ISLAND PACKET (Bluffton, S Carolina) 05 July 07 Editorial: People can learn to cope with snakes
A June 22 front-page article in The Island Packet detailed the story surrounding the killing of an Eastern diamondback rattlesnake on Hilton Head Island. The article explained that the snake was found on a path in the dunes, and that as the snake moved away, it was followed by a man and later beaten to death.
As a formally trained naturalist and manager of natural history programs for the Coastal Discovery Museum, I would like to provide additional information about this reptile in the hope that the next encounter (albeit rare) will not result in the death of the snake.
Most populations of Eastern diamondback have declined. Habitat destruction, road kills and direct killing by people are the major reasons for the decline. Although no study has been conducted on Hilton Head, it is likely our population of Eastern diamondbacks has decreased. The Eastern diamondback is venomous. However, the chances of being bitten by one are very low. Most bites happen when people provoke the snake or try to kill it, as in this recent case.
It is unfortunate that the general public perceives snakes as a threat, resulting in the needless killing by misinformed individuals thinking they are doing the right thing. Snakes are an important part of our wildlife and pose little, if any, threat to people. Statistics show more people are killed every year by lightning strikes, bee stings and domestic dogs, than by diamondback rattlesnakes.
Check out gophertortoisecouncil.org/usci.php for more information. Be snake smart.
Carlos Chacon, Bluffton
Editorial: People can learn to cope with snakes

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