Man accused of killing and attempting to eat rattlesnake in Delaware County

TOWN OF HANCOCK, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – A Delaware County man was ticketed for unlawfully killing protected wildlife.

On July 4, Enviornmental Conservation Officers Doig and Osborne received an anonymous tip that an individual intentionally killed a timber rattlesnake in the Town of Hancock. Officers further investigated the report and discovered the individual had also skinned and butchered the snake with a plan to eat it.

A few days later, on June 7, ECO Osborne interviewed the suspect and discovered the remains of a three-foot timber rattlesnake killed by a BB gun. Osborne seized the remains and ticketed the individual.

Timber rattlesnakes are venomous pit vipers, native to New York State. They are considered a threatened species and are protected by State law. Timber rattlesnakes rarely display aggression unless they are defending themselves.

The public is reminded to leave the snakes alone and observe from a safe distance.

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