The members of Snake Force Once initiated a project to monitor the health and disease status of snakes at three National Wildlife Refuges in Virginia. Originating in late summer of 2005,  this on-going study has focused on snakes at the following refuges: Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge, James River National Wildlife Refuge, and the Presquile Island National Wildlife Refuge. The group has attempted to monitor snakes at each refuge twice a month in April and May, and again in late September and early October of each year.  Special use permits are obtained each year outlining the goals and objectives of the project and any special conditions required by the refuges.

Each snake captured is measured for body length and inspected for external lesions, parasites on the skin or in the mouth, and PIT-TAGED, to permit its identification when recaptured. Blood samples are also taken (from the adults) to monitor for parasites and cellular abnormalities.

 

If you would like to join Snake Force One, please contact Joy Ware