The Columbus Zoo has been raising tiny baby plains garter snakes—each barely the size of a pencil—in an effort to save one of Ohio’s most endangered reptiles.
Why it matters
The plains garter snake was once common across Ohio but is now primarily found in the state-managed Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area. A breeding program at the zoo has helped prevent its local extinction in recent years.
These pest-eating carnivores play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance.
How it works
For about 20 years, the zoo has housed adult snakes, raised their offspring, and released them into the wild each summer. Before release, the snakes are tagged with microscopic identification devices similar to pet microchips.
The releases take place at Killdeer Plains Wildlife Area, about an hour northwest of Columbus.
By the numbers
The zoo has released more than 400 baby snakes so far, according to program leader Tara Archer.
A typical litter ranges from six to 21 snakes, depending on the mother’s age and size.
Archer, head of venomous collections at the Columbus Zoo, recently held a pair of baby plains garter snakes she raised from birth before releasing them into the wild.
The breeding program is one example of the zoo’s ongoing efforts to support Ohio’s endangered native species.