Prince Edward Islanders are once again urged to be on the lookout for smooth green snakes, the rarest reptile species on the island and also the smallest of the three snake species found in P.E.I. Last year, the province’s forests, fish, and wildlife division requested public assistance in spotting these snakes, resulting in over 20 confirmed sightings which indicated their continued presence across P.E.I.
Julie-Lynn Zahavich, a forest conservation specialist with the division, emphasized the importance of these sightings in understanding the habitat preferences of the smooth green snakes on the island. The division aims to refine their habitat modeling based on these observations to aid in the conservation of this potentially imperiled species.
Identifying population trends is crucial to the conservation efforts, and Zahavich highlighted the need for more information to determine whether the snake population is stable, declining, or increasing. Unlike the other snake species in the province that are more brown or tan, smooth green snakes stand out with their bright green coloration, primarily inhabiting grassy areas where they can easily camouflage.
Islanders are encouraged to report any smooth green snake sightings to the division, providing GPS coordinates, detailed descriptions, photographs, or videos of the snakes, whether alive or deceased. Public involvement proved successful in the past, leading to valuable insights, and Zahavich expressed hope for a similar response this year. She reassured the public that these snakes are harmless and beneficial for gardens as they help control bug and insect populations.