August 23, 2019 – The Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (UTRCA) is pleased to announce the successful incubation of Eastern Hog-nosed Snake eggs for the first time in the Thames River watershed!

“Our Species at Risk team found these Eastern Hog-nosed Snake eggs earlier this summer in an area heavily impacted by predators and human use,” said Scott Gillingwater, Species at Risk Biologist at the UTRCA. “We acted quickly to move the eggs to incubators in the lab at the UTRCA. This was a joint effort with Salthaven Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. We are excited to report we will be releasing 33 newly hatched “snakelets” back in the area where we found the eggs.”

The Eastern Hog-nosed Snake is a threatened species in Ontario, meaning it is likely to become endangered if steps are not taken to address factors threatening it. The UTRCA has been researching this species for more than 10 years.

The most significant threats to the Eastern Hog-nosed are habitat loss and fragmentation, road mortality, and persecution by people. This harmless snake’s imitation of a cobra is so convincing that people often think it is dangerous. Hog-nosed Snakes try a variety of displays to ward off danger. If none of them work, this harmless species will actually roll over and play dead!

Thank you to our Sponsors and Donors:
Environment Canada’s Habitat Stewardship Program for Species at Risk; Provincial Species at Risk Stewardship Fund; The Schad Foundation; Dispenser Amenities; Eric and Karen Auzins; New Balance London; and public donations.

The UTRCA welcomes financial help with this important Species at Risk recovery work.

Photos of 2019 Eastern Hog-nosed snakelets hatching

Contact: Scott Gillingwater, Species at Risk Biologist