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The Lake Erie Water Snake: Protecting a Unique Ohio Species

Throughout history, the snake has been seen as a symbol of evil. From the very first story of creation, when the serpent, declared “the most cunning of all the animals that the LORD GOD had made (Genesis 3:1)” causes the fall of mankind by tempting Eve to eat of the forbidden fruit, the image of the snake is one that inflicts fear, hatred and unease. Ancient mythological stories of Medusa’s head of serpents have entertained readers for thousands of years. Even in more recent history, St. Patrick is alleged to, through a divine miracle, driven all the snakes from the Irish Isles. This negative allusion connected with snakes has not been without consequence, however. From the great Anaconda of the South American Rainforest to the famed Rattlesnake of the Western Frontier, hundreds of snake species have reached the endangered status. From this very region, the Lake Erie Water Snake has declined so severely in population that specialists fear for its survival. The United State...

Posted by: Jason Pinsky

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