Eastern Ribbonsnake

Eastern Ribbonsnake

Visual Surveys: May to October

MTRI researchers have been monitoring Eastern Ribbonsnake populations for many years. The small cryptic snake is rather difficult to study and takes a lot of time and effort to find. MTRI researchers and volunteers monitor wetlands for snakes every year on sunny days during the week. Sch specific weather requirements means surveys are planned on a weekly basis. Eastern Ribbonsnakes live in wetland areas that can be difficult to navigate, meaning boots are a must for this project. Volunteers must be willing to hike several kilometers through tough terrain to participate in this project.

Tracking: October and November

Unlike turtles, snakes do not have a nice permanent shell to attach radios too. Snakes require a different approach to track them, and much smaller equipment. Snakes are tracked daily to monitor their movements in late fall and locate overwintering areas. Volunteers are welcome to join us as we track down these unique wetland critters and learn about the world of radio telemetry. Remember Eastern Ribbonsnakes live in wetland areas that can be difficult to navigate, meaning boots and hiking several kilometres are a must for this project.

Species at Risk

The Mersey Tobeatic Research Institute is one of the foremost organizations specializing in Species at risk research. Working with any Species at risk requires obtaining a permit from the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables (DNRR). Annually MTRI submits for permits from DNRR to work with these species. Additionally, all researchers and volunteers receive comprehensive training to ensure the safety and well-being of both the species and the individuals involved.