Three Types of Timber Rattlesnake Dens

[@rattlesnakerelocationconse8338]

Dude your videos are awesome and much appreciated! From one pit viper enthusiast to another, thank you! 🙏🏾

[@lotterhand]

Thanks for reaching out and you deserve more praise than I do!

[@winfordt.mcguillacutty2553]

I don't care what anyone thinks, timber rattlers are the most beautiful pit viper in North America. They're not aggressive either but don't go getting pushy with them

[@lotterhand]

I share the exact same sentiment.

[@jgraybeal33]

These are gorgeous

[@chesneymigl4538]

And they get impressively massive. I saw an ancient female in captivity that rivaled my calf in width.

[@scottfay3553]

yes just keep your distance . I lie in upstate new york we have Timer rattlers. Many dens are still here. Its extremely rare for someone to get bitten. We also have a Massaugua rattle snake that is awesome. Some come jin perfect yellow and lack stripes.

[@thenaturalmidsouth9536]

They are indeed beautiful but there are some other beautiful rattlesnakes in the southwest that are equally impressive and gorgeous

[@kitajoshua]

I came across a black phase timber rattle today at Jake's Rocks overlook today. That's in the allegheny reservoir, absolutely froze me to my core when I heard the rattle. I was trying to set down my phone to get a picture with my wife and kids on the rock structure overlook and almost grabbed it without noticing. Absolutely terrifying foe someone like me who is NOT a snake lover hahaha

[@lotterhand]

Wow, what an encounter! Glad you are okay. I have had many similar unplanned incidences. Thankfully, timber rattlesnakes usually don't strike out as part of their defense, and in your case it chose to rattle when it felt you were getting too close.

[@TomReichner]

That image at 3:14 makes for a really great still photo! Love it! The images at 3:30 and 3:45 and 7:07 are equally awesome! And the background in the 5:00 Bat photo is super duper gorgeous! You're a really good photographer.

[@lotterhand]

Thank you Tom! That eastern red bat image is a personal favorite of mine - so unexpected and beautiful....

[@actiondisplays]

As much as I enjoyed your vid and the efforts you went through to bring us this quality content, I have to ask... Are you out of you snake bitten mind! 😆 Crawling into a den, sliding on the loose rocky ledges... I was waiting for one to jump down from the trees at you! I love the outdoors, love the photos of the area you're in, but mannnnn... To me, I'm wary of the copper head hiding under the leaves, (you know, the one you don't see). Then you move from the copper head (if you finally see it before it harpoons you), and there's a rattler ready to lunge from the other side! 😄 Other than that part of my paranoia, outstanding photos! Great Great Great picts n' vid's. Much appreciated! Now... I have to go take a Thorazine to settle my "rattled" nerves down! Peace! 😂

[@lotterhand]

Thank you!! Yes, being envenomated by one of local pit vipers is always a risk considering I am often up close and personal with bot eastern copperheads and timber rattlesnakes, but overall my biggest concerns are breaking a limb (or worse), getting struck by lighting, or contracting Lyme Disease. So far I am one for three....having two serious bouts of Lyme. Considering the metal tripod I have attached to my backpack on nearly all my ridgetop hikes, my biggest fear is lighting.

[@sammysam808]

Fantastic piece of work!

[@chrisakins1512]

Great video. Very informative. Thank you!

[@lotterhand]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.

[@brandoncox5044]

I've been looking for a video like this for years.... just awesome to see the different hibernaculum types.

[@lotterhand]

Brendon, thanks for stopping by! The timber rattlesnake certainly has a fascinating life history which includes which type of hibernaculum they choose to overwinter in.

[@bobmelusky2641]

I have a den not too far from me in Central CT. They even ground up the pavement on a road nearby and replaced it with gravel because it was too hot for migration. I always wondered why that road was gravel until the daughter of the paving contractor posted a story about it. Have not seen one in the wild in 5 decades, but that one had me completely tricked by their natural camouflage, until - whoot there it is! I probably walked by a few. Terrific footage.

[@lotterhand]

Thanks Bob, and thanks for sharing! I think I know the general area you are referring too and I find it so interesting that they chose gravel with the snakes in mind. It is amazing how well they camouflage, and what many folks don't realize, many don't rattle, choosing cryptic stillness as their main defense.

[@bobmelusky2641]

@@lotterhand I'm sure you do. Interestingly, a portion of a blasting-disturbed utility right-of-way was adopted as a den.

[@gabrielle1962]

Very cool video!!!! Thank u so much. I saw one of these guys in the caucoctin mountains in northern Maryland. Poor lil sucker still had skin over his eyes from shedding. Very calm creature.

[@lotterhand]

Thank you! Overall timbers in my experience are quite passive. I have had thousands of encounters, and only one that ever tried to strike.

[@Maryland_Kulak]

Catoctin

[@paultanner2007]

Excellent video!! Very amazing!! I’m from Texas and I truly respect and love snakes.

[@ReptileMountainTV]

Fantastic editing and great content man!

[@lotterhand]

Thank you so much!

[@OchoVerde]

I thought so too!

[@Voltaic314]

Saw one in Old Forge trails in Tennessee today. Scared the heebiejeebies out of me. We knew it was dangerous from it's yellowish lime brown color with black stripes and the rattle on it, but we didn't know it was a timber rattler until later. But we treated it as deadly regardless. It slithered across the trail from us and coiled up on some rocks near the other side of the trail. We almost weren't allowed to pass but we managed to get past it lol. What a day.

[@lotterhand]

Certainly a memorable experience and it sounds like you did the wise thing by observing it from a distance. Overall, timber rattlesnakes are surprisingly passive and only strike out when they feel their lives are in immediate danger. In fact their primary defense is camouflage and will often remain motionless if they feel they haven't been detected.

[@ashleyhockenberry2187]

Excellent Mark. Thanks for sharing!

[@lotterhand]

Thanks for the support Ashley!

[@douglynch9012]

Awesome video. The Timber Rattlesnake is one of my favorite reptiles. I've been lucky enough to be in close proximity with this species since moving to east Tennessee in 1974. Unfortunately I've witnessed a dramatic decline in their populations over the years. Thanks for sharing.

[@lotterhand]

Thanks for your interest and unfortunately they have been in decline throughout most of their distribution. They are protected here in the Northeast which is encouraging , but now we are dealing with outbreaks of SFD, so C. horridus future remains uncertain .

[@lotterhand]

Thanks Doug for watching!

[@MrGert1960]

Great video; beautiful snakes!

[@glencoe6305]

People need to be aware these Dens when they want to go exploring in Caves where you have to snake yourself thru.

[@giovannitallino7513]

There are lots of timber rattlesnakes where I live in Southeast Alabama. However, the area is mostly flat and there are no rocks, or stones anywhere. It's all sand and clay. And trees. I assume that our timber rattlesnakes will have to den in hollow trees, under stumps, or under fallen trees, or in the dens of gopher tortoises, or in woodpiles, abandoned sheds or outhouses, because there are no other places that could be suitable. Of course they wouldn't need to find a deep place because it's never really cold here even in the middle of winter. I suppose that the area under a mobile home could be chosen by snakes as a winter den. It's protected from the wind by the home's "skirt," relatively warm because of the heat from inside the home that seeps through the floor and from the hot water pipes, and dry. I may think twice before crawling under my home during a warm spell, when a possible timber rattlesnake may be temporarily awake and stretching its body...

[@lotterhand]

Thanks for your input! From what I have researched, your assumptions for southern horridus overwintering sites are accurate. It is fascinating how diverse this species is, ranging from NH to north FL and points west, overwintering under tons of rock and looming ledges, to just a couple of feet under a stump, in gopher tortoise burrow, and perhaps under a mobile home!

[@wakefieldwildlife]

Beautiful footage, Mark!

[@lotterhand]

Thank you!

[@RichardBrightwell]

Great video. First, I learned a lot. Second, great videography and editing. Thank you!

[@lotterhand]

Thanks Richard, I appreciate you stopping by!

[@nepaoutdoorcrew]

That cave den was amazing I hope to find one like so here in Pennsylvania

[@lotterhand]

There are certainly others out there! Good luck!

[@kitajoshua]

I was at Jake's rocks overlook today which is at kinzua Dam and about reached down and grabbed one without realizing. Absolutely terrified me and froze me to the core when I heard the rattle.

