Eastern Foxsnake Telemetry Project
Foxsnakes at Shawanaga Landing
The Landing is an important historical, cultural, and recreational landmark for members of Shawanaga First Nation. This space is also shared by an iconic species of snake; the Eastern Foxsnake (pantherophis vulpinus). Since the Landing sees frequent use by the community during the active season, interactions between these harmless snakes and people are fairly commonplace here.
Breeding evidence for this species along with an interest in further development of the Landing have resulted in a need to identify the how and where of Foxsnake habitat use in the area.
The project so far…
In 2023, we installed nesting boxes at the Landing, Shawanaga Island, and off of a connecting wetland on Skerryvore Road. Nesting boxes are a common method used to emulate natural egg-laying conditions and improve critical habitat of the Eastern Foxsnake and related species.
It was a success! When we sifted through the nesting boxes at the end of the season in 2024, we found several egg clutches. This discovery, along with observations of juvenile snakes from nearby, confirm that the Landing is critical habitat for the Eastern Foxsnake. Following these discoveries, we installed an additional nesting box at the Landing.
Moving Forward
From 2025 to 2026, we will be partnering will snake telemetry experts at Ecophylla Consulting to launch our own short-term radio telemetry study. Our goal is to identify critical hibernation and nesting habitat, along with any movement corridors the snakes use to travel through the Landing and surrounding area. This information will be used to inform best management practices; protecting the snakes while keeping the best interests of the community both now and in the future.