The Lake Erie
Water Snake


The Lake Erie Water Snake is listed as a threatened species. It is likely that it will become an endangered species. Its scientific name is Nerodia Sipedon Insularum.

You will be able to see them on the rocky shorelines and cliffs of limestone islands. Baby snakes are born in mid-August through September. The mothers usually have approximately 23 babies.

These water snakes can be found in the large group of limestone islands in Western Lake Erie, the mainland peninsula between Catawba and Marblend, Point Pelee, Ohio and Ontario. Lake Erie Water Snakes have declined mostly because of all of the pollution on the shore line, and because humans are killing them because they mistake them for poisonous snakes. The snake feeds on fish and amphibians.

The Lake Erie Water Snake was going to be added to the U.S. list of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants on August 18th 1993. After a public comment period, a final decision will be made as to whether or not the Lake Erie Water Snake will be put on the list. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will develop a recovery program to help the Lake Erie Water Snake get off of the Endangered Species list.



By Rachel Olsen & Beth Kostur



We got our information from:

http://www.nceet.snre.umich.edu/EndSpp/lake.html



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