The last time a Smooth Green Snake was documented in southwest Ohio was 1871.
Davis discovered the rare snakes by accident. He was using coverboards to attract Eastern Massassauga Rattlesnakes, a native of the base. Coverboards are roofing tins placed on the ground that attract snakes because they provide warm, safe shelter.
Along with the rattlesnakes, Davis’ coverboards attracted Garter Snakes, Brown Snakes and the elusive Smooth Green Snake.
“They are almost the exact color of the grass they live in,” Davis said. “They may be more common than we realized. But finding them is a matter of putting out the coverboards.”
Davis said the snakes are harmless to humans and friendly to the environment. Their population decline is due to predators like hawks and pesticide use.
“The snakes digest bugs that have been exposed to pesticides, which in turn kills the snakes,” Davis said.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is now funding Davis’ study of the local population, trying to determine the approximate population size. Currently, the Smooth Green Snake is listed as a species of special concern, in danger of moving to the next step of being a threatened species.
Davis said if anyone in the area thinks they see the pure green snakes, with no markings or spots on them and white bellies, they can contact the Ohio Division of Wildlife or Davis directly at anura@fuse.net.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2124 or kwedell@coxohio.com.