What a Mesh! Correlates and Mitigation of Snake Entanglement in Erosion Control Blankets

Presenter: Christopher Schalk, Ph.D., Research Ecologist, U.S. Forest Service’s Southern Research Station

Description: In road construction projects across the United States, erosion control methods (e.g., erosion control blankets), are mandated to stimulate seedbed regeneration and prevent soil loss. Previous reports have suggested that snakes are vulnerable to entanglement in erosion control blankets. This presentation will discuss results from a literature review, field surveys, and two entanglement experiment that examined the factors correlated with snake’s risk of entanglement in erosion control blankets. In addition, this presentation will discuss how these results can help determine those species and individuals that are most vulnerable to entanglement as well as inform natural resource agencies on additional steps that can be taken to select products that pose low risks to wildlife.

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