NORTH CAROLINA — The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission is asking residents to stop killing rattlesnakes in their areas.
Wildlife officials said it’s not only dangerous to attempt to kill a rattlesnake, but it is also in some cases illegal.
In North Carolina, 10 out of our 38 native snakes are listed species. That includes three rattlesnakes: the Carolina Pygmy Rattlesnake, the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, and the Timber Rattlesnake.
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These snakes are protected by the state. So they cannot be harmed, harassed, or relocated without an Endangered Species permit obtained from the Wildlife Commission.
Residents are encouraged to keep a safe distance from any rattlesnake they come across as it goes on its merry way.
VIDEO: Snakes: What you need to know
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