Massachusetts plans to establish rattlesnake colony on island

MOUNT ZION, Mass. (WPVI) -- A plan to establish a new colony on an off-limits island in Massachusetts has some residents rattled.

It will be a colony of venomous timber rattlesnakes - and that's got people squirming.

Wildlife officials say the opposition is driven by an irrational fear of snakes.

He says the endangered snakes won't have any reason to leave Mount Zion Island.

They say the island has plenty of places to hibernate and abundant food sources.

A public forum will be held on the topic on Tuesday.