RUTLAND, Vt. – Vermonters of all ages are invited to attend a presentation about Vermont's timber rattlesnakes on March 20 in Rutland (rescheduled from March 8 due to snowstorm). The presentation will be held in Room 102 at the Community College of Vermont, 60 West Street, Rutland from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department biologist and rattlesnake researcher Doug Blodgett will discuss this reclusive and often misunderstood reptile. Blodgett has been employed as a wildlife biologist with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department for 36 years, working on both game and nongame species, as well as public and private land management programs. He led Vermont's wild turkey project for twenty years and has also assisted with research efforts on a variety of other species, from bears and deer to moose and peregrine falcons. Most recently, his professional interest has focused on reptiles in Vermont, particularly the state's rare snakes.

"Timber rattlesnakes are some of the original Vermonters and they play a unique role among the state's native wildlife community," said Blodgett. "We'll talk about our recent research findings on this endangered species and discuss the tough challenges they face and what we're doing to ensure their continued survival in Vermont."

The talk is free and open to the public and is sponsored by Vermont Woodlands Association.

Dec 24, 2024, 7 PM

Dec 26, 2024, 12 to 3 PM

Dec 29, 2024, 9 to 9 AM