'Rattlesnake Island': Fisheries & Wildlife sees Quabbin as possible salvation of endangered timber rattlesnake; critics say plan makes their skin crawl

BELCHERTOWN — "Rattlesnake Island" would be a catchy title for a horror movie.

"That's part of the problem," said Tom French of the state Department of Fisheries and Wildlife.

Since Fisheries and Wildlife announced some weeks ago its plans to introduce timber rattlesnakes onto Mount Zion, a restricted island at the Quabbin Reservoir, the idea seems to have captivated the press and public – but for all the wrong reasons.

"If I listened to everything I heard and everything I read in the paper, I wouldn't support it either," he said.

http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2016/02/rattlesnake_island_fisheries_w.html

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