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Article: Biologists: Lake Erie snakes no longer threatened
- Article from:
- AP Online
- Article date:
- June 8, 2008
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The nonpoisonous Lake Erie water snake _ deemed endangered by the state and threatened by the federal government almost a decade ago _ has rebounded in recent years, and biologists predict that it will soon be removed from the lists.
The water snake once inhabited 22 islands and rock outcrops of western Lake Erie, part of the Ontario mainland and shorelines of Ohio's Catawba/Marblehead peninsula.
But the species fell victim to development and, more specifically, hogs, which were brought to the islands in the early 20th century to kill the snakes. As vacationers crowded the resort communities on South Bass, Middle Bass and Kelleys islands each summer, more of the snakes _ ...