[@OchoVerde]

Good stuff! Looking forward to more videos!

[@lotterhand]

Thank you! I welcome the support.

[@bluedeemster3259]

What song is at the beginning? I like it and would like to know the name

[@lotterhand]

Jim Yosef-Eclipse [NCS Release]

[@noopbloop5051]

Have you ever seen a yellow phase timber in NH? I heard they are all black phase ones left but was curious of your experience encountering them. Also have you found any new dens in NH or MA? I know there used to be a bounty for finding new ones if you contact Kevin the owner of NERD.

[@lotterhand]

I haven't encountered a yellow phase in NH and I don't recall anyone finding one in recent decades. I also haven't found any new dens unfortunately. Hopefully the tiny population can hang on.

[@NewEnglandReptile]

No yellow phase in NH .... yet. Have seen brown type though ! K

[@Serpent32776]

Great video♥️ Do you offer trips for photograph opportunities?

[@lotterhand]

I like to offer advice, but it depends on the subject matter. Timber rattlesnakes reside in sensitive areas so I don't reveal den or basking sites.

[@youthised58]

Great shots and video.

[@lotterhand]

Thanks Chang!

[@danielbashner4342]

great video i have watched this one many times

[@lotterhand]

Thank you Daniel for your continued interest!

[@jeremyt4214]

Great video! Where in NY are you? Is there a specific site you’d recommend for herping? Thank you so much

[@melaniewells3381]

He probably has a secret spot

[@ld5954]

Jeremy T Most likely in the catskills!

[@misscandy84]

I thino I know where nut can't say there I hiked today where they have rattlers

[@oldgoat1890]

I have often wondered if snakes take the path of least resistance and use trails going back and forth to dens? I have found many box turtles on deer trails, but a small log can be a major obstacle to a turtle.

[@lotterhand]

Good observations, and for the most part I have observed that rattlesnakes do take the path of least resistance at least when they are initially migrating back and forth from the dens.

[@TravisSuckow]

Great Video!! Hopefully your work will help people appreciate these amazing snakes!! Thanks for the great tips and the peek inside the den!

[@lotterhand]

Thank you Travis, that is my ultimate goal and so far I think I have changed a few minds over the years appreciate these animals in a new light.

[@TravisSuckow]

@@lotterhand I'm the other edge of the population of timber rattlesnakes in Warren County Pennsylvania. They are scarce here, but I know of a few great spots that have TR's! If you would ever like to ventur out this way contact me and I'll take you to them! I'm pretty easy to look up on Facebook.

[@markrumfola9833]

You gotta respect them.

[@dannyphelps9009]

Yes you better have respect for them. My thing is a 🐍 will cause me to hurt myself. They scare me

[@ericr.4607]

I loved the video! I'm going to have to keep this stuff in mind next time I'm herping for Timbers.

[@lotterhand]

I appreciate it Eric!! Spring is here!

[@user-mu5ny1ks6t]

A true U2 fan

[@redtops5160]

An endangered species esp here in Virginia. Saw a thin one in Shenandoah Nat Park a few years back, just too many humans. They don't want anything to do with you. You leave them alone, they will not mess with you.

[@takingupserpents9090]

Phenomenal video.

[@lotterhand]

Thank you!

[@okanagansnakespotter5595]

What a great video!

[@corysummers3008]

I wanna see inside the dens to see how deep they are.

[@joeeckley5272]

Quite nice, with the exception of that mind-numbing music scattered about.

[@lotterhand]

Lol thanks. I just started taking film making seriously recently and initially only had cheesy music at my disposal. I finally bit the bullet and currently paying for decent soundtracks.

[@joeeckley5272]

@@lotterhand When you're in the great outdoors, the only sounds you need are all provided by God and nature. The music cheapened the depth of your video. Take a hint from David Attenborough- a soothing informative narration-- no fancy camera shots, or mind-numbing music.

[@lotterhand]

Joe Eckley I cant argue with that..in some of my later productions more emphasis has been dedicated more to the on scene natural scenes

[@lotterhand]

Joe Eckley I couldn’t agree more and in my later videos I definitely focus more on leaving national sounds and try to choose music when applied that is more subtle

[@gregnixon5770]

U make quality videos, man. ..kudos!

