Mount Zion is the largest island in the Quabbin Reservoir. It’s currently uninhabited, but that’s about to change in a big, slithery way. So what does the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife have planned for this idyllic island?

Rattlesnakes.
Flickr/Yayad
That's right, venomous timber rattlesnakes are moving into the Quabbin Reservoir neighborhood. And not just a handful of them...oh no. These snakes will be placed on the island specifically to breed and multiply.
Flickr/Peter Paplanus
But don't grab your torches and pitchforks just yet. It's not as scary as it sounds, though it sounds pretty terrifying.
Flickr/Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

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The island is actually being converted to a refuge for the extremely endangered timber rattlesnakes that are native to Massachusetts. There are only about 200 of them left due to habitat destruction and human extermination. The Roger Williams Park Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island has been raising a handful of these snakes in captivity with the intention of releasing them back into the wild. And the time has come for these little hissers to roam free. 
Flickr/Paul Cooper
These snakes are pretty shy and only lash out when they're under serious threat. In fact, there have been no documented lethal rattlesnake bites in Massachusetts since the colonial era. Mostly, these snakes just like to hang around in cool, dark places and snack on chipmunks. 
Flickr/Ed Schipul
Some local residents are understandably nervous about their new neighbors. The fact is that rattlesnakes CAN swim and that Mount Zion is actually connected to the mainland by two narrow causeways. Gulp.
Flickr/Tom Spinker

However, officials say that there’s nothing to worry about. The rattlesnake colony will be closely monitored and public access to Quabbin Reservoir won’t be restricted. Plus, only ten snakes will be added to the island each year.

If the plan is approved, snakes may move in within the next year.

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