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WHERE ARE OHIO RATTLESNAKES?
• Scioto and Vinton Counties
2011 UPDATE
The timber rattlesnake is a state endangered species associated with mature forest habitat. Within these mature forests, timber rattlesnakes use regenerating clearcuts for feeding sites and other openings, downed timber and rocky outcrops for basking. In the 1800s, the species was found in 24 counties from the Ohio River to Lake Erie. As a result of direct killing, unregulated collection, and habitat destruction, today the snake can be found in limited numbers in 8 southern counties. Viable populations of this species (>50 individuals) persist in Vinton and Scioto counties. The Division of Wildlife’s management plan for this species is to protect existing populations as opposed to increasing their occupied range. Eleven public observations of timber rattlesnakes were field reviewed in 4 counties. Timber rattlesnake sightings by the public are a valuable tool used in identifying areas of possible snake occupation. Twenty-three live timber rattlesnakes were found during the 2010 survey season.
Survey details and historical data can be found in the Forest Wildlife Overview section of the Wildlife Population Status and Hunting Forecast.
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