WARNING: SNAKE POACHER NOW ON THE INTERNET

"COBRA KING" ATTEMPTS TO SELL MAPS OF TIMBER RATTLESNAKE DENS

WILL THE REAL RUDY KOMAREK PLEASE STAND UP?

In response to "Cobra King's" attempt to sell denning locations of timber rattlesnakes in several northeastern states, this WEB site is intended to warn the unwary. Timber rattlesnakes are legally protected in all northeastern and New England states north of Pennsylvania, and in several midwestern states. Rudy Komarek ("Cobra King") is a snake poacher and convicted federal felon who has been exploiting wildlife for many years.

Often using the telephone, "Cobra King" delights in harassing people who do research and takes perverse pleasure in taunting agency personnel who protect wildlife. Komarek is a known exaggerator and con-artist whose main intent is to rip off anyone who would fall for his gimmick of selling topographic maps to locate dens of timber rattlesnakes.

Using the computer internet, Rudy is apparently trying to get publicity for himself after the failure of a "book" he threatened to write several years ago. Now he is on a web site offering to sell mapped information to den sites of the timber rattlesnake, a protected species in many states.

The current internet site is intended to present information concerning the "real" Rudy Komarek, known to many as a con-artist, small-time criminal, illegal wildlife trafficker, and reptile poacher. Please be aware of this individual's primary motive: to rip off the unsuspecting "customer." As Herp News Today made clear in an editorial in 1995, "Many people view his book [now "Cobra King" website] as a hoax consistent with his lifestyle."

Further details can be found at the following links:

Wanted Notice on Komarek distributed annually to law enforcement personnel and field biologists in New York and other states.

Notice on increased protection for timber rattlesnakes in New York State (1995)

Article (Bulletin Chicago Herpetological Society, 1994) detailing Komarek's federal arrest and felony conviction.

Editorial (Herp News Today, 1995) on Rudy Komarek and his mission.

Wall Street Journal article on the poacher (1994).

"State Sinks Fangs in Snake Man" (1996 Pennsylvania newspaper article)

If you would like further information, please contact William S. Brown, Associate Professor Emeritus of Biology at Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
email: wbrown@skidmore.edu 

mailing address:
			William S. Brown
			Department of Biology
			Skidmore College
			Saratoga Springs, NY 12866