[@lotterhand]

Thanks so much for the encouragement Greg!

[@danmuffley6418]

Great informative video! I personally would have snake boots on though lol

[@lotterhand]

Thanks, and snake boots are certainly not a bad idea!

[@Ryderholmes]

very cool and how lucky are you. I would kill to go on a safari like that to get some photos like that

[@dannyphelps9009]

Say man it's so cool to have more knowledge I live in Georgia we deal with the Eastern Diamondbacks which get very huge

[@lotterhand]

Thanks! EDB do get massive! I have been fortunate to encounter a few in Florida and was in awe.

[@rgarrison1819]

@Chad Klaren Do They Taste like Chicken?

[@rgarrison1819]

@@lotterhand I was curious how far North in America do Timber Rattlers Live?,Do They Live all the way up into Canada?,and what about other Poisonous Snakes in America?

[@dannyphelps9009]

@Chad Klaren . Chad im 56 and never had snake? Im willing to try it? Of course a 6 1/2 foot Diamondback is common were i live.

[@lotterhand]

@@rgarrison1819 Timber rattlesnakes live as far north as Maine, but they used to live in Ontario. The most northerly venomous snake in the western hemisphere is the Prairie rattlesnake and the northern Pacific rattlesnake, located in southern Alberta and British Columbia respectively.

[@Greenpeas58]

Fantastic

[@shecky308]

Why dont you do a E.Massaugua study.Id love for you to do that,thanks..!!

[@lotterhand]

That is certainly on my bucket list! I have only seen one massaugua (Ontario) and fell in love with their habitat and the animal itself at first sight

[@shecky308]

Go for it.i hope no one disturbs the timber den areas.!!!!!

[@travisricks3436]

Excellent video. But where do they like to den down here in the South? Louisiana to be exact.

[@52daytripper]

whats with the goofy 'music'? otherwise nice video about these critters

[@clarkewi]

Awesome.

[@jorgem.viasalazar7368]

💚 protect the unloved

[@ToddAutry]

Crazy video. We have some odd dens out here that are almost in desert habitat.

[@lotterhand]

I know, such a diverse species! Would love to see a den on their western fringe!

[@kensmelser2702]

What state are you in

[@lotterhand]

MA...also filmed in CT, NY

[@norronlee4945]

Courageous. Is this guy immune to snake venom?

[@scottzipperer6146]

Love my Rattlesnakes

[@markrumfola9833]

Cool Video

[@lotterhand]

Mark Rumfola thank you!

[@paultanner2007]

Just subscribed.

[@lotterhand]

Thanks Paul!

[@DarnellSpencer-zy9su]

Cool

[@evandorco5193]

They are not aggressive I was picking berries and didn't realize my finger was 2 inches from ones mouth it barely rattled it sounded like leaking air I thought it was my water bottle leaking air at first then i reached down to pick another berry and was like o

[@lotterhand]

Thanks for sharing! I have had so many similar experiences. I once tripped over a timber rattlesnake sleeping in dense grass and another licking (scenting) my hand that I initially thought was a crawling insect. That is not to say one should never let their guard down. All wild animals are unpredictable, but I do inform folks that overall, compared to other wildlife timber rattlesnakes are low on the list of what you species one should be wary of.

[@evandorco5193]

@@lotterhand very cool story agreed the non venomous snake are much more likely to bite really the ticks and mosquitos are the more dangerous things then any of the other large predators and or venomous snakes

[@michaele1278]

Anyone in northern NY, VT , NH, ME encounter these? They used to be up in Canada, but we extirpated them over 100 years ago. I'd like to know if what people say is true. They are moving north again.

[@lotterhand]

There are isolated populations in northern NY and VT, and small pockets in NH, and maybe southern ME. It is not so much they are spreading north again, but that these are remnants of much larger distribution, which as you indicated spread all the way up into Canada, that existed just decades ago

[@DWreck958]

Ulster County, NY and Rutland County, VT

[@darylcuster4417]

Huge population in Clemons NY. Look up rattlesnake way it’s a road there.

