In Virginia they're technically considered the same species, just two different "populations". The canebrakes are protected because.......in my assumption, their range exists in such a small part of the state. So, for instance if you did a population survey, Timbers come back at.....4700 or whatever, and canes come back at 23. Certainly cause for a freak out session. This is just my speculation. I could be way wrong though, I was wrong one other time....
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Tom

"The more people I meet, the more I like my snakes"