Pictured is a "black phase" timber rattler, Crotalus horridus which has sadly been removed from the ecosystem. The preponderance of scientific data supports the significant role and importance of all snakes in the wild, poisonous and nonpoisonous alike. It's sad that some purported "sportsmen" feel the need to eliminate every poisonous snake they encounter, regardless of the threat posed or relocation possibilities due primarily to unfounded personal phobias.