Maritza Trejo, Haleyville-Mauricetown School
Cumberland County
First Place, Cumberland County, Timber Rattlesnake (c) Maritza Trejo
Timber Rattlesnake
I understand that I might become extinct; therefore, I should be number one on the endangered species list in New Jersey. Can you imagine (the awesome Timber Rattlesnake) life without me in the world? I’d like my fellow human friends to know that I need to be protected and that there are ways they can help me and my species stay alive. There are as many ways as there are letters in the alphabet.
To begin with, I can camouflage in my habitat by my pattern, crossed bands and a dark color, like brown, on the outside of the bands. I eat lizards, birds and other small creatures. I live in the Pine Barrens and northern part of New Jersey. My species can grow up to be six to seven feet long. I am endangered because of human-related factors. Some are malicious killing, illegal collecting of my species and behavioral disturbances by people. In fact, Timber Rattlesnakes (or other snakes) rarely bite unless they are provoked. Ignorant people that perceive them to be a threat often kill Timber Rattlesnakes, but I want no trouble.
To continue along, I will tell you why my species and I need protection. I keep the food chain of New Jersey in balance. If I don’t exist anymore, the bird, lizard, squirrel/chipmunk and even rat species will rise to terrifying levels. I eat all those species; therefore my fellow human friends don’t have to deal with it with chemicals. The primary market for Timber Rattlesnakes (like me) is in the pet trade. My family (species) is taken away from our habitat.
Last, but not least, I need desperate protection. Let me describe what you can do to help my species and me. If you see a Timber Rattlesnake (or other snakes), stay calm and keep your distance from the snake. If possible, have someone watch over it while you call Animal Control or a reptile specialist. But remember, distance between us. And by the way, Timber Rattlesnakes DO NOT like to be taken away from their habitats.
In conclusion, I MUST stay alive. For years, I was an endangered reptile. Don’t you think it’s time for a change? This world would be crazy without my species and me. My family and I are some terrific Timber Rattlesnakes. I mean no harm to the rest of the animal and humans.
Written by: Maritza Trejo
Haleyville-Mauricetown School, Port Norris
Teachers: Ms. Zeleniak and Mrs. Solomon