A garter snake was tucked under the rubber seal of my garage door the other day and it got me thinking about snakes in Massachusetts, rattlesnakes in particular. Are there any here? It's true, Massachusetts is home to rattlesnakes and their bite can be deadly.

Yes, Deadly Rattlesnakes Live In Massachusetts

There are about 200 rattlesnakes across five isolated pockets here in the Berkshires, Blue Hills, and Connecticut River Valley. Timber rattlesnakes are elusive creatures, but pose a significant risk due to their potent venom, which can cause severe injury or death if untreated.

A toxic bite from a timber rattlesnake will be extremely painful, cause tissue damage, and probably result in some sort of organ failure. Thanks to modern medicine and anti-venoms, death is unlikely, however, if treated. Children and the elderly are most at risk for death if bitten by a rattlesnake.

Timber rattlesnakes were more widespread, but habitat loss, persecution, and illegal collection have decreased their numbers. Mass Wildlife’s conservation efforts, including habitat protection and public education, aim to preserve these necessary predators, which control rodent populations.

Why and when do they "rattle"?

If you hear a rattlesnake rattle, then get away. This is a sign that the snake feels threatened. Maintain a safe distance from rattlesnakes, do not try to handle them. These snakes are usually 35-60 inches in length and most are camouflaged, some are jet black, however. -mass.gov

Some call for their eradication citing their deadly danger, others say they only attack when they are provoked.

The timber rattlesnake, though a minor threat compared to ticks or moose, (yes there are plenty of ticks!) serves as a reminder of nature’s diverse complexity in Massachusetts.