STAR-GAZETTE (Elmira, New York) 22 September 06 With snakes likely back in their dens, I-86 rest stop reopens (Larry Wilson)
Painted Post: The Interstate 86 rest area just west of Painted Post, closed earlier this summer because it was frequented by timber rattlesnakes, has reopened.
The rest area, on the westbound side of the highway between Exit 43 (Painted Post) and Exit 42 (Coopers Plains), now has about a dozen signs warning users of the presence of the snakes.
The signs, which contain an image of a coiled snake inside a yellow triangle, include the following text:
"There may be rattlesnakes in this area. Rattlesnakes are active at night during the summer. They will seek out shady places during the day. Children should be warned not to go near any snake. Reasonable watchfulness should be sufficient to avoid snakebite."
Dorothy Sirianni, spokeswoman for the state Department of Transportation in Hornell, said that agency worked with the Department of Environmental Conservation to solve the snake problem.
"Usually by Sept. 1 the snakes slither back up to their den," she said.
"They waited an extra two to three weeks to make sure and then checked the area before opening it."
Rulon W. Clark, a Cornell University snake expert, said a there is a rattlesnake den on the hillside above the rest area.
Pregnant female snakes moved down the hillside to the sunny rest area to maintain an optimal body temperature for their embryos, Clark said.
The snakes usually give birth in mid-August and return to their dens in early October when there is frost at night, Clark said.
The timber rattler is classified as a threatened species in New York state. It is not on the federal list of endangered species.
Bob Corneau, a licensed snake handler from Big Flats, worked with the state Department of Transportation after the snakes began invading the rest area.
He said he supports the posting of signs and the clearing of the hillside.
"I think it's a good idea and a beginning," Corneau said. "I think they did a great job."
During the summer, Corneau and others captured two pregnant female snakes at the rest area. Clark returned them to their den.
"Four days later, one female came back to the highway and was in the middle of the rest area road," Corneau said.
"When she returned she brought a large male snake with her. We agreed she should be left alone so we don't interfere with development of the embryos."
Corneau said rain and cool temperatures this summer may have pushed back the traditional period during which the snakes give birth.
"Generally speaking, most of them are back near the denning areas right now," he said.
Corneau said it's likely the rest area will need to be closed again next spring for an indefinite period.
I-86 rest stop reopens

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