The Timber Rattler is Ohio's largest venomous snake at six feet in length. Timber Rattler's are endangered and a state protected species. These beautiful reptiles need your help in order to survive.

These snakes are generally not aggressive, and are more than happy to leave you alone. In fact, venomous snake deaths in the United States are extremely rare... you have a better chance of winning the lottery than death from a snakebite.

Timber Rattlers have lost most of their natural territory due to man. These snakes mature slowly, do not reproduce often, and a large number of their offspring do not survive to adulthood. Coupled with the decline in natural habitat, this has led to increasingly smaller numbers in wild populations during the last several decades.

TIMBER RATTLESNAKES ARE NOT OUR ENEMY! These animals are a vital link in the natural food chain, and they help control rodent populations. If you see a Timber Rattler, there is no need to harm or kill the snake. Most times, you will never know if you are near one.

You can help by reporting any Timber Rattlesnake sightings to the Wildlife Management & Research Group at the ODNR Division of Wildlife (1-800-WILDLIFE). Recording the date, exact location, and activity of the snake will help wildlife management gather vital information and continue to protect the species.