So, when were you going to mention the snakes?

I read with alarm Sheila Ahern’s article in your March 14th issue regarding poisonous rattlesnakes complicating construction plans for Wheeling’s new bike and pedestrian path.

Am I the only one that was not aware of their presence? The village hired a $25,000 environmental consultant and “a whole bunch of state agencies are involved because the snake is endangered in Illinois.”

The forest preserves areas north and south of Dundee Road mentioned in the article are my backyard. My family and I use the dirt bike trails going through these areas.  The snakes’ active season April through October coincides with ours too, as well as the hundreds of bikers, runners, dog walkers, children.

Your concern for the snakes is fine and good, but where is your concern for us humans?  Are there any signs warning us that this is a poisonous rattlesnake’s habitat?  No.

Is the Village of Wheeling newsletter alerting us of this very real danger lurking “in the clumps of grass and branches of small bushes”? No. 

A $1.2 million project, a $25,000 environmental consultant and zero mention of concern for people’s safety.

Barbara Wroblewski

Wheeling