Saskatchewan’s Snakes: Slithering to Risk?

-Emily Putz, Habitat Stewardship Coordinator, Nature Saskatchewan

August 6th, 2024

From Garters to Rattlesnakes, our slithery reptiles play a very important role in keeping our grasslands healthy. A role that is slowly becoming at-risk as these critters disappear from their historic ranges.

Saskatchewan is home to nine species of snake, mostly found across the southern portions of the province. Of these nine, four are now listed as species at-risk of extinction, another one added just this year. "Plains Hog- nosed, Bullsnakes, Rattlesnakes, and the Yellow-bellied Racer are all now listed," Emily Putz, Habitat Stewardship Coordinator for Nature Saskatchewan states, "Their habitat is disappearing, and they are extremely susceptible to roadkill events, whether accidental or otherwise." Referring to the persecution snakes deal with both at their wintering sites where they gather together and on the roadways that they approach to bask on.