I-86 rest area reopened after being closed due to rattlesnakes
By
Jerry Walsh
Story Created:
Sep 22, 2006 at 12:35 PM EDT
Story Updated:
Sep 22, 2006 at 12:35 PM EDT
PAINTED POST, N.Y. (AP) - An upstate highway rest area has been reopened after being closed this summer because pregnant timber rattlesnakes used the spot to sun themselves.
The state Department of Transportation posted signs at the Interstate 86 rest area outside Corning to warn travelers that rattlesnakes frequented the location.
Reptile experts said the snakes live in a hillside den near the rest area and pregnant rattlers sought out sunny spots at the location because they need warm temperatures for their embryos.
Officials say now that cooler weather has arrived, the snakes will remain in their den until next spring.
(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
