YOU SPOKE. THEY LISTENED. SNAKES WON!
Preserving biodiversity means protecting all native species, even those that might be considered unpopular.
The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MDFW) has a long history of using the best available science to inform conservation and preserve wildlife. Recently, controversy over proposed efforts to protect timber rattlesnakes resulted in a proposed amendment to the Massachusetts state budget that would have hampered the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s ability to make independent conservation decisions. We asked the Conference Committee (who decided which amendments to keep) to remove this amendment.
The Conference Committee decided to let science drive conservation and removed this dangerous amendment!
There are many good reasons why this species should be preserved for future generations
Timber Rattlesnakes are an important part of our natural and cultural history. Photo by Richard Bonnett. 
They have suffered the greatest decline of any native reptile in modern history. Photo by Richard Bonnett 
There are currently less than 200 individuals in Massachusetts in five small, isolated populations. Photo by Harry Greene. 
Mount Zion Island is off-limits to the public, ensuring public safety while protecting the snakes from what is arguably the greatest threat to their survival. Photo by Harry Greene 
The vegetation community and rock structure on this island is ideal Timber Rattlesnake habitat. Photo by Eric Nordberg. 
Timber Rattlesnakes are among the most social reptiles. Photo by Richard Bonnett. 
Timber rattlesnakes care for their young. Photo by Harry Greene. 
Females retain close ties with relatives throughout their lives. Photo by Richard Bonnett. 
Rattlesnakes can have a greater impact on fluctuating prey populations than their mammalian or avian counterparts. Photo by Eric Nordberg.