Welcome to
Snake Supervisor Training!
A program of The Land Between
Start Learning!
Training Modules are interactive presentations that allow you to complete activities and answer questions as you learn about your volunteer program!
There are several different ways you will be able to interact with this module. On any given page you will see all or some of the buttons below. Hover your mouse over each button to see what they do and how you can use them to navigate in this module.
When you are finished, click the NEXT button at the bottom right of the page.
Next
Sometimes content or options will not appear until you have explored all the content on the page or completed the activity. For example, often the Button will not appear until you have completed an activity or clicked on all images that reveal content on a given page.
Next
You will see this image on the bottom of the screen throughout the module. This explorer will be your guide and helper as you work through the module. You can click on them for help if you get stuck, or for more information!
Next
Clickable images will have a symbol on or next to them. Some images will expand to show you they are clickable. If an image expands and/or pulses, you can click directly on it.
Clickable Image Example:
If you have any issues, you can contact our volunteer supervisor for help!
Send an email to citizensciencetlb@gmail.com or give us a call at (705) 457-1222
Next
Module Menu
1. Warning & Considerations
7. How to Survey for Snakes
2. What is a Snake Supervisor?
8. Test your Knowledge!
3. Snake Safety & Identification
9. Protocol & Data Reporting
Click next to start learning!
4. Test your Knowledge!
10. Test your Knowledge!
5. Where and When to Survey
11. Module Completion Form
6. Test your Knowledge!
Next
Considerations for Data Collection
Data on Species at Risk is sensitive and can't be shared without permission from The Land Between charity.
- This information is confidential and must remain private to protect vulnerable species from the pet trade and poaching.
- Even a picture with a visible location can alert those with bad intentions.
We must keep this sensitive information private to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. By volunteering with The Land Between, you agree to help protect Ontario species and keep snake sighting data, cover board locations, and other information confidential.
I Understand and agree
Module Menu
1. Warning & Considerations
7. How to Survey for Snakes
2. What is a Snake Supervisor?
8. Test your Knowledge!
3. Snake Safety & Identification
9. Protocol & Data Reporting
Click next to keep learning!
4. Test your Knowledge!
10. Test your Knowledge!
5. Where and When to Survey
11. Module Completion Form
6. Test your Knowledge!
Next
Warning
There are dangers in these volunteer activities. Please participate at your own discretion.
Next
General Safety Summary
- Wear proper clothing when conducting surveys, including closed toed shoes, gloves and long pants.
- Use two hands and proper lifting techniques when lifting cover objects.
- When lifting a cover object, pull the object towards your body to maintain a barrier between you and whatever may be underneath.
- Do not perform surveys at night.
Next
Remember: Keep Snakes Safe Too!
Do not attempt to catch snakes and other animals. Even if your intentions are not to harm them, snakes are sensitive animals. They can be stressed easily, therefore, some may strike, or release a foul musk.
- Don't step on cover objects before they are checked.
- This can potentially squish animals underneath.
- If you find an animal under a cover object, put the object back first and let them climb back underneath to avoid hurting the animal.
- Do not overstress the animal by handling them for too long, and certainly, never squeeze any animal!
Follow this link to access our Snake ID Decision Tree!
Next
Module Menu
1. Warning & Considerations
7. How to Survey for Snakes
2. What is a Snake Supervisor?
8. Test your Knowledge!
3. Snake Safety & Identification
9. Protocol & Data Reporting
Click next to keep learning!
4. Test your Knowledge!
10. Test your Knowledge!
5. Where and When to Survey
11. Module Completion Form
6. Test your Knowledge!
Next
Backyard Surveying with Snake Supervisors
Watch video full screen using the buttons in the corner of the video screen!
Next
Backyard Surveying with Snake Supervisors
Thank you for participating in the Snake Supervisors, Backyard Surveying program with The Land Between!
The data you collect will help scientists better understand snake behaviour, identify suitable habitat for these species, and contribute data to overall population health - you are making a valuable contribution to the field of herpetology and wildlife conservation!
Next
Module Menu
1. Warning & Considerations
7. How to Survey for Snakes
2. What is a Snake Supervisor?
8. Test your Knowledge!
3. Snake Safety & Identification
9. Protocol & Data Reporting
Click next to keep learning!
4. Test your Knowledge!
10. Test your Knowledge!
5. Where and When to Survey
11. Module Completion Form
6. Test your Knowledge!
Next
Snakes of The Land Between
Watch video full screen using the buttons in the corner of the video screen!
Next
Massasauga Rattlesnakes
The only venomous snakes found in Ontario.
Typically shy & timid snakes, who only shake their rattle if they feel threatened, and strike as a last resort.
Here in The Land Between, they are usually found around eastern Georgian
Bay, extending north along the coastline and parallel areas, reaching as far as Sudbury.If you live near their habitat, take the following precautions when surveying: 1) Wear closed-toed
shoes and long pants 2) Pay attention to where you step 3) Do not reach your
hands into places where you can not see into or under.
