Rattlesnake Island Alligator
Does anyone know what happened to the Rattlesnake Island Alligator? Drove by there today on the boat and didn't see it there mounted on the Jetty wall.
Hope he/she wasn't stolen! Tank |
It has been gone for a while. At least gone this season.
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Speaking of alligators, when you are on the west side of the lake, say, over near Ames Farm, and when you can see the entirety of Rattlesnake Island, we think it looks totally like an alligator, and not a rattlesnake!!! The southern end of the island is a long, flat snout -- a couple of bumps in the middle -- and then a long, flat tail at the northern end!
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Rattlesnake Island Profile
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Way back in time, the island was supposedly quite populated with Timber Rattlesnakes, which is how the island got it's name. There were accounts of people often seeing these reptiles sunning themselves along the shore. History books tell us that the island was razed at one point in time to get rid of the snakes, which of course didn't work as they can slither deep into the rocky crevices and stay protected. I recently met a long time islander who related the story, which he was told from Mr. Robert's of Robert's Cove, who is no longer with us and lived to be 90 something, that Razorback Hogs were brought to the island for a few years to get rid of the rattlesnakes. This certainly could be true because I found this copy of Boy's Life, which describes how Razorback Hogs take heavy toll on snakes, and does not hesitate to attack the larges Diamondback Rattlesnake. |
Beware of the Lizard
Approaching from the north, one can see a large granite reptile guarding the beach at the large residence on the east side of Mink Island. :eek:
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RG About how long ago was it that there were rattlesnakes on the island?
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Rattlesnakes Last Seen
According to Bruce Heald, rattlesnakes were last seen at late as 1946.
When I hike on the island, I do take care and pay attention in the areas where a rattlesnake might be found. Just because no one has seen one for so many years, doesn't mean they are completely gone. I also know that snakes swim. That is how so many Caribbean Islands got them. If you scroll down the page on the NH Timber Rattlesnake website, to Where you may find A Timber Rattlesnake - we have the perfect environment for them. :eek: Rattlesnake skins and artifacts from the island and surrounding area can be seen in the Libby Museum, located on Route 109 in Wolfeboro. |
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I was hiking the island the other day with IslandPrincess, and we came upon a snake, where poor I.P. promptly jumped about 10 feet and let out a pretty good startled exclamation :rolleye2: It was just a little garden snake. Never have seen either a rattler or a rattler's skin up on "Rattlesnake Mountain", and I hike it a lot, on all sides and along different paths.
But, one is always careful, just in case :coolsm: The Alligator from the point was looking fairly tired of late, and maybe has gone in for some refurbishments. There was a pretty cool looking "Uncle Sam" out there on the 4th. Regards, Steve |
Alligator RIP
At the Rattlesnake Island Assn meeting it was mentioned that the alligator had fallen apart from old age and would not be returning soon. Approximate cost to replace was $4,000 or so, which is why it was not returning. Alternate ideas for replacement are being sought.
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That's why I like my pool, the Lake I'll view from the boat. :) |
Pigs on Rattlesnake Island
Did the pigs retire to Pig Island when their services were no longer required? :emb:
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Do razorback hogs eat chipmunks? Do timber rattlers eat chipmunks?
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So Sad! He was a Beauty!
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http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...y_05_078_2.jpg Rattlesnake Alligator by Rattlesnake Gal Full View Surprisingly, a Gallery search only comes up with two photos of it. http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...-02-07_012.jpg Alligator On Rattlesnake by Sunset Bob Full View |
Rattlesnakes on the Island
While recently rereading my 1968 copy of Follow the Mount by Bruce Heald I came across this excerpt about Rattlesnake Island from the Travelogue 1968:
SLEEPERS ISLAND - Depending upon the course of the ship, left or right is Sleepers Island, formerly known as Little Rattlesnake Island. The island on our right is Rattlesnake and to the aptness of its name, it is believed to be infested by reptiles.A first edition copy of Follow the Mount can be found at Abe Books for $40. http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...view_Clean.jpg Rattlesnake Island An early postcard of The Broads side of Rattlesnake Island. Unused, no date. (Would have cost 1 cent to mail.) http://www.winnipesaukee.com/photopo...ttlesnake1.jpg Rattlesnake Island from the gallery of McDude |
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