Snakes Study at Cherokee Marsh

If you come across plywood boards in the Cherokee Marsh North Unit, it's not trash. It's a snake study! Wisconsin Master Naturalist Steve Davis started a small snake study on Earth Day, with approval from Madison Parks conservation staff and encouragement from the Friends board.

The goal is to identify snake species present in the park and estimate their populations. At the suggestion of the Master Naturalist program administrator Becky Sapper, Steve is also using the study to identify possible presence of Fungal Snake Disease.

The survey involves placing six plywood sheets in various habitats throughout Cherokee Marsh–North Unit likely to harbor snakes. Periodically, Steve will turn each board over, capture any snakes present, and place the snakes in a box to allow for orderly identification, measurement, and photography. Data will be recorded and snakes released unharmed. In addition, Steve will note any snakes that he spots beyond the six study sites. The survey will last approximately two weeks. At the conclusion of the survey, the plywood sheets will be removed and findings summarized in a report to Madison Parks, the Wisconsin DNR, and Friends of Cherokee Marsh.

Steve will let us know what he finds, but he's already spotted a Red-bellied Snake, a Fox Snake, and a Garter Snake. The Fox Snake may have signs of fungal disease.

By the way, there are NO venomous snakes native to the Madison area. If you see a snake, fear not. It's part of a healthy ecosystem!

At left, red-bellied snake. Center, fox snake, possibly with fungal disease. At right, fox snake.

All photos by Steve Davis.