Next
Eastern Hog-nosed Snakes
The Drama Queen of The Land Between, will flatten its head and neck to imitate a cobra and will even pretend “strike” - with a closed mouth. The reason for this dramatic show is to seem very tough and scary, even though the snakes are not dangerous.
If they are continually harassed they roll over and play dead. Some will even stick out their tongues.
Next
Test Your Knowledge!
Next
Test Your Knowledge!
Multiple Choice
What does the eastern hog-nosed snake do to scare away potential threats?
Curls into a ball
Puffs up & pretends to strike
Slithers away
Next
Correct!
Test Your Knowledge!
Next
Test Your Knowledge!
Next
Module Menu
1. Warning & Considerations
7. How to Survey for Snakes
2. What is a Snake Supervisor?
8. Test your Knowledge!
3. Snake Safety & Identification
9. Protocol & Data Reporting
Click next to keep learning!
4. Test your Knowledge!
10. Test your Knowledge!
5. Where and When to Survey
11. Module Completion Form
6. Test your Knowledge!
Next
Where to Look for Snakes
Next
When to Survey
- We start our surveys in early May, at least two weeks after placing the cover boards, and continue through the end of the active season in October.
- The chances of finding snakes are highest in spring and early summer (from April to early July), but it's important to check your cover boards regularly throughout the season.
- Each time you inspect the boards counts as a new survey, so please complete a new data sheet for each survey you conduct.
Next
Module Menu
1. Warning & Considerations
7. How to Survey for Snakes
2. What is a Snake Supervisor?
8. Test your Knowledge!
3. Snake Safety & Identification
9. Protocol & Data Reporting
Click next to keep learning!
4. Test your Knowledge!
10. Test your Knowledge!
5. Where and When to Survey
11. Module Completion Form
6. Test your Knowledge!
Next
Test Your Knowledge!
Next
Test Your Knowledge!
Multiple Choice
How do both natural and artificial cover benefit snakes?
By providing hunting grounds
By helping them hide from predators and regulate temperature
By increasing their odds of finding a mate
Next
Correct!
Test Your Knowledge!
Multiple Choice
Which of these objects is artifical cover?
Next
Correct!
Module Menu
1. Warning & Considerations
7. How to Survey for Snakes
2. What is a Snake Supervisor?
8. Test your Knowledge!
3. Snake Safety & Identification
9. Protocol & Data Reporting
Click next to keep learning!
4. Test your Knowledge!
10. Test your Knowledge!
5. Where and When to Survey
11. Module Completion Form
6. Test your Knowledge!
Next
What to Bring
Next
Cover Board Placement
- Cover boards should be placed between April and May as soon as the ground is
moderately dry.
- Place cover boards in dry, open or semi-open habitats on relatively flat
ground with sun exposure and away from any natural cover.
- If you have any waterbodies on your property, place cover boards within 10 meters of the shoreline to survey for semi-aquatic snakes.
- If you are placing more than one cover board on your property, number each board with a permanent marker to help keep track of them.
Next
Surveying: Species of Interest
If you think you have come across any of the species
listed below, please call The Land Between for further
instruction as these are considered species at risk.
- Eastern Foxsnake
- Eastern Hog-nosed Snake
- Massasauga Rattlesnake
- Eastern Ribbonsnake
- Black/grey Rat Snake
Next
Module Menu
1. Warning & Considerations
7. How to Survey for Snakes
2. What is a Snake Supervisor?
8. Test your Knowledge!
3. Snake Safety & Identification
9. Protocol & Data Reporting
Click next to keep learning!
4. Test your Knowledge!
10. Test your Knowledge!
5. Where and When to Survey
11. Module Completion Form
6. Test your Knowledge!
Next
Test Your Knowledge!
True or False?
Next
Test Your Knowledge!
Next
Test Your Knowledge!
Multiple Choice
When should cover boards be placed?
March to April
April to early July
Year-Round
Next
Correct!
Module Menu
1. Warning & Considerations
7. How to Survey for Snakes
2. What is a Snake Supervisor?
8. Test your Knowledge!
3. Snake Safety & Identification
9. Protocol & Data Reporting
Click next to keep learning!
4. Test your Knowledge!
10. Test your Knowledge!
5. Where and When to Survey
11. Module Completion Form
6. Test your Knowledge!
Next
Snake Surveying Protocol
Record general data
If cover board is wet, flip it
Fill out the “Cover Board Observations” data sheet
Listen and look for snakes
Take the temperature - OPTIONAL
Continue surveying until you check all the cover boards
Check under the cover board
Complete survey and record end time
Next
Finishing the Survey
Once you have completed your survey and have doublechecked that there is nothing missing, you can enter your data in the online reporting form.
You may also choose to use your photos and the Snake ID Decision Trees to try and ID the snake species you found. If you are unsure of the identification, record the species as “unknown”.
