Dickinson Researchers Bring Timber Rattlesnakes to a Screen Near You
"Scar," the first named snake on the Pennsylvania cam. Photo courtesy Project RattleCam, RattleCam.org.
Project RattleCam also has snake cameras in Colorado and California
A new livestream camera is giving the public an unprecedented look at one of Pennsylvania's most misunderstood residents, the timber rattlesnake.
Project RattleCam, a community science initiative co-directed by Dickinson Professor of Biology Scott Boback, launched its newest livestream installation at a remote, undisclosed location in Pennsylvania on May 18. The channel runs 24 hours a day through early fall, with night-vision cameras capable of capturing not only rattlesnakes but also the rodents, weasels and other creatures that share their habitat after dark. Best of all, it's free to watch on YouTube.
The Pennsylvania camera is the third installation in the Project RattleCam network, joining popular existing livestreams from California and Colorado developed in partnership with Cal Poly.
"Like the other livestreaming cameras within Project RattleCam, the Pennsylvania camera provides scientists and the general public a unique window into the ecology and behavior of this secretive species," said Boback. "The timber rattlesnake exhibits several features that make it unique among snakes generally and rattlesnakes in particular. It possesses one of the largest geographic ranges, extending into northern latitudes, and is probably one of the top five largest rattlesnake species in the world."
A Species Worth Knowing
The timber rattlesnake is native to Pennsylvania and to the broader Eastern United States, where it typically inhabits forests in rugged terrain. Despite its fearsome reputation, the species is highly docile and prefers to avoid confrontation, typically striking only in self-defense. It was, in fact, the first rattlesnake encountered by European settlers upon arriving in North America.
Today, the timber rattlesnake is listed as endangered or threatened in 12 of the 30 states it occupies and is locally extinct in Delaware, Maine and Rhode Island. The species plays a vital ecological role, helping control rodent populations and reduce the spread of disease. Its venom has even contributed to life-saving medications, including anti-clotting drugs that help prevent heart attacks.
"Although we know a great deal about certain aspects of timber rattlesnake biology, we are still discovering novel behaviors," Boback said. "Just last year, researchers described a potentially new form of communication in timber rattlesnakes that includes rapid, tactile head vibrations between individuals."
Science From Your Sofa
Project RattleCam has grown steadily since its launch, now boasting more than 25,000 subscribers and over 5 million views across its channels. Boback and Cal Poly biological sciences Professor Emily Taylor, who co-directs the project, designed it from the start as a true community science endeavor—one where viewers aren't just passive observers but active contributors.
Faculty researchers, students and volunteer community scientists monitor live chats on YouTube, fielding questions and helping identify individual snakes, who are sometimes given names by the community. "Scar" holds the distinction of being the first snake named on the Pennsylvania cam.
"The public can help us collect data," said Taylor. "In fact, we have science journal article publications coming out soon that are co-authored by some viewers who helped us as community scientists. It's really important to me that people know that this isn't just a camera. This is a community science project where people can act as researchers from their own homes."
Changing Minds, One Viewer at a Time
Beyond research, Taylor and Boback hope the Pennsylvania cam will help shift public attitudes toward a species that is too often feared or harmed on sight. Research from the project's Colorado camera has already demonstrated that watching rattlesnakes engage in natural behavior can meaningfully increase viewers' comfort with the animals.
"By allowing people to watch their natural behavior from the comfort of their own homes, we can dispel some of these myths," Taylor said. Anyone who encounters a rattlesnake in a residential area is encouraged to contact a local snake-relocation expert or visit freesnakerelocation.com rather than attempting to handle or harm the snake.
The project also reaches younger audiences through its RattlEd program, which provides curriculum-based materials for third- through fifth-grade teachers aligned with Next Generation Science Standards. The resources incorporate the Project RattleCam livestreams and are available to any educator, anywhere.
To tune in to the Pennsylvania camera and explore Project RattleCam, visit rattlecam.org.
TAKE THE NEXT STEPS
Published June 12, 2026