A small endangered snake has unexpectedly become a factor in a Wisconsin road reconstruction project after appearing in the area slated for construction, WMTV reported.
Here's what to know
According to WMTV, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources located the snake within the planned work area as crews were getting ready to reconstruct part of Highway 59.
Because the western ribbon snake is listed as endangered in Wisconsin, state law requires wildlife specialists to create a plan to capture and safely relocate the animals before any bulldozers can enter the site.
Work on the highway project is planned for April through October 2027 and would include fixing worn pavement and replacing older bridges over the Scuppernong River.
The Wisconsin DNR is accepting written public comments through Oct. 25.
What's being done?
To prepare the site before major construction begins in April 2027, the DNR plans to erect fencing to guide the snakes away while reducing harm to their habitat.
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It's very likely that this action will help reduce the risk of killing or displacing this already vulnerable snake population. While this alone won't restore the western ribbon snakes to their former glory, purposeful action can do a lot to protect local ecosystems.
Where can I learn more?
Snakes are a crucial part of many ecosystems. Fortunately, people have found a lot of ways to live with them and keep their populations healthy.
• Backyard homeowners have turned snake-friendly yard tips into a calmer response to garter snakes.
• In western Wisconsin, a homeowner used a $1 rubber snake to drive off sparrows.
• In Louisiana, conservationists released a rare batch of snake hatchlings to restore dwindling populations.
• After nearly 30 years, Audubon Zoo returned 14 rare Louisiana pine snakes to the wild.
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