In a rare occurrence, a venomous timber rattlesnake was picked up in Old Town by the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria on Sunday afternoon.
The snake, which also goes by the name American Viper, was discovered in the 400 block of Gibbon Street — a few blocks from the waterfront. It didn’t bite anyone, and was apprehended by AWLA’s Animal Services team and later moved to a wildlife facility in Northern Virginia.
“This is very rare,” AWLA spokesperson Gina Hardter told ALXnow. “There are venomous snakes in our region. They’re much less likely to live in this climate, but it’s not impossible. That being said, our Animal Services officers didn’t see any sign of additional snakes.”
Hardter was not aware of any other rattlesnakes found in Alexandria in recent history, and said that they can only be owned legally with a license.
“Nobody was injured, and that includes the snake,” she said. “The snake is fine and well and will live out his life in the wildlife facility. We advise people not to try and capture or move any animals, but do call the police non-emergency line at 703-746-4444.”
Courtesy AWLA/Twitter and Google Maps
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