Menu
Did you know that the Sharp-tailed Snake—one of Canada’s most endangered snakes—lives in Pemberton?
Other known snake populations are on Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, Washington State, Oregon and California.
The Sharp-tailed Snake (Contia tenuis) is tiny and can easily be mistaken for a worm. On average, adults are about the size of a pencil.
The snake is distinguished by the sharp tip on the end of its tail, which is non-toxic and cannot harm humans. The tail helps the snake stabilize small prey, such as slugs, for consumption.
The snake’s colour ranges from grayish brown to brick red, but sometimes it can be bubble-gum pink or peachy orange. Its belly is a striking series of black and white crossbars.
The Sharp-tailed Snake may roll into a ball and remain still when encountered.
In 2011, the Sharp-tailed Snake was located in Pemberton, specifically in the Sunstone and Ridge developments at the northern end of Pemberton Farm Road East.
The Sharp-tailed Snake is a shy, secretive creature that is most often encountered under rocks and logs and rarely to never found in the open.
The primary stressor for the snake is habitat loss due to residential development. We must protect and restore the snake’s habitat wherever possible. Protecting and restoring habitat ensures the distinct biodiversity of Pemberton can continue to thrive.
1. First, avoid harming the snake or disturbing its environment.
2. if it’s safe for you and the snake, take a photo and record the date, time, and location of the snake (photos, GPS coordinates, mark on a map or an app, etc.).
3. Next, email Stewardship Pemberton and share the information you collected.
We encourage you to upload your photo and other information to the global biodiversity database iNaturalist.
If you see a dead snake that you think is a Sharp-tailed Snake, please email photos, location details, and the date of your sighting to Stewardship Pemberton at stewardshippemberton@gmail.com.
Your findings could provide valuable genetic data for the local population.
Here are some helpful resources:
Recovery Strategy for the Sharp-tailed Snake (Contia tenuis) in Canada 2020
Species at Risk Public Registry: Sharp-tailed Snake
Salt Spring Island Conservancy: Sharp-tailed Snake
To report sightings, install the iNaturalist app on your phone.
Photos by Veronica Woodruff unless credited otherwise.
Get email updates on PWA’s critical advocacy and conservation work and learn how you can make a difference.
