Wildlife authorities in Massachusetts are establishing a colony of venomous rattlesnakes on an uninhabited island in the state to prevent the species’ extinction.
Once prolific in New England, timber rattlesnakes are now endangered after years of mass deforestation and persecution of the species, reports the Guardian. Officials estimate that only 200 snakes still exist in the state.
The colony scheme, spearheaded by Massachusetts’ division of fisheries and wildlife, will place eight of the snakes on Mount Zion, an island that sits in a central Massachusetts reservoir. Though the island is deserted, nearby residents are concerned that the snakes — which can swim — will make their way to the mainland, where they could pose a threat to people and pets.
Officials note that a lethal bite from a timber rattlesnake hasn’t been documented in Massachusetts in centuries.
More Must-Reads From TIME
- The 100 Most Influential People of 2024
- How Far Trump Would Go
- Scenes From Pro-Palestinian Encampments Across U.S. Universities
- Saving Seconds Is Better Than Hours
- Why Your Breakfast Should Start with a Vegetable
- 6 Compliments That Land Every Time
- Welcome to the Golden Age of Ryan Gosling
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Contact us at letters@time.com