WATCH: Rattlesnake Colony Plan at Reservoir Has Some Shaking

MASSACHUSETTS — With only five surviving populations that spread from the border of New York east to the Blue Hills near Boston, the Timber Rattlesnake is a native state-listed Endangered Species. The venomous snake, according to the state’s Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, has experienced the greatest modern decline of any native reptile.

Since it is a high conservation priority species, the state is planning to establish a colony of these rattlers in Central Massachusetts on the Quabbin Reservoir property. The snakes, some of which will be raised at the Roger Williams Zoo, will be placed on Mount Zion, a large island that is closed to public access.

It’s probably not so surprising that some have expressed concern about having poisonous animals transported into a new area in the state.

Tom French of the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), which is based in Westborough, explains to CBS Local that the fears expressed by some are irrational, and that the snakes will be placed on Mount Zion, a remote area not open to the public.

Some fears from callers include visions of the snakes attacking hikers, fishermen and hunters. While some have visions of the snakes slithering down the hill onto hiking paths, or swimming across the waters and into fishing boats, experts say the snakes are likely to stay put away from the public, feasting on area mice and chipmunks.

Situated on 350 acres and more than three-and-a-half miles long, MassWildlife says that the timber rattlesnakes would ”likely have little desire to leave.”

“People are afraid that we’re going to put snakes in a place of public use and that they are going to breed like rabbits and spread over the countryside and kill everybody,” French told CBS Local.

Gov. Charlie Baker has endorsed the project, and the state notes that the Quabbin Reservoir is the site of MassWildlife’s well-known and successful American Bald Eagle restoration project.

Read more about the rattlesnake project here.