Rattlesnake sightings in Westmoreland County prompt police to alert residents

SEWARD, Pa. (KDKA) – Police in Westmoreland County are warning residents about recent rattlesnake sightings.

St. Clair Township Police posted on Facebook a photo of a rattlesnake recently taken by an officer on State Route 711 near Sugar Run Road in the Seward area. Police believe the rattlesnakes are coming “down from the mountain.”

Police are asking residents to leave rattlesnakes alone. If you see one, call 911 and a Fish and Boat Commission conservation officer will take care of it.

The venomous snakes leave their dens in April and remain active until October. Mike Parker, communications director for the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, said timber rattlesnakes may venture into new areas in warmer weather.

“When there isn’t much rain, there isn’t much water available for the rattlesnakes, and there isn’t much food available for them to look for. That may be why the rattlesnakes wander around a bit,” Parker said.

Parker said the timber rattlesnake population in Pennsylvania is doing well, adding that they are valuable to our ecosystem and very misunderstood.

“They’re usually very docile and don’t really want anything to do with us,” Parker said. “They don’t pose much of a threat to humans, most of them, or our pets unless they’re threatened.”

Rattlesnakes are protected in Pennsylvania and may not be caught or killed without a permit.

“In Pennsylvania, killing a snake is illegal and carries fines and penalties,” Parker said.

How to avoid rattlesnake bites

According to experts, Pennsylvania wood rattlesnake bites are rare, and if one is encountered, it is more likely to move, hide, or emit a warning buzzing sound to avoid confrontation. Rattlesnakes are more likely to strike in defense if cornered, surprised, or touched.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, most people who have been bitten by venomous snakes have either touched one of these snakes or attempted to pick it up.

If you’re in timber rattlesnake territory during the active season from April to October, DCNR says “common sense precautions” can minimize serious encounters. Look for rattlesnakes before you sit down – reaching into, over or under brush, logs or rocks.

To make your property less inviting for snakes, clear debris from the shaded area and remove their favorite food: rodents.

If you encounter a rattlesnake, stay at least three feet away. And never try to pick one up, even if it looks dead.

“The best thing is to just let the snake move on,” Parker said.

However, there are situations in which you should seek assistance from a conservation officer with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission works with state and federal partners to manage timber rattlesnakes’ priority habitats.

“The mere sighting of a snake does not justify calling the Fisheries and Boating Commission,” Parker said. “Only if you feel the snake poses a danger to yourself or others will we attempt to come out there, remove the venomous snake and return it to its place in the wild.”

What to do if you are bitten by a rattlesnake?

If someone is bitten by a rattlesnake, immobilize the affected area and transport the patient to the nearest medical facility.

According to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, bites from timber rattlesnakes are rarely fatal to humans if prompt medical attention is sought.