Community Corner

Rattlesnake Spotted in Hillsborough

Rattlesnake season begins in May.

A rattlesnake sighting in Hillsborough has prompted police to warn residents to be cautious and avoid provoking the venomous creatures. May marks the start of rattlesnake season, and it is not unusual for the snakes to be in the area, Hillsborough police said.

Anyone who encounters a rattlesnake should not disturb or corner it, police said. People are advised to move away from the snake, and it will typically slither off.

Because snakes are nocturnal, residents should be particularly aware around dusk when rattlesnakes rest on rocks and asphalt pathways that are still warm from the sun, police said. Baby snakes are more dangerous than adults because they don't have control over how much venom they inject when biting.

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Rattlesnakes, which have movable front fangs and an audible rattle, are important for keeping the rodent population under control, police said. They generally feed on small rodents, rabbits and birds. Rattlesnake season ends in October when snakes start to hibernate for the winter.

--Bay City News

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