It is a rare person who does not have strong feelings about
snakes. A few find them fascinating, but most seem to think they
are repulsive. Growing up in West Virginia and spending a lot of
time in the mountains, I have heard the cautionary statement
“watch out for snakes” countless times. Although it's a
rare occurrence for me to have a run-in with a snake I still watch
for them in the woods.
West Virginia has two varieties of venomous snakes, the Northern
Copperhead and the Timber Rattler. They belong to the group of
snakes known as Pit Vipers.
Copperheads are found throughout West Virginia. They prefer
rocky hillsides and woods, finding shelter under rocks and bark,
but they have been found in city gardens, sawdust piles, haystacks,
under lumber piles and around barns and buildings.
The timber rattlesnake is normally found in remote brushy and
mountainous terrain. However, individual snakes may be found in
nearly any habitat in the state. Timber rattlers have a dirty
yellow to
olive background color on which irregular dark brown to black
chevron-markings extend across the back and down the sides. The
bite of a timber rattlesnake is more serious than that of a
copperhead, although, they too, are rarely fatal.
Heavy boots and long pants reinforced with leather or canvas are
recommended for hikers in areas known to harbor rattlesnakes.
Example, hiking in Sleepy Creek Wildlife Area. The advice given is
to avoid contact with rattlesnakes by remaining observant and not
approaching the animals. Hikers are advised to be particularly
careful when negotiating fallen logs or boulders and when near
rocky outcroppings and ledges where rattlesnakes may be hiding or
sunning themselves. However, snakes will occasionally sun
themselves in the middle of a trail, so such areas are not the only
places where they are encountered. When encountering a rattlesnake
on a trail, you are advised to keep your distance and allow the
snake room to retreat.
The snake to your right is NOT a picture acquired off the
internet, but was on the trail not far from this cache.
This cache is less than a half mile from parking area on the
Third Mountain Trail. The cache is only a short distance from the
Third Mountain Trail. I suggest not leaving the trail until your
GPS points you straight off trail.
There are 7 other caches on this same trail. Hikers, horses and
mountain bikes are allowed on this trail.
This cache is a regular size camo ammo can. It is in sight.
No rocks have to be moved to see this cache. But, you will be
walking or crawling around loose rocks, it appears like snake
country to me so ..... be careful where you step and keep alert. I
would not recommend children to climb around these rocks. This ammo
can is well stocked with lots of tradeable items.
Please place cache all the way back in its den exactly as you
found it or better.