Whenever we find a wild snake on zoo grounds we collect data on where it is, weather conditions, and the condition of the snake. We then insert a small tag similar to the microchips you might put in your dog or cat so they can be identified. The tags provide a unique code that over time will give us a broad understanding of what species and how many of each we have.

We’re also implanting transmitters into a small number of Gray Rat Snakes so we can track their activity year round. Twice a week we track down each snake using a receiver that picks up their signal, which will give us a better idea of where they are on zoo grounds. There is so much we do not know about snakes in urban environments and we are hoping to answer some of the questions.

Urban expansion is fragmenting habitats while pushing native animals out. Some animals adapt to living around humans and other animals struggle. Every species plays a role in a healthy and resilient ecosystem, with many of them providing free services for us such as pollination, nutrient transport, pest and disease control as well as providing beauty. The more we understand the needs of the animals that live around us the better we can create and manage urban habitats that support all of us.

Yes! If you see us out in the zoo working with a snake or holding a strange antenna, feel free to ask what we’re doing. We’d love to show you! You can also help at home. If you see a snake, leave it alone. Take a picture from a safe distance and share it on iNaturalist to have it identified and help scientists understand snake distribution. Give it a safe home by landscaping with native plants. Even small native habitats can help our local animals survive.