Timber Rattlesnakes, a protected species, live in the hills and rocks surrounding Sloatsburg, where squirrels and chipmunks are plentiful.

Everyone and everything seem to seek out shade during hot afternoon weather, including hidden-in-plain-sight Timber Rattlesnakes.

Listed as a threatened species in New State, where one can be fined up to $5000 for harassing or killing a rattlesnake, Timber Rattlesnakes were once fairly populous but then were hunted to near nothing. Timber Rattlesnakes live among the residents of Sloatsburg, along the many hilly ledges and rocky hidey-holes, with substantial dens in the faraway hills of Harriman State Park.

Timber Rattlesnakes are usually shy and non-aggressive. The Ramapo Mountain hills are their natural home — the best practice when encountering a Timber Rattlesnake is to quietly move on.

Sloatsburg Mayor Carl Wright reported a rattlesnake incident this past August 1 weekend in the Pine Grove Lakes neighborhood of Sloatsburg. A dog from a property just off Sunset at the PGL upper lake was apparently lazing about very close to home when the dog got tangled up with a rattlesnake.

Maybor Wright reported that the dog was bitten and at this time the prognosis is poor. Wright wanted to remind Sloatsburgers to be aware that rattlesnakes are active in the area, especially on hot days after cooling themselves in some early morning rock or piece of pavement. As the afternoon heat rises, rattlesnakes will seek out a shady area to rest.

Rattlesnakes will find a smooth surface such as a rock or pavement to sun themselves during the relative cool of early day, then move into the shade as the afternoon heat rises.

Rattlesnakes are generally non-aggressive, shy creatures that will often freeze when encountered. If the attention persists, they’ll shake their rattle or coil in warning. No telling what went down between the dog and snake off of Sunset — though both were probably in turf protecting mode. If dogs show aggression towards a rattlesnake, the snake will often try to escape or strike in self-defense if threatened.

Rattlesnakes live in and around rocky areas, something Sloatsburg has lots of, especially the Pine Grove Lakes neighborhood, where plenty of squirrels and rock-apartments full of active, chattering chipmunks might draw snake attention. Vols are also a high priority menu item for Timber Rattlers.

If you come across a rattlesnake while dog walking in the hills of Sloatsburg, the best practice is to ignore it and keep moving. If a Timber Rattlesnake has been active and foraging near your residence, call the Ramapo Police Department which will take action to have the rattlesnake safely removed by a licensed snake handler.