The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has until September 17, 2017 to determine whether the Kirtland’s snake (Clonophis kirtlandii) should be protected by the Endangered Species Act, following a settlement with the Center for Biological Diversity.
The Center petitioned the USFWS in 2010 to protect the species. In 2011, the USFWS determined that the snake may warrant protections but failed to complete the mandated 12-month finding on listing the snake. Consequently, the Center sued the service for inaction. Both parties have now reached an agreement. If listed, the snake’s wetland habitat would gain better protection, aiding population recovery. Once common across 100 counties in 8 states, the Kirtland’s snake has declined due to prairie wetland habitat loss. It now exists in scattered pockets in Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky. This snake averages 12-18 inches in length, with grayish-brown coloring and round, checkered spots along its back. Its diet includes invertebrates like earthworms and slugs, as well as minnows, salamanders, frogs, and toads. John B. Virata keeps a ball python, two corn snakes, a king snake, and two leopard geckos. His first snake, a California kingsnake, was purchased at the Pet Place in Westminster, CA for $5.
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