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UTRCA on Lookout for Snake

Saturday, 4 October 2014 07:50

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority is asking the public to be on the lookout for the non-dangerous Eastern Hog-nosed snake.

LONDON - The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority is on the lookout for the Eastern Hog-Nosed Snake. 

Species at Risk Biologist Scott Gillingwater says while they are harmless, they do act similar to venomous species.

"In addition to the snake having a thick body and a pattern similar to a rattlesnake, threat displays can mimic cobras as they swell up their hood or inflate their neck to look bigger than they normally are, they can gape their mouth wide, they can do mock strikes, releases a horrible smelling musk, they can hiss very loudly."

"If you were to find one in the field you would see that it's a very heavy bodied snake so there's a lot of girth to it, a lot of weight to it. It also has an upturned snout but in terms of body colour and pattern, it can vary quite a bit."

In Ontario there are 18 different types of snakes, with 11 listed as at risk. 

The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority says the threats to the snakes usually revolve around humans though Ontario does not have any dangerous snakes. . 

Gillingwater asks that you please do not kill the snake should you come across it.

"If you have a chance to take a photo with your smartphone or if you have a camera with you, that will allow us to confirm the species right off the bat and the more we know about the species, where they are found, the more we can do to protect them."

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