Lack of rain bringing unsavory creatures out of hiding
By Bees O’Brien
Western Clinton County, PA- It’s dry, it’s really dry but you don’t need me to tell you about the lack of rain. I will however, tell you that our not so friendly slithery friends are desperately on the move. Snakes are in pursuit of meals and that has them moving closer to water sources.
They don’t need the flow of the Susquehanna to drink, as they get their water intake from the prey they hunt. It is that prey that has the reptiles coming in contact with humans so early in the summer season.
Usually it’s mid to late August when the river and streams start to dry up, but this unusual early June dry spell has rodents, amphibians and birds migrating to the waterfronts in the county.
This was evident in my trip back home on Saturday. Rt. 120 was loaded with a variety of dead and living snakes. 120 follows the West Branch of the Susquehanna for 26 miles and we counted close to a dozen freshly splattered and still wiggling snakes. Many people think they’re on the hunt from the warm temperatures that the road’s surface provides. The truth is, any extensive amount of time on that surface would quickly overheat even the coldest of reptiles. They’re following their food source and that could mean trouble for unsuspecting home owners.
The entire length of Erie Avenue in Renovo has always been known as a timber rattlesnake and copperhead hang out. Dry conditions seems to really bring them out in mass quantities. These ambush predators have always favored the railroad rock wall near the 16th Street community park and especially have grown fond of the rocky outcroppings of the 16th Bridge itself.
Last October, Renovo Mayor Gene Bruno got my attention and showed me a timber rattlesnake that had curled up in his strike position against a railroad track. To make matters worse, this was the Saturday afternoon of Flaming Foliage. Scores of people were walking near the area and I was then informed that this was the second rattlesnake to be spotted that day.
We live among timber rattlesnakes and copperheads and hopefully always will in this vast wilderness. One must know how to handle themselves in these situations to avoid a serious injury. Be extra alert while doing yardwork or even just walking around in your yard and be extra cautious with pets and children.
Always remember both species of venomous snakes that call Clinton County home have special regulations put in place by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission to protect these important pieces of our ecosystem.
They’ve migrated early and if you live near a water source, be sure to have your guard up at all times!!
