HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 18
(By Delegates Rowan, Beach, Cowles, C. Miller,
Tansill, Paxton, Shaver, Perry, Evans and Gall)
Requesting that the Timber Rattlesnake be made West Virginia's
state reptile.
Whereas, The Timber Rattlesnake is an integral part of the
history, culture, and ecology of West Virginia and the United
States; and
Whereas, The Timber Rattlesnake is present throughout West
Virginia; and
Whereas, The Timber Rattlesnake's color and pattern is
reminiscent of West Virginia's fauna and flora; and
Whereas, The Timber Rattlesnake is indicative of our
mountainous topography; and
Whereas, The Timber Rattlesnake is important to preserve as a
predator and prey in West Virginia's ecology; and
Whereas, The Timber Rattlesnake, replete with the slogan,
"Don't Tread On Me," is currently being used on a flag to symbolize
the courage, dedication, and sacrifices by the U.S. Navy on all
fighting ships in the War on Terrorism; and
Whereas, The Timber Rattlesnake kills mice and rats at no cost,
while cleaning up after itself; and
Whereas, The Timber Rattlesnake is a popular icon that does
attract attention and thereby may enhance tourism; and
Whereas, No other state has adopted the Timber Rattlesnake as
a state reptile, West Virginia can be the first, and that it would
be a proud contribution by the eighth grade class at the Romney
Middle School, from West Virginia's oldest county, in West
Virginia's oldest town to have been instrumental in making the
Timber Rattlesnake the state reptile of West Virginia; therefore,
be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Timber Rattlesnake shall be known as the state
reptile for West Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates
forward a certified copy of this resolution to the Mayor and the
City Council in the City of Romney, to the eight grade class at
Romney Middle School, to the Division of Natural Resources and to
the Department of Agriculture.