WWTI (Watertown, New York) 02 September 08 D.E.C.: no rattlesnake in Brasher

There's no way a timber rattlesnake could have shown up in the wild in St. Lawrence County, say officials of the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

The reason? There aren't any, says D.E.C. regional spokesman Steve Litwhiler.

A Brasher couple, Thomas and Melissa Gurrola believe it was a rattlesnake that slithered out of a garden hose and struck Mr. Gurrola's sandal.

The Watertown Daily Times quoted the couple as saying they tried to knock the serpent out with a shovel, then put it in a bucket.

What became of the snake after that is a mystery. Officials at the Thompson Park Zoo say that contrary to reports, they didn't receive any calls to go collect the snake for examination.

Litwhiler says a D.E.C. wildlife biologist investigated the sighting Tuesday and was unable to determine who took the snake or what became of it.

In any event, "We're absolutely certain it was not a rattlesnake," Litwhiler said. "There are no naturally occurring rattlesnakes anywhere near St. Lawrence County."

There are two species of rattlesnakes native to some areas of New York State but not St. Lawrence County, he said.

Another poisonous snake, the copperhead, is native to some southern areas of the state.

Otherwise, reported sightings of rattlesnakes are more likely other, non-poisonous snakes such as the milk snake and the water snake, Litwhiler said.

Some of them will bite and some will even coil and shake their tail as a rattlesnake might.

The bite of a non-poisonous snake can still be dangerous, Litwhiler added. That's because they have dirty mouths and their bite can cause secondary infections.
D.E.C.: no rattlesnake in Brasher

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