The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) is urging residents to refrain from killing rattlesnakes in their areas. The Commission has received disturbing reports and photographs of people killing these snakes, signaling a need for better public education on the matter.
Wildlife officials highlight that killing rattlesnakes is not only dangerous but also illegal in certain cases. According to an Instagram post by N.C. Wildlife, among the 38 native snake species in North Carolina, some, such as the Carolina Pygmy Rattlesnake, Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, and Timber Rattlesnake, are protected by state law.
NC Wildlife Officials Urge Residents to Protect Rattlesnakes Amid Reports of Unlawful KillingsThe post emphasizes that harming, harassing, or relocating any of these 38 native species is prohibited without a special permit from the Wildlife Commission. Such permits are necessary for the legal handling of these protected species.
Residents are advised to maintain a safe distance from rattlesnakes if encountered. The NCWRC encourages people to let the snakes continue on their way without interference, thus helping to ensure both human safety and wildlife conservation.