Juneteenth, short for “June Nineteenth,” is a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. It marks the day Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, and announced that all enslaved people were free — more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation (January 1, 1863).

Juneteenth is both a celebration of freedom and a time of reflection on the ongoing struggle for racial justice in America. It is now widely recognized across the U.S. with parades, cultural events, education, and community service.

Orangetown, NY — A surprising and unsettling discovery greeted an Orangetown resident returning home from a weekend away — two Copperhead snakes curled up beneath the family’s basketball hoop.

The venomous reptiles, identified as Copperhead snakes, were safely removed by The Dapper Trapper, a local professional wildlife removal service. The snakes were relocated together to a safe, remote location in upstate New York, ensuring the safety of both the animals and the neighborhood.

While Copperhead snakes are venomous, their venom is considered mild compared to more dangerous species like rattlesnakes or vipers. However, experts caution that they still pose a risk, especially to children and pets, and should never be approached or handled by untrained individuals.

Wildlife sightings like this serve as a reminder for residents across Rockland County to remain vigilant, especially during warmer months when snakes are more active.

Photos of the incident, taken by local resident Patty Woulfe, show just how well these snakes can blend into suburban surroundings, reinforcing the importance of checking outdoor spaces before play or yard work.

For any wildlife concerns, residents are urged to contact professionals and avoid direct interaction with potentially dangerous animals.