On this episode of West Virginia Outdoors, Chris Lawrence welcomes retired DNR fish biologist and self-taught herpetology expert Frank Jernejcic for a fascinating deep dive into West Virginia’s rattlesnake population. Frank shares insights from nearly a decade of research at Cooper’s Rock, explains how snakes are tracked, recaptured, and relocated, and answers listener questions about rattlesnake habitats, behavior, and myths. Plus, stories from the field—including surprising rattlesnake returns, tips for safe encounters, and why these often-feared reptiles play a critical role in the state’s ecosystem.