Next
Reporting Data
Page 1
Page 2
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Reporting Data
Page 3
Page 4
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Tips for Collecting Good Data
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Uploading Data
How to Upload On the Computer:
Visit the Snake Supervisor page to access the onlie reporting form! It's easy! OR, you can email us a copy of the forms
Next
Helpful Documents
Protocol Flow Charts
Snake ID Decision Tree
Outdoor Hazards
Next
Module Menu
1. Warning & Considerations
7. How to Survey for Snakes
2. What is a Snake Supervisor?
8. Test your Knowledge!
3. Snake Safety & Identification
9. Protocol & Data Reporting
Click next to keep learning!
4. Test your Knowledge!
10. Test your Knowledge!
5. Where and When to Survey
11. Module Completion Form
6. Test your Knowledge!
Next
Test Your Knowledge!
Next
Test Your Knowledge!
Multiple Choice
When DON'T we recommended performing surveys?
Early Morning
Afternoon
Nighttime
Next
Correct!
Test Your Knowledge!
True or False?
You cannot record an observation if you are unsure of the species of snake.
True
False
Next
Correct!
Record all the snakes you see during your survey, even if you do not know what kind of snake you are looking at. Take pictures when possible, as this can help The Land Between Staff identify any species you're unsure of.
Test Your Knowledge!
Multiple Choice
When is the best time of day to see snake under cover boards?
2pm-4pm
Anytime
8am-12pm
10am-1pm
Next
Correct!
Snakes are typically out in the morning or early evening when the air temperature is between 10 °C and 30 °C.
Module Menu
1. Warning & Considerations
7. How to Survey for Snakes
2. What is a Snake Supervisor?
8. Test your Knowledge!
3. Snake Safety & Identification
9. Protocol & Data Reporting
Click next to fill in the module completion form!
4. Test your Knowledge!
10. Test your Knowledge!
5. Where and When to Survey
11. Module Completion Form
6. Test your Knowledge!
Next
Don't forget to hit submit at the bottom of the form!
Next
Next
Module Menu
1. Warning & Considerations
7. How to Survey for Snakes
2. What is a Snake Supervisor?
8. Test your Knowledge!
3. Snake Safety & Identification
9. Protocol & Data Reporting
To review any content, simply click on the corresponding section of the menu!
4. Test your Knowledge!
10. Test your Knowledge!
5. Where and When to Survey
11. Module Completion Form
6. Test your Knowledge!
Next
Sources
Casper, G.S and Hecnar, S.J. 2011. Standard Operating Procedure for: Cover Board Surveys for Snakes in the Lake Superior Basin. Version 1.0. Retrieved from https://shecnar.lakeheadu.ca/uploads/docs/LS_Cover_Object_SOP.pdf OMNRF. 2016. Survey Protocol for Ontario’s Species at Risk Snakes. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Species Conservation Policy Branch. Peterborough, Ontario. ii + 17 pp. All photo links are added within the interactivity of the photos used.
Next
Incorrect! Try again.
Surveying can be completed at your convenience, but we recommend checking cover objects at least once a week. While there is no minimum requirement, the maximum requirement would be once per day. The best time of day to check your cover boards and cover materials is in the afternoon- ideally between 2pm and 5pm.
Incorrect! Try again.
If a snake is present: 1) take a photo of the snake(s) for identification purposes and try to ID the species. 2) Replace the cover board once all animals have moved from underneath it to avoid squishing them. If you come across any of the protected snakes listed earlier, call The Land Between for further instructions. However, if there is nothing underneath the cover board, replace it gently.
April 16th 2025
- Remember, we recommend using cover objects of pine plywood, 1⁄4 to 3⁄4 inches thick, and to avoid using cedar wood.
- Cedar wood can be toxic to some reptiles and amphibians
- Thin pieces of metal can be used successfully, however in very warm conditions the space under the metal can reach temperatures that can be deadly to snakes or their eggs.
- Stacking multiple metal sheets in layers works better than a single sheet.
- Cover objects that are at least 2x2 feet are recommended, but the bigger the better
- Cover boards must be placed at least two weeks before surveys begin to allow for snakes to discover them.
When surveying,
- Fill out the “Cover Board Placement” data sheet with your name, the cover board number, the date each board was placed and the coordinates of each cover board.
- Only needs to be done on the first survey
- Always take coordinates in decimal degrees (e.g. 44.3765, -78,9957) and record as many digits as possible to be as accurate as possible.
- You can survey as much of your property as you’d like - the more time you spend looking the more likely you are to find a snake!
- It may be useful to draw yourself a quick diagram or add location notes to help yourself find the cover boards later on.
Do your best to identify any other wildlife under the cover boards. Take a picture of any snake skins you might find and try to identify the species (optional).
Incorrect! Try again.
Document your start and end times to the exact minute.
