Middletown Times Press/1919/Woman Picking Berries Finds Big Rattlesnake

Woman Picking Berries Finds Big Rattlesnake

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Reptile Killed by William McDowell on Sunday was Over 5 Feet Long

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A rattlesnake, five feet, one inch long, was killed by William McDowell of 1 Mill street, Sunday afternoon in the hills back of Westbrookville where Mr. McDowell and his wife were picking huckle berries. Mr. McDowell believes the snake, some of the rattles of which were apparently missing, was about 16 years old. Mrs. McDowell well was bending over picking, berries when her attention as attracted by a noise at her back. Turning she discovered the reptile coiled and ready to spring. Stepping aside lest snake should strike strike, Mrs. McDowell summoned Mr. McDowell a few feet away. With the aid of a short stick Mr. McDowell [managed] in stunning the snake and severed the head at the neck. John E. Smith, of 5 Monhagen avenue, with Mrs. Smith, was also berrying with Mr. and Mrs. McDowell, purchased the skin of the rattler from Mr. McDowell. The snake oil, now valued at $1 an ounce, is being tried out by Mr. Smith, who claims the snake should have about six ounces in it. Mr. McDowell has acquired considerable of a reputation as a rattlesnake hunter and his specialty is capturing them alive them. With the aid of a crotched stick he has caught numerous of the reptiles in various parts of the Shawangunk Mountains. During the past summer numerous rattlesnakes have been captured the mountains in this vicinity, a good number of them alive. Two soldiers hailing from Tennessee, who have been at Army General Hospital No. 8, Otisville, for some time, are said to have captured alive in the neighborhood of 30 rattlers.