Reptiles play essential roles in healthy ecosystems. Turtles help keep wetlands clean by scavenging dead plants and animals, while snakes regulate rodent populations, reducing crop damage and the spread of disease. In Anishinaabek culture, snakes (gnebig) are respected as guides and protectors, closely connected to the land.
Many reptiles reproduce slowly. Some turtle species can take decades to replace a single adult female in the population. Even small increases in road mortality can have long-lasting impacts, especially in a region like ours, which is home to 12 species of reptiles at risk, including Eastern Foxsnakes and Blanding’s Turtles.
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