A credible report of a rattlesnake sighting on Gibbs Hill Road has drawn an active investigation by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in coordination with the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, the Ministry of Public Works and Environment confirmed Thursday evening. The Ministry issued a public advisory acknowledging the report, received on June 26, 2026, and stated that authorities are treating the matter with the utmost seriousness as efforts continue to locate and safely remove the animal.
No injuries have been reported at this time.
Response Protocol and Public Safety Guidance
The Ministry has outlined specific instructions for residents and anyone in the vicinity of Gibbs Hill Road. Anyone who spots the snake is directed to call 911 immediately and not to approach, capture, or harm the animal. Officials advise that if it is safe to keep eyes on it from a distance, residents should do so while avoiding sudden movements that might provoke the snake.
The Ministry is also urging people to steer clear of dense vegetation and to avoid reaching into areas where visibility is limited, including beneath boards, inside pipes, or other enclosed spaces where a snake could be concealed. The practical guidance from authorities is clear: do not reach into areas that cannot be seen clearly.
Nearby residents, first responders, and healthcare services are being notified as a precautionary measure. Pet owners in the surrounding area are encouraged to keep their animals indoors or under close supervision until further notice becomes available. The Ministry 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.
The investigation involves both the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, agencies with the capacity to handle the safe removal of a venomous animal. The active search across the area where the sighting occurred reflects the seriousness with which officials are treating the report.
Historical and Geographic Context of the Southampton Name
Readers should understand that the name Southampton spans both a historic English city and a Bermuda parish, so a sighting report tied to Southampton abroad does not imply danger in the English port. Southampton, England, is a port city and unitary authority in Hampshire, southern England, situated at the head of Southampton Water where the Test and Itchen rivers meet.
The settlement traces its origins to a Roman fortress trading post and later became a fortified medieval town whose walls still stand after French raids. The city sent troops for the Battle of Agincourt and was a major embarkation point during both world wars, including the Southampton Blitz and D-Day. Southampton is woven into maritime history as the departure point for the Titanic and the birthplace of the Spitfire.
Today it ranks among the larger retail and cruise hubs in the south of England, with a university and the national map agency based there. The current rattlesnake investigation is focused solely on the Bermuda parish, where authorities continue to work on locating and removing the animal.
No further details on the nature of the sighting or the specific location on Gibbs Hill Road have been released at this time.
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