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Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
World Snake Day: Many, sometimes poisonous, snakes call Pennsylvania home
(WHTM) — More than 21 snake species live in Pennsylvania, three of which are considered poisonous. World Snake Day, July 16, serves as an important reminder that the state's scaliest residents have just as much right to the land as anyone else. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now 'Each species has evolved to occupy a specific niche in our natural environment,' said Andrew Shiels, former deputy director for the PA Fish and Boat Commission, in an informational campaign for snakes. 'Although they do indeed provide tangible benefits to man, they are worthy of respect and protection, because they are wild animals and a part of the natural heritage of Pennsylvania.' Northern Copperhead Found in all except for the state's most northern counties, this snake is the most prolific venomous snake in PA, according to the PA Fish and Boat Commission. It's named for its tan and brown color. The snake can be found in wooded areas and rocky features near streams, but it also enjoys abandoned foundation, rock walls and rocky hillsides. Its venom is a hemotoxin, but with a trace of neurotoxin, so it primarily affects the bloodstream. The bite is painful, the commission said, but it rarely poses any threat to life with prompt medical attention. Like all venomous snakes in the state, it tries to avoid trouble and only attacks when it feels threatened. Timber Rattlesnake This is the largest of PA's venomous snakes, though not the largest snake in the state. It inhabits the mountainous regions. It has two color phases: black and the less common yellow. Both have dark bands on the backs of the snakes, a head with no markings and a dark tail. It's known for its distinct rattle, an organ of loosely attached, hollow horny segments attached to its tail, which produces an unmistakable buzzing sound. However, it does not always rattle before striking. Like other vipers, it has enough venom to kill a human. But bites are rare, as it just wants to be left alone and is not aggressive. The commission said a defensive strike does not always include a release of venom. Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake This snake calls only a few counties in western PA home: Crawford, Mercer, Venango, Clarion, Armstrong, Butler, Beaver and Lawrence. It is an endangered species with dwindling numbers. Because of this, it is illegal to possess, kill or sell this snake. Part of the pygmy rattlesnake family, it resides in wetlands. Some call it the 'swamp rattler.' 21 Midstate locations record high levels Its colors are brownish gray to almost black on its back and sides with a row of rounded, dark-brown or black blotches running down the middle of the back. Once again, this is a timid snake that prefers to avoid detection. Its venom is highly toxic, but the snake's small fangs rarely cause any deaths. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Two of the most dangerous animals in the world can be found in Vermont
Two of the most dangerous animals in the world can be found in Vermont. The Green Mountain State may no longer be home to catamounts (for now), but there are other potentially dangerous animals to look out for. According to BBC's Science Focus Magazine, mosquitos and snakes are two of the most deadliest animals in the world – and both can be found in Vermont. Plus, you should watch out for moose, black bears and bobcats. Mosquitos are the deadliest animals in the world, killing over 725,000 people a year through diseases like West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). According to the Vermont Department of Health, mosquito season in Vermont begins in the spring, and virus-carrying mosquitos typically emerge in the summer. In 2024, the department found 86 EEE and 64 WNV positive pools of mosquitos, plus a couple human cases. The Department of Health recommends protecting yourself from mosquitos by using insect repellant, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outside, and limiting time spent outside at dawn and dusk when mosquitos are most active. Vermont is home to eleven species of snakes, most of them harmless. But there is one venomous snake that calls Vermont home: the Timber Rattlesnake. This snake has a triangular shaped head to accommodate venom glands. Vermont's Timber Rattlesnake is endangered and is only found in a few towns in western Rutland County, according to Vermont Fish and Wildlife. Most bites are not deadly, but it's still important to be able to recognize the species and seek immediate medical attention if bit. There are about 2,000 moose in Vermont. You can find them throughout much of Vermont, but they are most numerous in the Northeast Kingdom and along the Green Mountains, according to Vermont Fish and Wildlife. At 1,000 pounds and six feet tall, a moose can pose a significant threat if it becomes aggressive. However, according to the Appalachian Mountain Club, there has never been a human fatality from a moose attack in the Northeast. Moose pose a greater danger to people in cars: several people die every year in moose-vehicle car collisions in the Northeast. Black bears are 'remarkable abundant' in Vermont, according to Vermont Fish and Wildlife. With one of the densest black bear populations in the country, there is approximately one bear for every three square miles. They are most commonly found in the Green Mountains and the Northeast Kingdom. Black bears are generally shy and like to avoid humans, but at up to 500 pounds, they can still be dangerous. If you encounter a bear, Vermont Fish and Wildlife says to remain calm, ensure the bear has an escape route and back away when possible, but do not run away. If attacked, fight back. The danger of crossing paths with a catamount, or a cougar, is a thing of the past in Vermont since the last animal was shot in 1881. However, there is another species of big cat in Vermont: the bobcat. The eastern bobcat is common throughout the state of Vermont, according to Vermont Fish and Wildlife. While small (around 30 pounds) and rarely attack humans, they can be dangerous like most other wild animals when they feel threatened. This article originally appeared on Burlington Free Press: Be aware of these 5 dangerous animals in Vermont
