Animal Control, Animal Removal Services
People often wonder if living on the East Coast and being so far North of North Carolina and Florida, whether Connecticut has many snakes and if the ones that do live here are venomous or nonvenomous. This blog will help answer questions that CT snake removal and snake control customers have asked us over the years. Big Bear Wildlife Control assists CT homeowners with securing their homes from snakes entering the dwelling.
The Timber Rattlesnake and the Copperhead are the only venomous snakes found in Connecticut. Rattlesnakes can usually be identified by the distinctive rattle at the tip of the tail. Other distinguishing characteristics include vertical eye pupils, a flattened, unmarked, triangular head about twice the size of the neck, and undivided scales on the underside between the vent and the tip of the tail.
The Timber Rattlesnake Lives Along the Connecticut River.
The Timber Rattlesnake is a heavy-bodied snake that occurs in 2 color variations in Connecticut. The yellow variation has black or brown crossbands on a yellow, brown or gray background. The crossbands, which may be V-shaped, break up toward the head to form a row of dark spots down the back and each side. The dark variation has a heavy speckling of black or very dark brown that hides much of the lighter pigment. Both sexes are similar, although the males have longer tails (not rattles).
Timber Rattlesnakes breed in either the spring or fall and give birth to an average of 10 young in late September early October, depending on the weather conditions. The young snakes are born live in a membranous sac which they open with a sharp egg tooth. The 8 to 10-inch long young are equipped with a single, tiny rattle segment (button), venom and fangs; they receive no maternal care. Timber Rattlesnakes reach sexual maturity between 7 to 10 years of age. Females breed every third or fourth year.
Timber Rattlesnakes breed in either the spring or fall and give birth to an average of 10 young in late September early October, depending on the weather conditions.
The Timber Rattlesnake was probably very widespread in colonial times, as evidenced by the many land features named “rattlesnake.” In the past, some Connecticut towns had bounties on rattlesnakes, and many of the dens were repeatedly decimated. Today that isn’t the case since we don’t have regular bounties; however, if a Timber Rattlesnake is in your yard or home putting you or a pet in imminent danger, calling a Nuisance Snake Control Operator is vital to your survival.
Wildlife Removal in Connecticut
There are some key elements available on the timber rattlesnake in order for you to identify it. As a member of the “pit viper” family, the timber rattlesnake has facial pits located on each side of its head between the eye and nostril. These pits are sensitive to radiant heat and help the snake detect warm-blooded prey in the darkness. Non-venomous snakes do not have these heat-sensitive pits.
Snakes have poor eyesight; their vision is limited to detecting motion at short distances; however, their sense of smell is highly developed. Snakes flick their modified forked tongue in the air, collecting scent particles. They have no ears but can detect vibrations in the ground to determine the size of passing animals, the animals’ direction and distance from the snake. The rattle is an important warning device. Black rat snakes, milk snakes and others mimic a rattling noise by vibrating their tail in dry leaves.
Rattlesnakes also have two (2) hollow fangs, which are connected to a venom gland and located in the front of the mouth which shed periodically and are replaced. The primary purpose of venom is to immobilize prey and aid in digestion. Venom in snakes is not a defensive adaptation. Defensive bites may carry only a fraction of the venom injected in prey.
During the winter months, groups of timber rattlesnakes hibernate together underground in dens in rocky ledges. Many other species of snakes may hibernate in the same den. In
Animal Control, Animal Removal Services
mid-April, the rattlesnakes emerge from their dens to bask on the ledges during the day. In May and June, the snakes begin to migrate in a pattern which, by Fall, will bring them back to the den. Keep in mind these times of year are tentative and depend completely on weather conditions. Connecticut has been warmer during the last 5 or more years and the time-frames for snake breeding has been pushed forward 30 days or more. Breeding can occur only in the Spring and Fall weather months when the males and receptive females are in the same area. The snakes probably travel between 1.3 and 2.5 miles from the den during this seasonal cycle.
In CT, rattlesnake bites are possible. If a bite occurs, medical attention should be sought as soon as possible. The victim should remain calm; an increased heart rate will speed up the spread of venom. The traditional snake bite treatment of a tourniquet and sucking out of the venom is only a myth and not recommended. If someone else is with the victim have them cover the snake with a blanket or box. Be aware Timber Rattlesnakes are protected by Connecticut’s threatened and endangered species legislation and cannot be killed. Once the victim is taken to the hospital and treated, contact Big Bear Wildlife Control to go and pick up the snake for relocation services to a rightful home away from humans.
Timber rattlesnakes are secretive by nature. They usually detect approaching humans and move away to hide. If a sleeping rattlesnake is encountered, it may recoil into a defensive posture and rattle. When this situation occurs, the best solution is to back away slowly. Snake vision is designed to detect motion; quick movements may further agitate the snake.
In areas of the state where timber rattlesnakes still exist, intensive land development can place humans in the species’ migratory path. Use of yards by snakes can be discouraged by removing hiding places. Keep grass cut short and remove brush piles and stone walls. Be careful where pets are allowed to roam. Usually, human presence is sufficient enough to drive off a snake.
If a snake persists, assistance is available. Contact the Wildlife Experts @ Big Bear Wildlife Control at 203-500-5566. Again Do Not attempt to remove Timber Rattlesnakes on your own; they are aggressive when handled.
Our job is never complete until the customer is satisfied. Anytime a customer purchases a trap or other nuisance animal control service, we will come back out to the property and provide nuisance removal services.
Big Bear Wildlife Control
1-203-500-5566
Big Bear Wildlife Control 
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