Rattlesnake Questions
Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2010 9:14 am
I normally welcome any and all wildlife to visit, and use fencing and/or repellants to keep them from devastating the gardens. Deer, raccoons, groundhogs, foxes, skunks, etc. are all a part of my Western MA property. I have several dogs that seem to help keep the wildlife out of the gardens.
Yesterday, I was out in the late afternoon, deadheading (and contemplating doing a raindance ), when I heard a funny buzzing noise. Lo and behold, there was a four foot long yellow and brown rattlesnake at the other end of the bed. I went inside to get the camera, but by the time I got back, it had moved on. I must say that I didn't feel too safe prodding around much looking for it, so I assume it moved on. In all my years gardening here, I've never encountered one.
My concern is for my pets safety. I'm not sure if it was just passing through, never to be seen again, or might be taking up residence in my yard. I did some poking around online last night to try to find out how aggressive they are, how much of a danger they might pose to an inquisitive dog, etc. Not coming up with any easy answers.
Anyone know much about rattlesnakes in the northeast? Should I be worried? Should I be doing something to make him/her less welcome in the garden? I read that they're pretty shy (probably why I've never seen one before) but not sure if this shyness would extend to my pets? Any insight would be welcome.
I have to say it was one of the prettier snakes I've seen. I'm certainly not opposed to it living in the more wild parts of the property, just not sure if it's a welcome addition to my gardens.
Yesterday, I was out in the late afternoon, deadheading (and contemplating doing a raindance ), when I heard a funny buzzing noise. Lo and behold, there was a four foot long yellow and brown rattlesnake at the other end of the bed. I went inside to get the camera, but by the time I got back, it had moved on. I must say that I didn't feel too safe prodding around much looking for it, so I assume it moved on. In all my years gardening here, I've never encountered one.
My concern is for my pets safety. I'm not sure if it was just passing through, never to be seen again, or might be taking up residence in my yard. I did some poking around online last night to try to find out how aggressive they are, how much of a danger they might pose to an inquisitive dog, etc. Not coming up with any easy answers.
Anyone know much about rattlesnakes in the northeast? Should I be worried? Should I be doing something to make him/her less welcome in the garden? I read that they're pretty shy (probably why I've never seen one before) but not sure if this shyness would extend to my pets? Any insight would be welcome.
I have to say it was one of the prettier snakes I've seen. I'm certainly not opposed to it living in the more wild parts of the property, just not sure if it's a welcome addition to my gardens.