Snake Translocation Policies and Practices Within the United States

Authors

• Robin E. Bedard, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
• Megan Rottenborn, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow
• Emily Taylor, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoFollow

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Abstract

Human–wildlife conflict with nuisance snakes (Serpentes) is rapidly increasing with human population growth and development rates. Translocation of nuisance snakes has become a widespread practice, aided by social media pages connecting people to volunteer and for-profit snake translocators. However, translocators often struggle to find information and resources from wildlife agencies about the policies required, and some may unintentionally use translocation procedures that disregard the health and survival of the snakes. The goals of this study were to (1) obtain data on policies, permitting, and training required for translocating nuisance snakes in each U.S. state that has snakes and (2) compare the policies with data on actual procedures being performed by snake translocators. This paper is a resource connecting translocators with policies and best practice information to assist them in conducting translocations legally, safely, and in the best interest of all involved, including the wildlife agencies, snake translocators, and the snakes being translocated.

Recommended Citation

Bedard, Robin E.; Rottenborn, Megan; and Taylor, Emily (2024) "Snake Translocation Policies and Practices Within the United States," Human–Wildlife Interactions: Vol. 18: Iss. 3, Article 5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.26077/7p0t-kd71
Available at: https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/hwi/vol18/iss3/5