Cameras tracking rare snake in NE Ohio
(WJW) – Experts say it’s considered by many to be one of the most attractive snakes in Ohio, but the mix between the smooth greensnake‘s fast, elusive behavior and its endangered population numbers in Ohio make sightings very rare.
To help researchers and conservation efforts, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park recently shared in a post to social media that said “passive monitoring equipment” is set up in the park to capture pictures of the snakes.
“These images provide information about where the snakes are and what types of habitat they occupy,” read the post.
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The research is a partnership between the Ohio Division of Wildlife and Miami University.
In 2023, Summit Metro Parks announced its involvement in the study.
In a press release officials explained, “While most observations come from Northeast Ohio, these serpentine residents remain one of the most perplexing and least understood snakes in our state. Their health in this region offers crucial insights into the overall well-being of green snake populations across Ohio.”
The smooth greensnake is non-venomous and rather small, only about 1-2 feet long.
According to the Ohio Division of Wildlife, “Its preferred habitat — grassy areas of prairies or near marshes and lakes — has been lost to development.”
In the summer, females might be found laying their eggs under rocks and logs. Then in the winter, the greensnakes hibernate in groups.
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“Most sightings of the smooth greensnake consist of a rapid glimpse of green moving in the grass or weeds. If one is lucky or fast enough, then it may be possible to catch one of these small, slender snakes,” reads a Reptiles of Ohio Field Guide. “More often they are caught when surprised under objects. When captured they seldom make any effort to bite and usually excrete a foul-smelling musk.”
You can help researchers by reporting sightings, here.
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