Prince Edward Islanders are once again urged to be on the lookout for smooth green snakes, the smallest and rarest reptile species on the island. Last year, a public call by the province’s forests, fish, and wildlife division led to over 20 confirmed sightings of these elusive snakes, reaffirming their presence across P.E.I.
According to Julie-Lynn Zahavich, a forest conservation specialist with the division, the sightings helped in identifying the types of habitats the snakes prefer in P.E.I., aiding in habitat modeling refinement. Zahavich emphasized the importance of understanding the population trends of the potentially endangered species to determine the necessity of future conservation measures.
Smooth green snakes are predominantly found in grassy areas where their vibrant green color allows them to blend seamlessly with the surroundings. Zahavich highlighted the distinctive appearance of these snakes compared to the other snake species on the island, which are typically brown or tan in color.
Islanders are encouraged to report smooth green snake sightings to the division, providing GPS coordinates, detailed descriptions, photographs, or videos. Zahavich expressed gratitude for the public’s contributions last year and reiterated the harmless nature of these snakes, emphasizing their beneficial role in controlling insects and bugs in gardens.
The division can be contacted directly or through their Facebook page for snake sightings, aiming for a similar level of community involvement and success as in the previous year.