Invasive water snakes pose threat to California species

Southern water snake (Credit: Harry Alverson, via Wikimedia)

Invasive water snakes making their way into California waterways pose a threat to native and endangered species there, according to a release from the University of California, Davis.

While scientists don’t know how many of the invasive snakes are in California, estimates place them at 300. The two most widespread species are the southern water snake and the common water snake.

With such low numbers, ecologists say that the issue is not yet out of control. Action should be taken now, they say, to control emerging populations of invasive water snakes to protect species native to California.

Image: Southern water snake (Credit: Harry Alverson, via Wikimedia)

One Comment

1. 

   Mitchell Norris

   May 25, 2020 at 7:32 pm

   There are many of these snakes in fresh water ponds east of San Diego. Specifically, the hills southwest of Jamul in the Proctor Valley road area.

   Reply