Wait a minimum of at least two weeks after first placing the cover boards before checking them in order to allow snakes and other wildlife time to find them.We recommend checking cover boards daily but, no more than once a day to allow time for new snakes to get comfortable. When surveying, ensure you check every cover board. If you are unable to reach one of your boards for any reason (ex: seasonal flooding has covered part of your path), please record this in your notes.
Don't forget your field documents! 1) A paper copy of the Snake Supervisor Protocol, 2) The Land Between's Snake ID Decision Tree, 3) The Snake ID Sheet, and 4) Field data sheets.
All of these documents are available to download on our website,
https://www.thelandbetween.ca/snake-supervisors/
Snake Supervisors For direct access to the data sheets follow this link:
https://www.thelandbetween.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2023-Backyard-Snake-Surveying-Data-Sheets.pdf
Surveying can be completed at your convenience but, we recommend
- Checking cover boards a minimun of once a week but no more than every day.
- Checking the boards too often may scare snakes away.
- Conduct your surveys in the afternoon when the air temperature is above 10 °C and below 30 °C.
- This is when the temperature underneath your cover boards is usually higher than the air temperature and most favourable to snakes.
- Do not survey in the rain or after dark.
To find aquatic or semi-aquatic snakes, such as the northern water snake, a useful tip is to search within 10 meters of a waterbody.
- When using cover boards, positioning them within that same distance from the water’s edge can enhance your chances of encountering these animals.
Once you have checked all the cover boards you can record your survey end time.
If the bottom of the cover board is wet, flip it to so it dries and note this on your data sheet. Flip the board back to its original position during your next survey.
Incorrect! Try again.
Stick/object that is long and strong enough to flip cover objects is optional - When using an object to lift the cover boards, ensure it is sturdy and that you have practiced handling it carefully to prevent the board from falling and injuring any herpetofauna (reptiles & amphibians) beneath.
- Snakes, while curious, are also considered shy given that they have poor eyesight and are relatively defenseless.
- They only strike when threatened or hungry, and they won’t bother humans if left peacefully to themselves.
- Most snakes in The Land Between are non-venomous.
- However, remember that the massasauga rattlesnake, is a venomous species found near the Georgian Bay coast and the western edge of the region.
Fern Gully
Semi Open Habitats
Semi-open habitats, like fields, clearings, and forest edges provide direct sunlight for basking and areas for snakes to find cover from predators and the sun. As ectothermic animals, snakes rely on basking to regulate their body temperature.
- If they get too cool in the shade, they move to the sun to warm up, and if they overheat, they seek shade to cool down.
- To find out more about this behaviour there is a great paper called "Hot Rocks and Not so Hot Rocks: Retreat Site Selection by Gartersnakes and its Thermal Consequences" by Huey et al., that you may enjoy reading.
Snakes prefer accessible habitats that allow them to easily find spots with varying temperatures to maintain their health.
Incorrect! Try again.
Suitable Snake Habitat
Specific habitat preferences vary according to the type of snake, but the best places to find a variety of snake species are in semi-open habitats, such as:
- Rock outcroppings
- Forest clearings and edges
- Fields, meadows, savannahs and prairies
- The edges of wetlands and the shorelines of lakes and rivers
OPTIONAL - insert a probe thermometer under the cover object, or you can use an infrared thermometer on the cover objects after it's flipped and record the temperature.
- Record snakes or wildlife found outside cover boards on the “Other Snakes and Wildlife Observations” sheet.
- If you find dead snakes or animals, note this and move them to avoid double counting.
- You can also look for snakes under natural cover like rocks, logs, and shrubs.
- Remember, any artificial cover present before this year’s survey is considered natural cover.
When starting to survey, make sure to record your name, as well as the date, time, and the weather conditions on to a “Field Survey” data sheet.
- Cover object/board: we recommend pine plywood that is 1⁄4 to 3⁄4 inches thick, and to avoid cedar wood.
- Cedar wood releases an oil that is toxic for snakes and so they don’t like to hide under cedar cover.
- Thin pieces of metal can be used successfully, however in very warm conditions the space under the metal can reach temperatures that can be deadly to snakes or their eggs.
- Stacking multiple layers of metal sheets works better than using a single sheet.
- Cover objects that are at least 2x2 feet are recommended, but the bigger the better
Key Observations for Snakes
Basking Groups: Note the number of snakes and their location. Health Issues: Look for any visible injuries or signs of illness. Mating Behavior: Report any courtship or mating activities. Time of Day: Record the time you see each snake. Unusual Events: Mention any dead snakes, changes in the environment, or signs of human impact.
When collecting data, too much information is ALWAYS better than not enough!
Take note of anything you think might be helpful for The Land Between scientists to know when looking at your data!
If you feel comfortable and are at a safe distance, take the coordinates and a photo of the snake. Make sure you keep a respectful distance and do not try to touch or pick them up!
