Snake island: Massachusetts to establish colony of venomous rattlesnakes

The plan is to save a species that's been wiped out in the state - but some residents fear the snakes, which are capable of swimming, will escape the island

A colony of venomous rattlesnakes is to be established on an uninhabited island in Massachusetts in a bid to save a species that has been virtually wiped out in the state.

Massachusetts' division of fisheries and wildlife has devised a plan to release timber rattlesnakes onto the island to build up a viable population. But some residents fear that the rattlesnakes, which are capable of swimming, will escape the island and maraud across areas frequented by people and their pets.