Why Is the Night Snake Endangered?

Night snake habitats range from the southern part of British Columbia, Canada, all through the West Coast of the United States down into Mexico. Some night snakes even exist in parts of Kansas and other western states and can often be confused for rattlesnakes until the lack of a rattle is noticed. There are several reasons for this mildly venomous snake's endangered status and most of the reasons are man-made.

  1. Urbanization

    • The construction of new homes and roads providing commuter access, also known as urbanization or urban sprawl, have allowed people to spread from city and town limits into what was previously rural farmlands or forested areas. This urbanization, although good for the economy, has wreaked havoc on the night snake population. Night snakes are elusive creatures that hide under rocks or plant material. With the destruction of the natural rock system and lack of plants, night snakes are forced to change reproductive and living habits. Urbanization also forces small mammals to move from an area, thus removing night snake food sources.

    Orchard and Farmland Expansion

    • In addition to the rise of urban dwelling structures and the construction of roads, regional farms, vineyards and orchards also have been expanded into night snake territories. The West Coast of the United States has seen a recent boom in vineyard and orchard construction that cater to tourists and wine aficionados. These new businesses and economic powerhouses of the region must plow, plant and build new structures, destroying the reproductive habitat and egg clutches that take months to incubate.

    Reproductive Habits

    • Night snakes do not give birth to live snakes, so the snakes do not enjoy the protection of being safely ensconced in the mother before birth. Night snakes lay eggs and then abandon the clutch of two to nine eggs. This means that the mother has no control over the environment, protection or development of the eggs during the months of incubation. Small mammals looking for a snack can destroy an entire unprotected clutch. With night snakes laying an average of two clutches a year, a destruction of both clutches can drastically decrease the night snake population.

    Climate

    • Climate also can effect birth rates of night snakes. Heavy summer rains during the peak egg-laying season of April through August can destroy the eggs and kill live snakes with the flooding of dwelling areas. Colder-than-normal summers can cause egg destruction, but lesser known is that hotter-than-normal summers can also destroy a clutch of eggs. Any extreme temperatures can destroy night snake eggs because the eggs cannot control internal or external temperatures.