Officials Continue Search For Rattlesnake

Despite an “intensive search,” the rattlesnake has not yet been located, with officials saying they believe the photograph supplied by the person who reported the sighting “to be genuine” and noting that “the reproductive risk cannot be fully dismissed, as the gender of the snake is not known.”

A Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of Public Works and Environment today provided an update on ongoing activities being undertaken by the Government in response to the reported sighting of an Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake.

“The Ministry confirms that the rattlesnake was not found during an intensive search conducted on Thursday, 2 July.

“The attached photograph, supplied to the Government by the person who reported the snake sighting, remains part of the official assessment.

“Contrary to speculation circulating on social media, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources [DENR] believes the photo to be genuine.

“DENR wishes to publicly thank the individual in question and to note that the individual has been interviewed by DENR and the Bermuda Police Service multiple times, and that the Government received a single still image and no video.

“On Thursday, personnel from the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, along with other personnel from within and outside the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, conducted an intensive search of the area where the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake was last seen.

“The search lasted approximately six hours, and approximately 52,000 square feet of ground was searched foot by foot. The reproductive risk cannot be fully dismissed, as the gender of the snake is not known.

“The public should remain vigilant but not panic. Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes are defensive, and they do not seek out humans. The greatest risk is from accidental close contact, stepping on or near a concealed snake, approaching too closely, or attempting to catch, move or kill it.

“Rapid reporting is now the most important public action. The safest and most effective public response is immediate reporting, accurate location information and avoiding contact.

“If the snake is sighted, individuals should:

• Move to a safe distance and call 911 immediately.
• Members of the public should not approach, capture or attempt to kill the animal.
• If it can be done safely, individuals should note what the snake looked like or take a photograph from a distance.

“In the event of a snake bite:

• Call 911 immediately.
• Move away safely and put distance between you and the snake. Remain calm and still, and keep the affected limb at about heart level.
• Remove rings, watches or tight clothing before swelling begins and follow the instructions of emergency responders.
• Individuals should not cut the wound or attempt to suck out venom, and should not apply a tourniquet or ice.
• Alcohol should be avoided, and no medication, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, should be taken unless directed by a doctor.
• Early medical treatment is critical, and every venomous snake bite must be treated as an emergency.

“The Government’s search and response efforts remain active, and the Ministry will continue to assess and search relevant sites as credible information is brought forward.”

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Category: All, Environment, News