Specialist dogs from the US will be drafted in to sniff out a rattlesnake thought to be loose in Bermuda
The Gibbs Hill Rattlesnake remains at large … and elusive.
…this week, specialist dogs will be drafted in to sniff out the reptile.
Several people heard what they believed to be a rattling sound in long grass on Saturday, in the Turtle Hill golf course area at the Fairmont Southampton.
However, Environment officers found nothing after searching the area.
Today, Government stated that a specialist team from the US will shortly arrive on-island with two dogs that have been trained on the scent of the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake.
They are typically used as part of a rattlesnake relocation programme in the US.
The first and only confirmed sighting of Bermuda’s secretive snake was on June 26th, and ever since it has been a source of both trepidation and amusement.
A number of playful social media posts from local businesses show the snake as a customer at their premises.
While some have been having fun with the idea of a rattlesnake reaching Bermuda, Government immediately set about sourcing the necessary antivenom for potential bites, and protective equipment for those conducting the search.
When the new team arrives in Bermuda, they will be assisted by a retired Bermuda Police Service officer and K9 handler, who will liaise with residents in the search areas.
The snake hunt with dogs will be conducted primarily around dawn and dusk, with the possibility of overnight and daytime searches.
Residents in Gibbs Hill and the surrounding area are being advised that the search may take place near their homes, and are asked for their cooperation should access be required.
Government still wants people to be on the lookout, stating that “the Ministry [of Public Works and Environment] continues to investigate credible reports, and encourages members of the public to report any potential sightings to the appropriate authorities.”
Government of Bermuda Press Release:
The Ministry of Public Works and Environment is aware of a report received on 11 July regarding a possible rattlesnake at the Fairmont Southampton/Turtle Hill golf course area.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources officers responded to the location and conducted a search.
No snake was sighted or located. The report was based on several individuals hearing what they believed to be a rattling sound in long grass. As no visual confirmation was made, the report cannot be confirmed as a snake sighting.
A specialist team, supported by two dogs trained to detect the specific scent of rattlesnakes, will arrive in Bermuda this week to assist with the ongoing search.
Both dogs have been trained on the scent of the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake and are typically used as part of a rattlesnake relocation programme in the United States.
The team and the two dogs will operate throughout the Gibbs Hill area and further afield, primarily around dawn and dusk and, at times, overnight. Some daytime searches may also be conducted.
The team will be accompanied by a retired Bermuda Police Service officer and K9 handler, who will assist with logistics and speak directly with residents.
Residents living in and around the search areas are advised that the team may request permission to enter nearby private properties.
The Ministry asks residents for their cooperation should access be required and advises them that search activity involving the dogs may take place near their homes.
Since the reported sighting on 26 June, there have been no further confirmed sightings of the snake.
The Ministry continues to investigate credible reports and encourages members of the public to report any potential sightings to the appropriate authorities.
