CASTILE, N.Y. — State wildlife officials recently helped an injured timber rattlesnake near a walking trail at Letchworth State Park.
The snake was initially spotted July 20 by a New York State Park ranger. Department of Environmental Conservation officials were called, and they "confirmed the identity of the snake through pictures and quickly coordinated with the ranger to keep curious visitors away from the snake."
DEC officials helped secure the snake, which was taken to Cornell University’s veterinary hospital to be treated.
"Experts believe the snake was run over by a motor vehicle," the DEC said in a statement.
Timber rattlesnakes are native to New York. They are venomous, and they are considered a threatened species, meaning that they are protected by state law.
"Timber rattlesnakes seldom display aggression unless defending themselves. The public is reminded to leave the snakes alone and observe from a safe distance," the DEC said.
