Rattlesnakes hospitalize two during annual snake hunt

Following their motto, "Keep 'Em Alive," members of the Keystone Reptile Club educated the public about rattlesnakes, copperheads and other species during last weekend's annual Sinnemahoning Snake Hunt. The club will also be at the 36th Cross Fork Snake Hunt June 28-29 in that Potter County village.

Visitors to last weekend's annual Sinnemahoning Snake Hunt were reminded of the danger people can face from poisonous reptiles.

Two men, including prominent snake authority Bill Wheeler Jr. of Spring Grove, suffered rattlesnake bites in separate incidents.

Wheeler was treated at Elk Regional Medical Center in St. Marys and transferred by medical helicopter to Harrisburg.

After treatment with antivenin, he was released on Monday. This marks at least the eighth time the popular Keystone Reptile Club president has been bitten.

The other victim was identified as Lee Manning, who is reportedly an Ohio resident.

He was taken by medical helicopter to a Pittsburgh hospital for treatment.

More than 60 registered hunters voyaged into the mountains of southern Cameron County in search of rattlesnakes and copperheads.

Successful hunters brought the snakes to the club grounds, where Keystone Reptile Club members judged them on weight and length.

The group also exhibited snakes and shared information with the public. Several vendors set up booths during the day and a rock band entertained on Saturday night.

John Yurko of Shippensburg claimed first place for the longest rattler, measuring 49 inches.

Also winning was veteran snake hunter Steve Gallagher of Lock Haven, with his black-phase rattlesnake weighing 3 pounds, 8 ounces and measuring 48 1/2 inches.

Roy Frank of Houtzdale caught the biggest copperhead, at 14 ounces and 36 1/2 inches.

Matt Deniker of Derry caught a yellow-phase rattlesnake measuring 3 pounds, 3 1/2 ounces and 52 inches long. He also took first in a separate category, most rattles on the snake's tail, at 13.

In the non-poisonous snake category, Jason Smith of Delta caught a onepound, 11 1/2 ounce and 68-inch-long black rat.

Proceeds from the Snake Hunt will be used by Sinnemahoning Sportsmen's Club for youth activities, including hunter/trapper education courses.