Timber Rattlesnake Den Caught on Video in Minnesota (WATCH)
Earlier today, I noticed that a video in Minnesota was getting shared A LOT! Over 1,000 times, people were hitting that "share" button on a post by Minnesota Nongame Wildlife Program. I innocently thought that it must be an animal that was spotted in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, like a black bear.
WRONG!
Instead, it was one of my biggest fears, right there in front of my eyes. (Sorry to anyone in the office that may have heard me scream.)
READ MORE: New Sighting Of Black Bear in Southeast Minnesota
Viral Video Of One Of Minnesota's Threatened Species (WATCH)
According to Gallup, 51% of women and 38% of men list "snakes" as one of their fears. I fully admit that I am one of those. I'd say that I also qualify as having Ophidiophobia, which is the intense or irrational fear of snakes. No need to try and cure me right now...the video below was enough for today.
Huge Timber Rattlesnake Den in Minnesota Caught On Video
If you aren't a fan of snakes, I will warn you, you are about to see a massive amount if you keep scrolling. A video was posted recently on the Facebook page for the Minnesota Nongame Wildlife Program about a den of timber rattlesnakes found in our state, and has since gone viral.
Nongame biologists in southeast Minnesota spotted this den of timber rattlesnakes while out in the field conducting surveys for this state threatened species.
Rare Timber Rattlesnakes Are Venomous...But How Often Do They Bite?
Timber rattlesnakes are a rare species in Minnesota. They are only found in the Driftless area of southeastern Minnesota, as their unique ecology requires them to overwinter in dens on the bluffs. Although they are a venomous snake, timber rattlesnakes are generally docile; their first reaction when faced with a threat is to flee or hide. If that is not an option, they will rattle their tail as a warning to back off, as seen in this video. Bites are exceptionally rare.
Aren't There Other Snakes In Minnesota That Rattle?
According to the post by the Minnesota Nongame Wildlife Program, yes!
There are many snakes that mimic rattlesnakes in Minnesota, but don’t be fooled. Only the timber rattlesnake is venomous, the rest are bluffing and hoping you think they are more dangerous than they are.
Go Buy A Lottery Ticket If You See A Timber Rattlesnake...You Are Lucky!
I would disagree that luck is on my side if I see a Timber rattlesnake, but the Minnesota Nongame Wildlife Program disagrees.
If you encounter a timber rattlesnake, simply leave it alone and count yourself lucky. They are a rare sight!
Timber rattlesnakes are a threatened species in Minnesota, largely due to habitat loss, which has reduced their numbers. We are monitoring their populations and habitats to develop a conservation plan. Our goal is to survey more than 300 bluff sites by the end of next year to develop an accurate distribution record of timber rattlesnakes in Minnesota.
Have You Seen A Timber Rattlesnake in Minnesota? Report It!
If you are ever one of the "lucky" individuals to encounter a timber rattlesnake, you are asked to report it! Here are two easy ways to help know the numbers in the state of Minnesota:
- E-mail your observation to amod.zambre@state.mn.us
- Submit it to the DNR website
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Gallery Credit: Jessica On The Radio
