HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 40
(By Delegate Rowan (By Request))
[Introduced February 8, 2006; referred to the Committee on
Rules.]
Declaring the Timber Rattlesnake to be the official state reptile.
Whereas, The Timber Rattlesnake is present throughout West
Virginia and is an integral part of the history, culture and
ecology of West Virginia and the United States; and
Whereas, The Timber Rattlesnake's color and pattern is
reminiscent of West Virginia's fauna and flora, the Timber
Rattlesnake is indicative of our mountainous topography and the
Timber Rattlesnake is important to preserve as a predator and as
prey in West Virginia's ecology; and
Whereas, The Timber Rattlesnake kills mice and rats at no cost,
while leaving no unnatural chemical residue and is a popular icon
that does attract attention and thereby may enhance tourism in West
Virginia; and
Whereas, The Timber Rattlesnake is currently a symbol being
used by the United States Navy's "Don't Tread on Me" flag to
symbolize the courage, dedication and sacrifice by our fighting men
and women on all fighting ships in the War on Terrorism; and
Whereas, No other state has adopted the Timber Rattlesnake as a state reptile, West Virginia should be the first;
therefore, be
it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That
the Timber Rattlesnake
is hereby designated and declared
to be the official
state reptile
.