LEWISBURG — A new regulation is in the works with the state Fish and Boat Commission that would discourage rattlesnake roundups in an effort to protect the native timber rattlesnake.
The proposed regulation would raise permit fees from $5 to $50 and allow only one snake, as opposed to the current allowance of two. Snake roundups have been popular fundraising events for fire companies over the years throughout rural Pennsylvania.
"We're excited to see that the Fish and Boat Commission is taking a step forward to protect some of these reptiles and amphibians," said Rolf Helbig, vice-president of the Seven Mountains Audubon chapter in Lewisburg. "We are absolutely in support of this proposed regulation and hope the general public will be as well."
The proposed regulation will also prohibit the collection of females snakes and a minimum length requirement of 42 inches. The regulation would close the season for northern copperhead snakes and set up a new permit system for copperheads and snapping turtles. In addition, there would be a ban on the collection of box turtles.
The public has until today to offer comment to the commission by mail at P.O. Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106, or e-mail at
www.fish.state.pa.us.
"This is a short term project that will pave the way to a long-term plan that will totally ban rattlesnake roundups," Mr. Helbig said.
Mr. Helbig said the timber snake is an extremely vulnerable reptile because of its short home range and sporadic breeding cycle.
"They females breed when they are about 8 to 10 years old," Mr. Helbig said. "Then they only reproduce every three to five years. Sadly, there are usually only 12 snakes in a brood, and an average of one in eight will reach adulthood."
Mr. Helbig feels that the roundups have a negative impact by transporting caught snakes out of their environment and causing added stress to the snakes after release.
"The timber snake will avoid their den if it becomes disturbed," Mr. Helbig said. "If the snake doesn't find a den in time before hibernation, it could easily die."
Rattlesnakes were largely unregulated until the commission took responsibility 30 years ago for the protection of reptiles and amphibians in the state. The timber snake is currently protected by the commission and is managed with a regulated season and possession limit.
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