene Cty

Posted: Wed Sep 01, 2010 10:14 pm
by dave
In 2009 a number of timber rattlesnakes were found in the Kaaterskill Clove between Fawn's Leap and the Five Cascades on the old Rt 23a. A number of different timber rattlesnakes were found at this location. We know that Timber Rattlesnakes will NOT cross asphalt roads, so they could not have migrated from the den at the entrance of Plattekill Mountain. Furthermore, the distance is too far for a number of them to migrate.

In 2010 a number of timber rattlesnakes were found near the Devil's Path. in between Plateau Mountain and Silver Hollow by the ledges. The closest den is 10 miles away. It is just too far for a number of rattlesnakes to migrate to.

Back in the late 1800's and early 1900's the Catskill Mountains were clear cut, and all the animals were killed. Prey needed to support Timber Rattlesnakes were killed off in most of the Catskill Mountains. Most of the Catskill Mountains cannot support Timber Rattlesnakes. This is why you do not see them in other areas. These two new locations did have Timber Rattlesnake dens in the 1800's and ALL of them were killed off back in the late 1800's and early 1900's. For the past 100 years NO rattlesnakes were seen in these locations.

We also know that relocating timber rattlesnakes is very difficult, and most relocated snakes will die. To ensure that it is successful, they would have to use old rattlesnake habitat and reintroduce prey to the region. This makes it a very sophisticated operation. If the DEC were to do this, they would have to notify the public, which they have not done. We believe that this is an illegal operation. It has been reported to us that someone is intentionally doing this for their own gain. If you do see someone attempting to do this, please let us know.

Re: Two new Rattlesnake dens found in Greene Cty

Posted: Thu Sep 02, 2010 11:47 am
by mike
I've seen pictures of some of the timber rattlesnakes on the trail from Plateau to Silver Hollow. They just didn't migrate there on their own. Timber Rattlesnakes migrate to new dens that are adjacent to other dens. It is a good 10-15 miles from the one on Mt Tremper. I am more concerned about the ones in Kaaterskill Clove. They can easily move up into the campgrounds. I have not heard of any sightings this year in the Kaaterskill Clove. Do have plans on hiking there soon.

Re: Two new Rattlesnake dens found in Greene Cty

Posted: Tue Sep 07, 2010 11:54 am
by mtnclimber
I think that I heard that some of them are radio tagged on Plateau Mtn-Silver Hollow.

Re: Two new Rattlesnake dens found in Greene Cty

Posted: Tue Sep 07, 2010 10:50 pm
by dave
I think that I heard that some of them are radio tagged on Plateau Mtn-Silver Hollow.
We have been able to confirm this. It is looking more likely that the DEC was involved.

Re: Two new Rattlesnake dens found in Greene Cty

Posted: Wed Sep 08, 2010 12:19 pm
by mike
It seemed strange that a herp guy would have enough knowledge to reestablish a prey habitat. This is a fairly complicated process. It is disturbing to think that the DEC might have done this.