Lake Erie Water Snake

The Lake Erie water snake is proposed to be listed as a threatened species. Threatened species are animals and plants that are likely to become endangered in the foreseeable future. Endangered species are animals and plants that are in danger of becoming extinct. Identifying, protecting, and restoring endangered and threatened species is the primary objective of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Servicežs endangered species program.

What is the Lake Erie Water Snake?

Scientific Name

Nerodia sipedon insularum

Appearance

The majority of adult Lake Erie water snakes are uniform gray in color. They resemble the closely related northern water snake (Nerodia sipedon sipedon), but normally lack the body markings, or have only a pale version of those patterns. Lake Erie wat er snakes grow to 11/2 to 31/2 feet in length. They are not poisonous.

Habitat

The snakes live on the cliffs and rocky shorelines of limestone islands.

Reproduction

Young snakes are born mid-August through September. The average litter size is 23 young.

Feeding Habits

The snakes feed on fish and amphibians.

Range

The snakes can be found in the large group of limestone islands in western Lake Erie, the mainland peninsula between Catawba and Marblehead, Ohio, and Point Pelee, Ontario.

Why is the Lake Erie Water Snake Proposed to be Listed as Threatened?

Habitat Loss or Degradation

Lake Erie water snakes have declined mainly because of the development of their shoreline habitat.

Eradication

The snakes are often killed by humans who mistakenly think they are poisonous.

What is Being Done to Prevent Extinction of the Lake Erie Water Snake?

Listing

The Lake Erie water snake was proposed to be added to the U.S. List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants on August 18, 1993. After a public comment period, a decision will be made whether or not to officially add the snake to the list.

Recovery Plan

If the snake is officially listed as a threatened species, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will develop a recovery plan that describes actions needed to help the snake survive.

Research

Researchers will study the Lake Erie water snake to find the best way to manage for the snake and its habitat.

Habitat Protection

Where possible, the snake's habitat will be protected and improved.

Public Education

Public education programs will be developed to raise awareness of the snake's plight.

What Can I Do to Help Prevent the Extinction of Species?

Learn

Learn more about the Lake Erie water snake and other endangered and threatened species. Understand how the destruction of habitat leads to loss of endangered and threatened species and our nation's plant and animal diversity. Tell others about what yo u have learned.

Write

Write to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or your state fish and game agency to learn more about endangered and threatened species.

Join

Join a conservation group; many have local chapters.

How Can I Get More Information?

Call or write to:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Division of Endangered Species
Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building
1 Federal Drive
Fort Snelling, Minnesota 55111-4056
(612) 725-3276

In Ohio:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
6950-H Americana Parkway
Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068
(614) 469-6923