In the extreme circumstance that you are bitten: 1. Do not panic or engage in strenuous activity, 2. Call 911 and, 3. Seek immediate medical attention. *Only two people have died from a Massasauga rattlesnake bite in Ontario. Both bites happened over 50 years ago, and the deaths were the result of not seeking/receiving proper medical attention.*
Incorrect! Try again.
When you come to a cover board, carefully lift the board towards yourself to check underneath it. If nervous, you can always wear gloves or use a long stick.
Milksnake
Fox Snake
Eastern milk, fox, hognose, and northern watersnakes all mimic rattlesnakes to invoke fear and seem more threatening, even though they are not venomous! They have similar patterns and colours to rattlesnakes, and some have the ability to vibrate their tails against leaf litter to make rattling sounds- they use these techniques because they are pretty defenseless, and this mimicry confuses and intimidates predators and increases their chances of survival. Despite being non-venomous, they have evolved similar patterns and colours to rattlesnakes, and also the ability to vibrate their tails to mimic rattling sounds - all of which confuses predators and increases their chances of survival.
April 16th 2025
Record GPS coordinates in decimal degree format with as many numbers after the decimal point as possible. Remember that you only need to collect GPS coordinates on your first survey.
Listen for snakes moving along the ground, and look for basking areas as you walk towards your cover board(s). Feel free to record anything and everything that you see, from animal scat and skins to snails and slugs!
Massasagua Rattlesnake
A stout-bodied, thick rattlesnake, usually about 50 to 70 centimetres long. Their body is grey or dark brown with evenly spaced, dark "butterfly" or "saddle" blotches down the back, with alternating blotches along the sides.It has a triangular, or diamond-shaped head and a tail with a small rattle that creates a buzzing sound when shaken. While many other snakes can mimic this diamond head shape and rattling sound, the Massasauga is Ontario’s only snake with vertical or cat like pupils.
In Ontario, they are found primarily along the eastern side of Georgian Bay and on the Bruce peninsula. There are also smaller populations dispersed to the north along the parallel of Georgian Bay Coast to Sudbury. And two small populations can be found in the Wainfleet bog on the northeast shores of Lake Erie and near Windsor.
Follow this link toThe Land Between's Quick Snake Identification Sheet
Snakes Seek Shelter, Shade, & Sunshine
- Natural cover objects are any natural features in the habitat that provide shelter and protection to snakes and other reptiles, including rock piles, fallen logs and stumps, low shrubs, and other vegetation.
- Artificial cover objects are human-made, and can include scrap wood or metal, even old building foundations.
- However, it is important to note that cedar wood is not good cover, as the oils can be toxic to snakes; and unreactive materials like pine boards or thicker metal sheets work best.
- Whatever the material, be sure to note the type in your data sheets, because metal sheets often attract more snakes than wood.
- If you can use all the same material across your property, that is best!
For this program, artificial cover objects on your property before the start of the season will be considered natural cover. In other words, only the boards placed this year should be considered artificial.
Natural or Artificial?
This wood pile is artificial cover, those trees didn't get cut and piled like that by themselves! In forests, a good place to look for snakes is in and around small clearings and in areas with low canopy cover.
- Areas of low canopy cover are typically warmer since more sunlight is able to penetrate through the trees and their leaves.
Snakes need areas for both basking and cover!
Snake Supervisors Training
The Land Between
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Transcript
Welcome to
Snake Supervisor Training!
A program of The Land Between
Start Learning!
Training Modules are interactive presentations that allow you to complete activities and answer questions as you learn about your volunteer program!
There are several different ways you will be able to interact with this module. On any given page you will see all or some of the buttons below. Hover your mouse over each button to see what they do and how you can use them to navigate in this module.
When you are finished, click the NEXT button at the bottom right of the page.
Next
Sometimes content or options will not appear until you have explored all the content on the page or completed the activity. For example, often the Button will not appear until you have completed an activity or clicked on all images that reveal content on a given page.
Next
You will see this image on the bottom of the screen throughout the module. This explorer will be your guide and helper as you work through the module. You can click on them for help if you get stuck, or for more information!
Next
Clickable images will have a symbol on or next to them. Some images will expand to show you they are clickable. If an image expands and/or pulses, you can click directly on it.
Clickable Image Example:
If you have any issues, you can contact our volunteer supervisor for help!
Send an email to citizensciencetlb@gmail.com or give us a call at (705) 457-1222
Next
Module Menu
1. Warning & Considerations
7. How to Survey for Snakes
2. What is a Snake Supervisor?
8. Test your Knowledge!
3. Snake Safety & Identification
9. Protocol & Data Reporting
Click next to start learning!
4. Test your Knowledge!
10. Test your Knowledge!
5. Where and When to Survey
11. Module Completion Form
6. Test your Knowledge!
Next
Considerations for Data Collection
Data on Species at Risk is sensitive and can't be shared without permission from The Land Between charity.
We must keep this sensitive information private to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. By volunteering with The Land Between, you agree to help protect Ontario species and keep snake sighting data, cover board locations, and other information confidential.
I Understand and agree
Module Menu
1. Warning & Considerations
7. How to Survey for Snakes
2. What is a Snake Supervisor?
8. Test your Knowledge!
3. Snake Safety & Identification
9. Protocol & Data Reporting
Click next to keep learning!
4. Test your Knowledge!
10. Test your Knowledge!
5. Where and When to Survey
11. Module Completion Form
6. Test your Knowledge!
Next
Warning
There are dangers in these volunteer activities. Please participate at your own discretion.
Next
General Safety Summary
Next
Remember: Keep Snakes Safe Too!
Do not attempt to catch snakes and other animals. Even if your intentions are not to harm them, snakes are sensitive animals. They can be stressed easily, therefore, some may strike, or release a foul musk.
Follow this link to access our Snake ID Decision Tree!
Next
Module Menu
1. Warning & Considerations
7. How to Survey for Snakes
2. What is a Snake Supervisor?
8. Test your Knowledge!
3. Snake Safety & Identification
9. Protocol & Data Reporting
Click next to keep learning!
4. Test your Knowledge!
10. Test your Knowledge!
5. Where and When to Survey
11. Module Completion Form
6. Test your Knowledge!
Next
Backyard Surveying with Snake Supervisors
Watch video full screen using the buttons in the corner of the video screen!
Next
Backyard Surveying with Snake Supervisors
Thank you for participating in the Snake Supervisors, Backyard Surveying program with The Land Between!
The data you collect will help scientists better understand snake behaviour, identify suitable habitat for these species, and contribute data to overall population health - you are making a valuable contribution to the field of herpetology and wildlife conservation!
Next
Module Menu
1. Warning & Considerations
7. How to Survey for Snakes
2. What is a Snake Supervisor?
8. Test your Knowledge!
3. Snake Safety & Identification
9. Protocol & Data Reporting
Click next to keep learning!
4. Test your Knowledge!
10. Test your Knowledge!
5. Where and When to Survey
11. Module Completion Form
6. Test your Knowledge!
Next
Snakes of The Land Between
Watch video full screen using the buttons in the corner of the video screen!
Next
Massasauga Rattlesnakes
The only venomous snakes found in Ontario.
Typically shy & timid snakes, who only shake their rattle if they feel threatened, and strike as a last resort.
Here in The Land Between, they are usually found around eastern Georgian Bay, extending north along the coastline and parallel areas, reaching as far as Sudbury.If you live near their habitat, take the following precautions when surveying: 1) Wear closed-toed shoes and long pants 2) Pay attention to where you step 3) Do not reach your hands into places where you can not see into or under.
Next
Eastern Hog-nosed Snakes
The Drama Queen of The Land Between, will flatten its head and neck to imitate a cobra and will even pretend “strike” - with a closed mouth. The reason for this dramatic show is to seem very tough and scary, even though the snakes are not dangerous.
If they are continually harassed they roll over and play dead. Some will even stick out their tongues.
Next
Test Your Knowledge!
Next
Test Your Knowledge!
Multiple Choice
What does the eastern hog-nosed snake do to scare away potential threats?
Curls into a ball
Puffs up & pretends to strike
Slithers away
Next
Correct!
Test Your Knowledge!
Next
Test Your Knowledge!
Next
Module Menu
1. Warning & Considerations
7. How to Survey for Snakes
2. What is a Snake Supervisor?
8. Test your Knowledge!
3. Snake Safety & Identification
9. Protocol & Data Reporting
Click next to keep learning!
4. Test your Knowledge!
10. Test your Knowledge!
5. Where and When to Survey
11. Module Completion Form
6. Test your Knowledge!
Next
Where to Look for Snakes
Next
When to Survey
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Module Menu
1. Warning & Considerations
7. How to Survey for Snakes
2. What is a Snake Supervisor?
8. Test your Knowledge!
3. Snake Safety & Identification
9. Protocol & Data Reporting
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Test Your Knowledge!
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Test Your Knowledge!
Multiple Choice
How do both natural and artificial cover benefit snakes?
By providing hunting grounds
By helping them hide from predators and regulate temperature
By increasing their odds of finding a mate
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Correct!
Test Your Knowledge!
Multiple Choice
Which of these objects is artifical cover?
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7. How to Survey for Snakes
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8. Test your Knowledge!
3. Snake Safety & Identification
9. Protocol & Data Reporting
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What to Bring
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Cover Board Placement
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Surveying: Species of Interest
If you think you have come across any of the species listed below, please call The Land Between for further instruction as these are considered species at risk.
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1. Warning & Considerations
7. How to Survey for Snakes
2. What is a Snake Supervisor?
8. Test your Knowledge!
3. Snake Safety & Identification
9. Protocol & Data Reporting
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Test Your Knowledge!
