CROSS FORK 'HUNT' SAT, SUN

One of the region's most popular events, the Cross Fork Snake Hunt, is set for Saturday and Sunday in that small southern Potter County village.

In addition to the snake booth, there will be a motorcycle show, horseshoe tournament, children's activities, flea market, gun dealers, chicken barbecue and other attractions.

One familiar face who will be back on the scene is Bill Wheeler Jr.

Wheeler, president and popular spokesman for the Keystone Reptile Club, has barely skipped a beat following a potentially lethal rattlesnake bite on June 14 at the Sinnemahoning Snake Hunt.

Snake hunters will come from all over Pennsylvania and surrounding states. A permit from the Pa. Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is required to hunt snakes.

Rattlesnakes, copperheads and non-poisonous species entered in competition must be returned to the dens from which they were taken by Sunday night, according to Wheeler.

PFBC personnel will be on hand to monitor activities. They'll also tag captured rattlesnakes with tiny transmitters as part of a research project.

A snake race will be held at 2 pm Saturday for children under 8, along with a snake challenge for children nine and older.

Children can also participate in a "fake snake hunt," using artificial snakes, at noon Sunday.

Wheeler will be among Keystone Reptile Club members operating an educational exhibit with live rattlesnakes and other species both days.

He was lecturing at the Sinnemahoning event two weeks ago when he was bit on the finger by a four-foot-long timber rattlesnake. Wheeler, who has been bitten at least a half-dozen times before this month's mishap, was hospitalized and released the next day.

His finger is still stiff and sore, but most of the swelling is gone.

Kettle Creek Hose Company is partnering with Wheeler's club to sponsor the 36th annual Cross Fork Snake Hunt. It's the biggest annual fund-raiser for the small fire company.