Snakes (SENĆOŦEN: S¸OȽḴE) play an integral role in maintaining balance in the ecosystem, being both predator and prey. Vancouver Island is home to 4 species of snakes: three species of garter snakes and the sharp-tailed snake (Contia tenuis). You’ve likely encountered garter snakes, but the sharp-tailed snake is the smallest and very rare to see. This harmless, slug-eating snake is Red-listed in BC and Endangered in Canada.

The sharp-tailed snake is notoriously difficult to find, spending most of its life underground or hidden beneath logs and rocks. As a result, many aspects of its biology remain a mystery. Since most known sharp-tailed snake sites are on private property, property owners can contribute to monitoring and protection efforts. Some folks are already partnering with HAT to monitor for this endangered species.

How You Can Help

You may have sharp-tailed snakes on your property! Sharp-tailed snakes favour south-facing rocky slopes in Prairie oak and Coastal Douglas-fir ecosystems - habitats that are at risk. Urban development poses a threat to this elusive species. Additional threats include invasive species, loss of essential hiding spots, cat predation, and pesticide use. Fortunately, humans and sharp-tailed snakes can coexist. You can help by:

Preserving natural cover like logs, rocks, and leaf litter
Controlling invasive plant species
Avoiding pesticide use
Protecting sunny, south-facing slopes
Reporting sightings to HAT! Take a photo and send your observations to julianna@hat.bc.ca

Understanding the Sharp-tailed Snake

Sharp-tailed snakes are rarely seen because they spend most of their life hidden underground. This small, reddish-brown snake, is about as thick as a pencil and up to 30 cm long. Named for the pointed scale at the tip of its tail, it has distinctive black-and-white banding on its belly. The hatchlings are bright reddish-brown with barred undersides, and can be mistaken for large earthworms. Each snake has a unique chin marking allowing researchers to identify individuals.

Their range extends from southern British Columbia to southern California. In Canada, they are found only in isolated locations. Sharp-tailed snakes appear to have small home ranges, in one study on North Pender Island, the average home range diameter was about 25 metres. Unlike garter snakes that give birth to live young, the sharp-tailed snake lays eggs. Small forest openings with rocky substrate and southern exposure are thought to provide egg-laying sites.

They are most active during cool, moist periods in early spring and fall; these are the same conditions in which slugs are the most active. In BC, the peak seasons when the snakes can be found March to April, and again September to October. They likely spend the dry summer months and cold winter months inactive in underground burrows. The sharp-tailed snake is often found under rocks and debris or in logs and rotting wood. Unlike garter snakes, which flee from humans, sharp-tailed snakes may coil up and remain still when uncovered.

By reporting sightings to HAT, you are helping to protect this species at risk. Take a photo and send your observations to julianna@hat.bc.ca. If you aren't sure, we are happy to help with identification!