Moving Snakes - Methods and Requirements

Moving snakes involves capturing snakes that are living in suitable snake habitat within a construction footprint and moving them immediately outside of the snake exclusion fencing into adjacent suitable snake habitat, preferably toward the suitable wetlands. This work must be performed by qualified consultants that are familiar with Butler's gartersnake habitat requirements. Consultants who plan to conduct snake removals must obtain an Endangered and Threatened Species Permit prior to handling Butler's gartersnakes. Species identifications involving all gartersnakes found must be verified by a qualified herpetologist familiar with Butler's gartersnakes until the consultant doing the work has proven his or her ability to properly identify Butler's gartersnakes.

Moving snakes usually employs two methods:

1. Placing plywood boards to attract snakes - specific methods and timing are continually changing as we learn more through observation and research.
2. Funnel trapping along the construction side of the snake exclusion fencing- this method was recently tested on an experimental level but will be allowed. Methods and timing will continue to be modified as more of this work is conducted.

Projects have experienced significant increases in the time involved for snake removals where project proponents failed to maintain fence integrity and snakes return to the removal area. It is more cost effective and protective to maintain fences than to continue the snake removal process. Snake removals will be required until the Department is satisfied that the majority of snakes have been removed.

Consultants performing this work should check with the Department on the latest specific methods and timing requirements.