Witnesses continue to be interviewed by police about the reported sighting of a rattlesnake on the island, it was confirmed yesterday.

A Bermuda Police Service spokesman said that the investigation was at “a delicate stage”.

The Ministry of Public Works and Environment said last week that no evidence to support the presence of a rattlesnake had been found in an area of Southampton searched by local teams and international experts over the course of about a month.

Questions were put to the BPS yesterday about whether officers were making inquiries as a result of the report or investigating the potential for prosecution.

The Royal Gazette also asked whether information could be provided about resources dedicated by the service to investigate the reported sighting.

A police spokesman replied: “The Bermuda Police Service continue to interview several witnesses, as the investigation into this matter continues.

“That investigation is currently at a delicate stage.

“As such, it would not be prudent to provide any further detail at this time.”

Residents were alerted about the reptile’s reported presence on June 26, the day it was said to have been seen in the Gibbs Hill area.

The search operation included the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo, the BPS and specialist wildlife teams.

Robert Nozika and Sarah Boese, of the National Canine Facility, arrived on the island on July 16 with two Labrador retrievers, K9 Yak and K9 Q, trained to scent the eastern diamondback rattlesnake.

An environment ministry spokeswoman said last week that despite the efforts, no evidence — including shed skin, tracks or scent — was found to support the presence of a rattlesnake in the reported area.

She added that the DENR would continue to monitor the situation and investigate any credible sightings or reports that may emerge.