Snake Supervisors
Survey for the Slithers and Scales Who Support Our Ecosystems
Many people are afraid of snakes, but don't fear, snakes are pretty gentle creatures. Our slithery friends get a bad rap, when actually they are great allies. Snakes keep mice and other rodent populations in check, and even keep insect populations like slugs controlled too. Unfortunately most snake species are in decline due to habitat loss, road mortality, and intentional killing due to irrational fears. We are losing the benefits that snakes give our ecosystems.
Do you want to help our misunderstood friends have a brighter future? Become a snake supervisor today!
Thank you for your interest in helping to save our amazing biodiversity!
Snakes are nature's pest controllers, and they are very endearing once you get to know them; however they are facing many challenges that are significantly reducing their numbers. They need our help!
As part of our team you will learn how to identify where these slithery sentinels are hanging out and help them thrive! When they prosper they also help to keep us healthy by keeping rodents or other raiders in check!
For our Snake Supervisor Eco Hero Team members (soon to be you!) we offer online tools to teach you what to do and what not to do, how to report your findings to us, and we offer ongoing support with our team. If you are interested in helping, please register below. Once registered you can choose a workshop and access the training tools! When looking for an online training event to attend, if you are unable to find a suitable date, consider watch the training videos online first. Please contact us with questions or to book a phone/online meeting for more support!
Step 1:
Step 2: Sign up for a live workshop
Our training workshops will provide you with all the information that you need to become an expert at Snake IDs. We will teach you all the skills needed to gather high quality data and feel comfortable watching over our slithering friends! Everyone who wishes to volunteer must fill out the Workshop Sign-Up Form (if you are unable to attend a live session or are a returning volunteer, please select that option on the Workshop Sign-Up Form).
Those who wish to sign up for pre-recorded session:
Pre-recorded training sessions are available below for people who are unable to make a live workshop; however it is strongly encourage you to attend one because they help to build community and provide you with a chance to ask questions! If you choose to only watch a pre-recorded session you will be required to complete our Snake Supervisor Quiz. Also, please note: you must still fill out the Workshop Sign-Up Form and indicate that you are unable to make any of the live workshops.
Returning volunteers:
If you are a returning volunteer you are not required to attend another workshop session; however we strongly encourage you to attend one so you can re-familiarize yourself with protocols and our team. Please note: you must still fill out the Workshop Sign-Up Form and indicate that you are a returning volunteer.
Step 3: Re-watch training videos & download sheets
Did you know that we have 12 species of snakes in The Land Between region! Watch the three videos and download the documents below to learn how to identify snakes, conduct snake research in your backyard, and conduct road surveys! NOTE: If you would like to enlarge the videos click play and then click the square in the bottom right.
i. Snakes of The Land Between
ii. Backyard Snake Surveying
iii. Road Snake Surveying
Helpful documents
Backyard Snake
Monitoring info sheets
Road Snake
Monitoring info sheets
These resources were developed and/or assembled and edited by Siena Smith, Conservation Program Assistant and Senior Technician
Step 4: Pass the Snake Supervisors Quizzes
After watching the training videos and reading the protocols complete the Snake Supervisors Quizzes by clicking in the button below. Once you complete the quizzes, your results will be sent to our team.
This quiz is mandatory for anyone who has not attended a live workshop.
Step 5: Read the Safety Protocols & do the Safetly Quizzes
Safety is of the utmost important at all times. Please make sure that you download and carefully read the Safety Protocol below. After you have completed reading the protocol, click the "Safety Quizzes" button below to confirm your knowledge — you must pass the quiz to join any of our community science teams. Once you have completed the quizzes, our team will be notified.
Road Safety Training Video
Outdoor Hazards Safety Training Video
Fascinated by snakes? Read about the Eastern Hognose!
These opportunities and activities have been generously supported by:
