Garter snake
Q: Hello, I’m emailing on behalf of Joe Kiss. I am wondering why there are no garter snakes around? I haven’t seen any for about two years now. Meredith Kiss, Union Rural Electric Cooperative
A: Hi, Meredith. Please tell Joe that I referred his question to Doug Wynn, one of Ohio’s leading snake experts and a member of Logan County Electric Cooperative; the following is his answer:
“I think every species of snake in Ohio is declining except for the Lake Erie watersnake. Habitat destruction is probably the leading factor. Pesticides and herbicides may be involved also. The Lake Erie watersnake has expanded its range along the West Basin islands of the lake, compared to the 1980s when studies began. One reason for the snake’s success is an incredible outreach program by Kristin Stanford (aka “The Island Snake Lady”). The crib docks that many landowners build provide cover for the snakes. In fact, landowners may be required to use the crib dock design when they replace their old docks. But I am not sure where that stands at this time.”
The crib docks that Wynn refers to are built by forming a wooden box or “crib” out of heavy timbers, then filling the box with large stones. The docks are built for boats and shoreline protection, but inadvertently provide habitat for the snakes. By the way, Kristin Stanford and her award-winning work with the Lake Erie watersnake was once featured on the national television program Dirty Jobs hosted by Mike Rowe. You can probably view the episode in the show’s archives — it’s not only informative and entertaining but very funny!
