Water snake population explodes throughout Western Basin of Lake Erie

MARBLEHEAD, Ohio - If you plan to enjoy the Western Basin of Lake Erie this summer, you will be sharing the water, beaches and marinas with some slippery friends--snakes.

Responding to reports from viewers of an increased number of snakes, NewsChannel5 traveled to communities all around the western end of the lake and found large numbers of water snakes that have become active in the summery conditions.

As reported, the snakes were found swimming in the water, coiled on the rocks, basking in the sunshine and even boarding boats. The creatures ranged in size from just a few inches to more than three feet long. They have very small teeth.

But according to experts, the snakes are harmless and pose no threat or danger to humans or pets.

Kristin Stanford, a researcher at Ohio State University's Stone Laboratory field station on South Bass Island, told NewsChannel5 the snakes are Northern Water Snakes, and a subspecies--the Lake Erie Water Snake.

Stanford said populations of both snakes are exploding due to the abundance of Round Goby fish that the snakes like to eat.

The Goby is an invasive species that were first found in the St. Clair River in 1990. It is believed the species was transported to the Great Lakes in the ballast water of cargo ships.

The Lake Erie Water Snake is currently listed as threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service -- but as evidenced by the many visible snakes, that designation appears to be outdated, and according to Stanford, could soon be lifted.

"When the snakes were first listed, it was estimated there were only 1,500 to 2,000 animals left on the Lake Erie Islands," said Stanford, who has served as Recovery Plan Coordinator for the Lake Erie Water Snake. "Right now we're looking at about 12,000 on the islands -- so they're doing quite well."

Here's a link for more information about the threatened Lake Erie Water Snake:
http://www.respectthesnake.com