Information on Lake Erie watersnakes is needed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as the agency conducts a review of the rare snake’s status required under the Endangered Species Act.
Every five years, the Service must review the status of endangered and threatened wildlife and plants to ensure that a species’ listing classification as threatened or endangered is accurate. The Service will examine the Lake Erie watersnake’s current status along with any new information about the snake. The Lake Erie watersnake was listed as threatened in 1999.
Helpful to the review are reports, analyses or other new information on the Lake Erie watersnake that address population status and threats, population trends; genetics and competition; habitat use, condition or amount; and effectiveness of current protections, management and conservation planning. A notice outlining specific information needs can be viewed at http://www.fws.gov/policy/library/E8-8707.pdf.
New information received by the Service will be used to determine whether the population of Lake Erie watersnakes is growing, shrinking, or stable. The Service will also be looking for a change in current threats to the species, as well as any new threats. This new information will be weighed against the criteria used to list species as endangered or threatened to see if a change in listing status is warranted.
Information on the Lake Erie watersnake may be sent to Field Office Supervisor, Attention: Lake Erie Watersnake 5-year Review, 6950-H Americana Parkway, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068-41 Information regarding the Lake Erie Watersnake may also be sent electronically to FW3MidwestRegion_5YearReview@fws.gov. Please submit your information in Rich Text Format, or Plain Text Format.
Information must be received by the Service by June 23 to be included in the status review. If you have any questions regarding this request, contact Ms. Megan Seymour at the above address, or at 614-469-6923 extension 16.
The Lake Erie watersnake inhabits islands in Ohio and Ontario waters of Lake Erie. Populations of this species inhabiting offshore islands (and rock outcrops that are more than 1 mile from the mainland) were listed as threatened in 1999. A species is designated as threatened if it is likely to become in danger of extinction within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range. Lake Erie watersnake populations declined due to development of shoreline habitat and because they were often killed by people.
Lake Erie watersnakes are slate gray, or partly banded, and measure 1 to 3.5 feet in length. The snakes live along shorelines of the Lake Erie islands where they feed on small fish and amphibians. When approached by people, they usually flee into the water or seek cover.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov
