Madison County Timber Rattlesnake Season | Des Moines News

Timber rattlesnakes are hitting Madison County this July—big, bold, and protected. These six-foot-long snakes, with their signature black tails, are out mating, and spotting one is a sign of a healthy ecosystem. Don’t panic if you see one—these generally shy creatures only strike if provoked. With slow reproduction cycles and tiny litters, their population is fragile, so if you spot one, call the Madison County Conservation office. They’ll safely relocate it. Keep your yard tidy to deter mice—and snakes. After 30 years on the job, the county’s conservation director hasn’t seen a single bite. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/8a2033dad4836ae1