[@michaele1278]

@@darylcuster4417 thanks

[@scottfay3553]

I saw a eastern rat snake in Altamonte ny that was massive

[@gingerrobbins4234]

Cool 😎

[@user-mu5ny1ks6t]

Thank goodness dens are hard to get to with so many people wanting to harm snakes.

[@wwpattondo3101]

Please tell me you're wearing snake garters under your pants!! I'm in NC and in the warm months we dont go into the woods without them. Unless you're asking for a bad month.

[@lotterhand]

Thanks for your concern. I do take precautions. I am envious that you live in NC, such a beautiful state with a dizzying amount of habitats for all sorts of crttters..from Cape Hatteras, to the highest mountain in the East !

[@oldgoat1890]

I am in Eastern Pennsylvania and it seems like the majority of snake bites around here are on the hands.

[@evandorco5193]

@@oldgoat1890 I can see that probably berry pickers on the other side of the river in the appalachians I was berry picking and my hand was about 2 inches away from ones face luckily I wasn't bit they camoflauge very well not sure if you know sunrise mountain but it was up there

[@kennethbiebighauser7984]

Remember fly fishing for trout in southeast Mn back in mid 80s......ran into a gent who claimed he hunted them as "land of 10,000 taxes" paid a bounty? .....

[@lotterhand]

No doubt, there were bounties in many states, including such "liberal" states as VT into the 70s. This species is now protected throughout the Midwest and Northeast , but it has came too late. Timber rattlesnakes have been extirpated from huge swaths of its former range

[@AKUMAS15HITS]

Is that u2?

[@johnd4129]

Got bit by one was very lucky

[@lotterhand]

I hope you recovered without any lingering issues.

[@johnd4129]

It was 26 years ago

[@johnd4129]

Although when I have a muscle spasm it is on the side of the bite

[@lotterhand]

@@johnd4129 Interesting. I received a spider bite (ironically at timber rattlesnake den) on my foot that developed into a massive strep infection. I had to have surgery etc, This was nine years ago and that area of my foot is still very sensitive.

[@markmoody703]

Where the heck is there rattlesnakes in New York I never knew this

[@lotterhand]

They are fairly common in some eastern counties, but are generally cryptic and rarely make their presence known. On one popular hiking trail for example I observed 50 plus hikers walk within just a few feet of over two dozen rattlesnakes. The reptiles main defense were to remain motionless which worked, since not a single hiker (sometimes accompanied by a dog) had no idea they were present.

[@franklinfry4033]

Such a misunderstood animal. Venomous snakes have long been persecuted.

[@lotterhand]

Yes indeed, and although we have come along way educating the public, they are still persecuted today, especially with regards to rattlesnake round ups in TX and OK.

[@Poordirtfarmer]

👀👍

[@joshwame6746]

I don't, repeat, I do not want to find any snakes this badly.

[@lotterhand]

lol, some of us have to

[@KillaCommieFerMommie]

The words "beautiful" and "snakes" should never be used in the same sentence..... I love chopping them into pieces!!

[@marlonhlucas]

Instagram ?

[@lotterhand]

Yes I have an Instagram account mlotterhand

[@paulafernandes6875]

They are pretty

[@rickymcguire9084]

Have been tolde all of my life that black snake and black racer would hunt and kill poisonous snakes is this true ? Thank you the video was very educational

[@lotterhand]

Yes, black racers dos prey on other snakes, including venomous species. Black rat snakes primarily feed on rodents, birds, and their eggs.

[@rickymcguire9084]

@@lotterhand have you ever heard of eastern pine snake would live to see you do a video what iv read about them are thay are in black snake famoly live moste of life under ground and eat skinks and get this foxes think it were a VA wildlife iread it in it would have to be a big snake to eat fox unless it ment cubs

[@drjcwardjr]

Cray cray? Maybe! 🐍. 👀

[@RyanLee-kt9uq]

You don’t wear snake gators when walking in the area ???? Yikes.

[@lotterhand]

Overall it would be wise, but many of the areas I visit, the gators could attract unwanted attention when I initially hike by/alongside other hikers.

[@Janaceks_Dad]

please turn that God awful music down!!!

