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Of all fifty states that make up the United States, New York may not immediately spring to mind when thinking about rattlesnakes, but the state is home to three species of venomous rattlesnakes: the timber rattlesnake, the massasauga, and the copperhead. Of the three, the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) is the most widespread, followed by the northern copperhead (agkistrodon contortrix mokasen), and finally, the eastern massasauga (sistrurus catenatus). The eastern massasauga is the least common rattlesnake in the state and is listed as endangered in New York. Encounters with any of these rattlesnakes are rare due mainly to their reclusive nature and declining population. Still, outdoor enthusiasts exploring the Empire State鈥檚 rugged landscapes should be aware of their presence in these five most rattlesnake-infested areas in New York.

Catskill Mountains

The Catskill Mountains are a region in upstate New York and a hiker鈥檚 paradise. Full of spectacular views and gorgeous cascading waterfalls like the 260-foot Kaaterskill Falls, the tallest waterfall in the state, the area is also a rattlesnake hotspot. Of the 17 species of snakes that are found in New York, 13 species live in the Catskill Mountains, including the timber rattlesnake and the northern copperhead. Both species are similar in appearance, with a tan, brown, grayish base color with a dark pattern, a triangular head, and stocky, thick bodies. The most noticeable differences between the two are the rattle on the timber rattlesnake鈥檚 tail and the copperhead鈥檚 coppery-colored head.

In the Catskills, rattlesnakes are a concern from May through November. The more commonly spotted timber rattlesnake can grow up to six feet long with a three-foot striking distance but tends to strike when threatened. Two areas in the Catskills are notorious for rattlesnake spotting鈥擮verlook Mountain and Mount Tremper. There are a handful of warning signs about rattlesnakes on the Overlook Mountain Fire Tower trail to the 1,323-foot summit, but the panoramic view of the Hudson River may be well worth the climb for cautious hikers.

Adirondack Mountains

Nine snake species inhabit the Adirondack Mountains, most of which are harmless, except for the timber rattlesnake. The timber rattlesnake is the largest venomous snake in New York and the most common in the eastern Adirondack Mountains. The rattlesnake is known to inhabit any mountainous region with rugged terrain in Adirondack Park but prefers locations like hardwood forests and rock crevices. It is active in the area from late April until mid-October but may not appear until mid-May in the northern part of the state.

Hiking and camping enthusiasts who visit popular areas like Lake George and Split Rock Mountain on Lake Champlain may encounter a timber rattlesnake, a threatened species in New York state. Despite conservation efforts, the timber rattlesnake population is decreasing due to habitat loss, road mortality, indiscriminate killing, and illegal collecting by poachers supplying the black market.

Hudson Valley

All three venomous rattlesnakes are native to upstate New York, with the northern copperhead being the most common. In the Hudson Valley, they are found in the valley's lower reaches in rocky and wooded areas; in rural areas, they are attracted to exposed wood piles. The Mohonk Preserve in the area, a popular destination for tourists, recently put up signs warning hikers that there are nesting copperheads on the exposed rock ledges where the rattlers like to sunbathe.

It鈥檚 not uncommon to see more than one copperhead rattlesnake at a time, as the rattlesnakes den together and emerge from hibernation all at the same time. Unlike the timber and eastern massasauga rattlesnakes, northern copperheads do not have a warning rattle, so unknowing hikers often step on them as their coloring lets them blend in with the leaves on the forest floor.

Shawangunk Ridge

The Shawagunk Ridge, also known as the Shawagunk Mountains or simply 鈥淭he Gunks,鈥� is a major rock climbing spot for adrenaline seekers near New Paltz. Perfect for climbers looking for breathtaking views and dramatic landscapes, its rugged terrain, rocky outcrops, and forested slopes are also home to timber rattlesnakes and northern copperheads who like to hide between boulders. Most rattlesnake encounters occur when the snakes, easily camouflaged in fallen leaves, are inadvertently stepped on by hikers. When hiking along trails, a safety tip is to avoid stepping over logs in snake country; instead, step on the log, lean over, look down, and walk across.

Central New York Wetlands and Sand Plains

The eastern massasauga rattlesnake is concentrated in two main areas in New York: the small town of Rome and Oneida Lake near Syracuse. The rattlesnake is also found in the Cicero Swamp, a 4,900-acre wetland managed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. It鈥檚 a popular destination for outdoorsy types who enjoy fishing, bird watching, or hiking. As an endangered snake species, the eastern massasauga rattlesnake鈥檚 primary location within the swamp is hidden.

The rattlesnake鈥檚 nickname is the 鈥渟wamp rattler,鈥� which refers to its preference for wet habitats, like bogs, swamps, marshes, and floodplains. The eastern massasauga rattlesnake is much smaller than the timber rattlesnake, growing to one to three feet long. Its body is distinctively marked with large black or dark brown hourglass-shaped markings along the back and three rows of more minor dark spots on each side.

Summary

New York state is home to three venomous rattlesnake species: the timber rattlesnake, northern copperhead, and eastern massasauga rattlesnake. These snakes inhabit areas like the Catskill Mountains, Adirondacks, Hudson Valley, Shawangunk Ridge, and central New York wetlands. The timber rattlesnake is most commonly found in rugged, mountainous terrain, while the northern copperhead prefers rocky, wooded areas. The massasauga resides in wetland regions. If bitten by a rattlesnake, staying calm, avoiding panic, and seeking immediate medical attention are crucial. Keep the affected area still and at or below heart level to slow venom spread, and seek medical attention as quickly as possible. The presence of rattlesnakes shouldn't keep visitors from enjoying the outdoors in the Empire State. Still, they should remain vigilant when exploring any of these five most rattlesnake-infested areas in New York.