Western Lake Erie Basin

"Water Snakes Welcome Here" is a common sign found on the islands of western Lake Erie. The Lake Erie water snake, an endangered species, is getting some help from concerned citizens and federal biologists through an extensive education campaign. The goal is to change the perception of snakes from scary poisonous predators to harmless lake residents. The effort is paying off. Island residents, especially the children, are learning to not fear the snakes. Residents are also learning to watch out for the snakes when they go about their business. Since the educational efforts were introduced reports of intentional killings of the snake have almost stopped.

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