Sharp Tailed Snakes Suspected

These rocks may seem unassuming, but if you keep your eyes open, you may just catch a glimpse of a rare snake! An endangered species found on North Pender and Galiano Islands, is suspected to live on SḴŦAḴ | Mayne Island as well. The sharp-tailed snake is recognizable by the white and black band pattern on its underside and is a shiny brown colour.  These small snakes look shiny because they have smooth scales, and as their name suggests, their tail has a distinct sharp, spine-like tip.

There are also several species of garter snakes on the Gulf Islands. Garter snakes are much larger, have rough, keeled scales, and a long, tapering tail that lacks the sharp point.

Keep a watchful eye from February to June and September to October, when the sharp-tailed snake is most active. If you think you have found one, snap a photo, and let us know! We’d love to hear of any potential sightings of this endangered species.

Note: Please do not pick up, remove, or otherwise disturb this already endangered species.

We can help the sharp-tailed snake by protecting the areas it needs to survive. They live in the Coastal Douglas Fir Biogeoclimatic Zone, where trees like Douglas fir, Garry oak and arbutus are present. An area like this is a great contender, where it can hide under rocks and decaying wood. Rocky slopes with southern exposure make an ideal habitat for these snakes, who rely on warmth for egg laying and maintaining body temperature.