[@faerieSAALE]

A 25-gallon tank of foam insulation blasted into those dens, soaking the snakes, and sealing up the den should keep them snug in their nests years to come!

[@Less1leg2]

niagara gorge had timber rattlesnakes up to the 1930;s. long since gone

[@lotterhand]

Sadly, that is the case in many areas.

[@jee911]

Not your basic D.I.Y video. Thank you

[@steveames3647]

enough with the ridiculous camera shots and excessive edits. just get to the story.

[@gingerrobbins4234]

This looks like Arkansas

[@manuelstapp3359]

A timber rattlesnake saved my dad's life as he crawled between his legs and went on into BlackBerry Bush, ,dad being a fair man man saved the snakes life by thinking you let me live I'm going to let you live he had his double barrel 21

[@manuelstapp3359]

12 gauge he quit picking berries after that

[@utseay]

They call him..Timber Neistat.

[@lotterhand]

I am humbled...thank you!

[@melaniewells3381]

Wow this was a really helpful video I've been looking for timbers for years and have not found any but this week I am going to brown county state park in the middle of Indiana it is considered to be the best place in Indiana to find timbers and I just want to ask you if you could give me a little bit of extra advice for looking Ps.amazing video I subscribed

[@lotterhand]

I am not overly familiar with timber rattlesnake habitat in Indiana, but during the summer. horrridus, for the most part are not that close to their hibernacula . Gestating females, snakes in shed, can reliably be found at rocky outcrops.

[@samuelcardenas3123]

desde la primer falta de rason alfin costumbre es costumbre lq que sedavan y tener1j3vivi4conlaque sechingaron

[@blackredneck1135]

nice footage but always take a snake bite kit

[@lotterhand]

Thanks, thankfully if a mishap does occur, local hospitals carry antivenin

[@AMRsti93]

Went out to go to class the other night and as I walked out to my car I suddenly hear the sound that I've never heard before but the sound made my blood curdle and my instincts kicked in as if I knew what it was I slowly backed away and looked under my car and theres a rattlesnake looking back at me lmao. Scary shit. I didnt go to class that night lmao

[@lotterhand]

Wow , now that is an interesting encounter! I have seen quite a few rattlesnakes over the years and never have had one surprise me like the one under your car! I'm curious, do you have any idea what species it was?

[@tomatkinson6996]

I dont think it's wise to show habitats etc

[@tomatkinson6996]

You NOT helping their populations by doing this. It gives other "hey, look at me" types general info as what to look for etc. I have quite a few dens that I've known about for many years but I don't and won't, show them to give up information as to what to look for. If you really like Timbers then keep your den generalizations to yourself and help protect these populations

[@xizang3815]

I had to stop early into the video. It strikes me the production is trying to be a Hollywood film and not particularly an educational or instructional piece. Bye.

[@lotterhand]

I can assure you that I won't be invited to walk down the red carpet anytime soon.

[@diamondbackecological]

Just freaken sad.

[@lotterhand]

I may need your input on my Sweetwater video...getting inundated by...well, less informed folks.

[@edwardgrayson-d4e]

most people are scared about rattle snakes or other snakes that they will bite them and thats not true the 1 animal that bites people all the time are those no good dogs and i hate them.

[@thegreenberetlife0191]

Timber rattlesnakes are most appreciated dead...

[@guwop2234]

let me come across this i'll unload my 357 quick as fuck

[@rdwakefield]

Sacred...lmao....and that is the problem, giving credence to a creature and not the Creator, the Lord God...

[@lotterhand]

In my defense, I also find Zeus sacred who after all is the ruler, protector, and father of all gods and humans...

[@JGW845]

Timber rattlers occur in the Southeast US where they are known as Canebreak rattlers. They occur as far south as northern Florida and west into Texas. Coloration is lighter than the snakes found in the Northeast. As rocky terrain is not as common in the SE, Canebreaks inhabit thick underbrush, hollow logs, and other cover. srelherp.uga.edu/snakes/crohor.htm

[@lotterhand]

Yes!! Canebrakes have topped my bucket list for years, and I have searched for them is SE VA and NC on several occasions but unfortunately the only one found was a road killed specimen. Some canebrakes like the DOR we saw have some stunning coloration which include pinkish hues.