Spring is here, the temperatures are warming up, birds are returning and the flowers are blooming but that’s not the only sign of spring. Reptiles are also on the move. To highlight the reptiles in the area staff from the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority, with the help of Jenny Pearce of Sciensational Sssnakes, presented an educational workshop at the Lambton County Road Crews Annual Spring Meeting. The purpose of the presentation was to educate road crews on how to identify native snake and turtle species and the important role reptiles play in the environment.

The presentation was conducted using live snakes and turtles. Some of the ambassador snakes included the eastern foxsnake, eastern hognose snake, milksnake, eastern gartersnake, and ribbon snake. “The presentation was a great success,” says Kelli Smith, Biological Technician with the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority. “Having live snakes really helped to highlight the identifying features and allowed road crew staff to get an up close and personal experience with these amazing creatures.” “The presentation was great and really made an impression on the staff” says Rob Steiginga Roads Operations Manager for Lambton County.

The Conservation Authority uses the information about species sightings, including road kills, to gain a better understanding of the population of reptiles, especially ones that are species at risk, and to contribute to recovery efforts for these interesting species.