This is the Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus). They are found throughout Pennsylvania, but I would not consider them a common species. The state classifies them as a species of special concern and a permit must be obtained from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to legally collect or kill one. There are also special regulations on size, gender and only one can be taken a year. I do not condone the collection or killing of these snakes, but I want people to understand that there are laws in place to protect these animals and killing one is illegal without the proper documentation.
So, if you come across a Timber Rattlesnake in the wild is your life endanger? Plain and simple the answer is no. Unless you accidentally sit, fall or place your hand on one you really are not in any danger. A bite from a Timber in the majority of cases is not life threatening. Extremely painful, sure, horrible swelling, sure, but if you are not allergic to the venom, you will survive. The key to not getting bitten by any snake is keeping your distance. If you leave them alone, they will return the favor.
Will you hear a rattle before you see the snake? Most of the rattlesnakes I have come across have not rattled until I was extremely close. Some did not rattle at all. In every case where I was taking photos of these magnificent creatures, they have not come at me. Generally one of two things happens. Either they take a defensive position like the one above or they slither in the opposite direction. They are not monsters, they can be dangerous if you don't respect them, but they get rid of a lot of rodents, so in my book they deserve a lot of respect.
Take a good look at this photo. This is the Northern Copperhead (Agkistordon contortrix). Like the Timber Rattlesnake they are found throughout Pennsylvania and are not really common. They have a special protected status in PA. Close to the same rules apply about killing or collecting them. A special permit is required and only one can be taken. Again, I feel these snakes have enough hardships in life as it is and should just be left alone.
As you can see, Copperheads can really blend into leaf litter. In the encounters I have had they are also much more aggressive than rattlesnake. This particular individual struck at me multiple times and I never got within three feet of it. Even with this behavior, I never once felt threatened in an encounter with one. As long as a good distance is kept from them they are harmless. If you have a dog I would like you to keep this photo in mind if you take your four legged friend with you hiking. Most likely the dog will find a snake like this before you see it. For your dogs safety and the snakes it is always best to keep your pet leashed and on the trail.
Like the rattlesnake, coppehead venom is not lethal unless you are allergic. They use this venom to catch prey and it is not their intent in any way to seek you out and bite you. They strike at people for their own self preservation. Keep a good distance when you see one and again you will be fine.
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