Rattlesnake Rescued From Bird Netting In Rockland

STONY POINT, NY — A homeowner's attempt to keep birds off part of the garden resulted in a very hands-off rescue.

Environmental Conservation Officer Corey Hornicek was called to the house Aug. 12 because a timber rattlesnake had become entangled in bird netting. The complainant told Officer Hornicek that they were not sure if the snake was alive or dead.

ECO Hornicek found that the snake was still alive and still attempting to free itself.

He called a local rattlesnake handler, who responded to help.

Waiting for the handler to arrive, the officer freed the snake by carefully using a pair of scissors to cut away some of the netting. ECO Hornicek then contained the snake, a threatened species in New York, while he waited for the handler to assist him in moving the venomous reptile to a safer location.