True or False?
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Test Your Knowledge!
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Test Your Knowledge!
Multiple Choice
When should cover boards be placed?
March to April
April to early July
Year-Round
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Module Menu
1. Warning & Considerations
7. How to Survey for Snakes
2. What is a Snake Supervisor?
8. Test your Knowledge!
3. Snake Safety & Identification
9. Protocol & Data Reporting
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Snake Surveying Protocol
Record general data
If cover board is wet, flip it
Fill out the “Cover Board Observations” data sheet
Listen and look for snakes
Take the temperature - OPTIONAL
Continue surveying until you check all the cover boards
Check under the cover board
Complete survey and record end time
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Finishing the Survey
Once you have completed your survey and have doublechecked that there is nothing missing, you can enter your data in the online reporting form.
You may also choose to use your photos and the Snake ID Decision Trees to try and ID the snake species you found. If you are unsure of the identification, record the species as “unknown”.
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Reporting Data
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Reporting Data
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Tips for Collecting Good Data
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Uploading Data
How to Upload On the Computer:
Visit the Snake Supervisor page to access the onlie reporting form! It's easy! OR, you can email us a copy of the forms
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Helpful Documents
Protocol Flow Charts
Snake ID Decision Tree
Outdoor Hazards
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1. Warning & Considerations
7. How to Survey for Snakes
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8. Test your Knowledge!
3. Snake Safety & Identification
9. Protocol & Data Reporting
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Multiple Choice
When DON'T we recommended performing surveys?
Early Morning
Afternoon
Nighttime
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Test Your Knowledge!
True or False?
You cannot record an observation if you are unsure of the species of snake.
True
False
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Record all the snakes you see during your survey, even if you do not know what kind of snake you are looking at. Take pictures when possible, as this can help The Land Between Staff identify any species you're unsure of.
Test Your Knowledge!
Multiple Choice
When is the best time of day to see snake under cover boards?
2pm-4pm
Anytime
8am-12pm
10am-1pm
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Correct!
Snakes are typically out in the morning or early evening when the air temperature is between 10 °C and 30 °C.
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7. How to Survey for Snakes
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Sources
Casper, G.S and Hecnar, S.J. 2011. Standard Operating Procedure for: Cover Board Surveys for Snakes in the Lake Superior Basin. Version 1.0. Retrieved from https://shecnar.lakeheadu.ca/uploads/docs/LS_Cover_Object_SOP.pdf OMNRF. 2016. Survey Protocol for Ontario’s Species at Risk Snakes. Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Species Conservation Policy Branch. Peterborough, Ontario. ii + 17 pp. All photo links are added within the interactivity of the photos used.
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Incorrect! Try again.
Surveying can be completed at your convenience, but we recommend checking cover objects at least once a week. While there is no minimum requirement, the maximum requirement would be once per day. The best time of day to check your cover boards and cover materials is in the afternoon- ideally between 2pm and 5pm.
Incorrect! Try again.
If a snake is present: 1) take a photo of the snake(s) for identification purposes and try to ID the species. 2) Replace the cover board once all animals have moved from underneath it to avoid squishing them. If you come across any of the protected snakes listed earlier, call The Land Between for further instructions. However, if there is nothing underneath the cover board, replace it gently.
April 16th 2025
When surveying,
Do your best to identify any other wildlife under the cover boards. Take a picture of any snake skins you might find and try to identify the species (optional).
Incorrect! Try again.
Document your start and end times to the exact minute.
Wait a minimum of at least two weeks after first placing the cover boards before checking them in order to allow snakes and other wildlife time to find them.We recommend checking cover boards daily but, no more than once a day to allow time for new snakes to get comfortable. When surveying, ensure you check every cover board. If you are unable to reach one of your boards for any reason (ex: seasonal flooding has covered part of your path), please record this in your notes.
Don't forget your field documents! 1) A paper copy of the Snake Supervisor Protocol, 2) The Land Between's Snake ID Decision Tree, 3) The Snake ID Sheet, and 4) Field data sheets.
All of these documents are available to download on our website, https://www.thelandbetween.ca/snake-supervisors/ Snake Supervisors For direct access to the data sheets follow this link: https://www.thelandbetween.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/2023-Backyard-Snake-Surveying-Data-Sheets.pdf
Surveying can be completed at your convenience but, we recommend
To find aquatic or semi-aquatic snakes, such as the northern water snake, a useful tip is to search within 10 meters of a waterbody.
Once you have checked all the cover boards you can record your survey end time.
If the bottom of the cover board is wet, flip it to so it dries and note this on your data sheet. Flip the board back to its original position during your next survey.
Incorrect! Try again.
Stick/object that is long and strong enough to flip cover objects is optional - When using an object to lift the cover boards, ensure it is sturdy and that you have practiced handling it carefully to prevent the board from falling and injuring any herpetofauna (reptiles & amphibians) beneath.
