Herptiles reach endangered status
The public is asked to report when and where they see frogs, salamanders, lizards or snakes, known collectively as herptiles, crossing the road during the late summer and early fall.
As the end of summer approaches and brings cooler temperatures, herptiles cross roads, as they migrate from breeding and summer foraging locations to hibernation areas. Snakes and lizards, in particular, may see a stretch of gravel or pavement as an opportunity to gain warmth on the heated pavement, putting themselves in danger of being hit by vehicles in the process.
By reporting their sightings of these reptiles and amphibians on, and around, Wisconsin’s roads, drivers can help researchers better understand where their populations occur and save more of them in the future.
“Our goal is to fill in gaps of where these animals are found in Wisconsin and how they’re doing in the state, so we can better protect them,” said Rich Staffen, DNR conservation zoologist. “Identifying high road mortality areas helps us know where we can incorporate mitigation efforts, to reduce the threat to crossing animals in those locations.”
Drivers and trail users can submit a report of their sightings of live reptile/ amphibian crossings, or road mortalities, preferably with a photo, via https:// survey123.arcgis.com/share/376fdb89d ac942079b179ce6d17efce5. Turtle crossings can be reported at https://survey123. arcgis.com/share/c442cb3ff48742f29df-172587cec5d4a.
Over half of Wisconsin’s reptiles are endangered, threatened or of special concern. A special concern species means their population is declining and in need of conservation action.
Photo by Ginna Young
Now that the riverfront trail along Mill Yard Park to the city boat landing is complete in Cornell, a project is underway, taken on by resident volunteer Kathy Swanson. The project entails installing user-friendly, weather and vandalismproof picnic tables, to be stationed throughout the trail, so those using the recreation area can sit to enjoy the view of the Chippewa River. To help with that, Northwestern Bank gave $500 toward the purchase, with more funds needed to finish the project. Present for the Sept. 25 donation, left to right, are bank representatives Kay Chapek, Sandy Seidlitz and Deanna Kodl, and Cornell mayor Mark Larson, who says the bank has always been very generous to the community. “Every time something comes up, they come through for us,” said Larson.
