The state lead by Tom French of the Massachusetts Fish and Wildlife Commission has in their infinite wisdom want to introduce timber rattlers into the Quabbin Reservoir area. A little history is need here. Pythons are not native to this country but they were brought here snake lovers who couldn’t handle them and let them loose in the Everglades. Now people are losing pets and animals native to Florida.
How many bugs, spiders and other crawly creatures have been relocated and caused havoc in their new environment? The claim rattlers will be released on an off-limits island in the reservoir. Like that makes a heap of difference — rattlers can swim searching for food, they are not territorial but claim a “Home Range.” In other words, water will not stop them when the food runs out or the island gets too crowded or infest the hiking trails and eventually come into your backyard. But don’t worry, Mr. French says you’ll be just fine, they won’t bother you if you don’t bother them.
KEN CARVILLE
Wendell Depot