Management of an endangered species of snake in Ohio,USA

More species of snakes are becoming endangered yet information on their effective management is lacking. The present study assessed the general biology of the prairie garter snake, an endangered species in Ohio, USA, and the potential impact of mortality due to game management practices in a state wildlife area (automobile traffic and grass mowing operations). Alterations to the present management practices include alternatives such as rescheduling of mowing operations to coincide with the snake's periods of inactivity and using signs to caution motorists to avoid hitting snakes on the road. Future management of wildlife areas should not focus upon a single species or trophic level but rather consider both non-game and game species.