SOUTHAMPTON, Bermuda, June 26 — Authorities are treating a possible rattlesnake sighting here with what they describe as “the utmost seriousness,” according to a statement from the Ministry of Public Works and Environment. The ministry said it received a “credible report” of a possible rattlesnake seen in the area of Gibbs Hill Road on June 26, 2026. Officers from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo are now actively investigating.
Think of it like a coordinated search-and-contain operation, but for an animal that doesn’t belong here at all. Rattlesnakes are not native to Bermuda, so this is the kind of report that triggers a swift, multi-agency response.
The practical upshot for residents: stay away. The ministry’s advice is clear and direct. Anyone who believes they have seen the snake should immediately call 911.
Do not approach, capture, or harm the animal. If you can keep eyes on it from a safe distance, do so — but avoid sudden movements that might provoke it.
No injuries have been reported so far. Here’s what it means for people living near Gibbs Hill Road. The ministry is advising them to avoid entering dense vegetation or reaching into areas where visibility is limited — under boards, inside pipes, or other enclosed spaces where a snake could be concealed.
In plain terms, don’t stick your hand anywhere you can’t see first. As a precaution, nearby residents, first responders, and healthcare services are being notified. Residents in the surrounding area are encouraged to remain vigilant.
Pet owners should keep pets indoors or under close supervision until further notice becomes available. The ministry said it is coordinating closely with all relevant agencies to ensure an appropriate and timely response.
The public’s cooperation is appreciated, and further updates will be provided as additional information becomes available. For now, the message is patience and caution. Authorities are working to locate and safely remove the animal, and they’re taking the report seriously enough to mobilize multiple agencies.
The practical upshot for anyone in the area: stay alert, keep pets close, and let the professionals handle it if something rattles.
