Live snakes were the highlight of a workshop hosted by the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority on April 22 in St. Clair Township.  The workshop emphasized the plight of reptiles in Ontario. About 30 people who attended had an opportunity, if they chose, to handle live snakes including the endangered Eastern Foxsnake. Jenny Pearce of Sciensational Sssnakes brought the reptiles and presented an interesting talk about these creatures and the habitat in which they live.

In Ontario, seven out of eight turtle, one lizard, and 11 out of 17 snake species are listed as Species at Risk. Habitat loss, illegal collection, death caused intentionally by humans, pollution, and road mortalities caused by vehicles all contribute to declining reptile populations.

Several participants were surprised to hear of the many challenges that reptiles face and were eager to learn more about how they can help. “There are many ways for the public to get involved,” says John Jimmo, Resource Technician with the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority. “On a small scale, landowners can report their reptile sightings to the Conservation Authority and educate their friends and family. We have also had landowners construct and maintain habitat enhancements such as brush piles or nesting boxes on their property.”

“Nesting boxes provide snakes such as the Eastern Foxsnake with ideal nesting conditions that prevent predators such as racoons, and skunks from consuming their eggs,” added Kelli Smith, Biological Technician with the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority. For more information on helping Species at Risk in the Sydenham River watershed visit www.sydenhamriver.on.ca.

By understanding the current distribution of these reptiles through public sightings, Authority staff and resource managers are able to help protect these species by determining priority areas to implement stewardship projects.