A Chesapeake woman has posted a video to YouTube showing her neighbors capturing a large canebrake rattlesnake in the bushes in front of their apartment building.
The canebrake rattlesnake is a protected species in Virginia that inhabits hardwood and mixed hardwood-pine forests, cane fields, and the ridges and glades of swampy areas in localized areas of southeastern Virginia, according to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries’ website.
The apartments where the venomous pit viper was found are located in the Deep Creek section of the city, which backs up to the Great Dismal Swamp.
While neighors were frightening by the sname, it’s important to remember that the reptiles are not uncommon in southeastern Virginia.
John Kleopfer told WTKRthat this is a prime habitat for the snake and that since July-August is peak mating season, males will occasionally wander into housing areas while searching for a mate.
Kleopfer also notes that the video is a good example of what not to do when you encounter one of these snakes. Instead, Kleopfer says you should call local animal control or the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.