Fern Gully
Semi Open Habitats
Semi-open habitats, like fields, clearings, and forest edges provide direct sunlight for basking and areas for snakes to find cover from predators and the sun. As ectothermic animals, snakes rely on basking to regulate their body temperature.
- If they get too cool in the shade, they move to the sun to warm up, and if they overheat, they seek shade to cool down.
- To find out more about this behaviour there is a great paper called "Hot Rocks and Not so Hot Rocks: Retreat Site Selection by Gartersnakes and its Thermal Consequences" by Huey et al., that you may enjoy reading.
Snakes prefer accessible habitats that allow them to easily find spots with varying temperatures to maintain their health.Incorrect! Try again.
Suitable Snake Habitat
Specific habitat preferences vary according to the type of snake, but the best places to find a variety of snake species are in semi-open habitats, such as:
OPTIONAL - insert a probe thermometer under the cover object, or you can use an infrared thermometer on the cover objects after it's flipped and record the temperature.
When starting to survey, make sure to record your name, as well as the date, time, and the weather conditions on to a “Field Survey” data sheet.
Key Observations for Snakes
Basking Groups: Note the number of snakes and their location. Health Issues: Look for any visible injuries or signs of illness. Mating Behavior: Report any courtship or mating activities. Time of Day: Record the time you see each snake. Unusual Events: Mention any dead snakes, changes in the environment, or signs of human impact.
When collecting data, too much information is ALWAYS better than not enough!
Take note of anything you think might be helpful for The Land Between scientists to know when looking at your data!
If you feel comfortable and are at a safe distance, take the coordinates and a photo of the snake. Make sure you keep a respectful distance and do not try to touch or pick them up!
In the extreme circumstance that you are bitten: 1. Do not panic or engage in strenuous activity, 2. Call 911 and, 3. Seek immediate medical attention. *Only two people have died from a Massasauga rattlesnake bite in Ontario. Both bites happened over 50 years ago, and the deaths were the result of not seeking/receiving proper medical attention.*
Incorrect! Try again.
When you come to a cover board, carefully lift the board towards yourself to check underneath it. If nervous, you can always wear gloves or use a long stick.
Milksnake
Fox Snake
Eastern milk, fox, hognose, and northern watersnakes all mimic rattlesnakes to invoke fear and seem more threatening, even though they are not venomous! They have similar patterns and colours to rattlesnakes, and some have the ability to vibrate their tails against leaf litter to make rattling sounds- they use these techniques because they are pretty defenseless, and this mimicry confuses and intimidates predators and increases their chances of survival. Despite being non-venomous, they have evolved similar patterns and colours to rattlesnakes, and also the ability to vibrate their tails to mimic rattling sounds - all of which confuses predators and increases their chances of survival.
April 16th 2025
Record GPS coordinates in decimal degree format with as many numbers after the decimal point as possible. Remember that you only need to collect GPS coordinates on your first survey.
Listen for snakes moving along the ground, and look for basking areas as you walk towards your cover board(s). Feel free to record anything and everything that you see, from animal scat and skins to snails and slugs!
Massasagua Rattlesnake
A stout-bodied, thick rattlesnake, usually about 50 to 70 centimetres long. Their body is grey or dark brown with evenly spaced, dark "butterfly" or "saddle" blotches down the back, with alternating blotches along the sides.It has a triangular, or diamond-shaped head and a tail with a small rattle that creates a buzzing sound when shaken. While many other snakes can mimic this diamond head shape and rattling sound, the Massasauga is Ontario’s only snake with vertical or cat like pupils.
In Ontario, they are found primarily along the eastern side of Georgian Bay and on the Bruce peninsula. There are also smaller populations dispersed to the north along the parallel of Georgian Bay Coast to Sudbury. And two small populations can be found in the Wainfleet bog on the northeast shores of Lake Erie and near Windsor.
Follow this link toThe Land Between's Quick Snake Identification Sheet
Snakes Seek Shelter, Shade, & Sunshine
- Natural cover objects are any natural features in the habitat that provide shelter and protection to snakes and other reptiles, including rock piles, fallen logs and stumps, low shrubs, and other vegetation.
- Artificial cover objects are human-made, and can include scrap wood or metal, even old building foundations.
- However, it is important to note that cedar wood is not good cover, as the oils can be toxic to snakes; and unreactive materials like pine boards or thicker metal sheets work best.
- Whatever the material, be sure to note the type in your data sheets, because metal sheets often attract more snakes than wood.
- If you can use all the same material across your property, that is best!
For this program, artificial cover objects on your property before the start of the season will be considered natural cover. In other words, only the boards placed this year should be considered artificial.Natural or Artificial?
This wood pile is artificial cover, those trees didn't get cut and piled like that by themselves! In forests, a good place to look for snakes is in and around small clearings and in areas with low canopy cover.
Snakes need areas for both basking and cover!