Explore Maine's snakes with Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife biologist Derek Yorks!
Whether you like them or loathe them, snakes tend to strike a chord deep in the human psyche. Maine is home to 9 species of snakes, from the small and secretive ring-necked snake to the (relatively) large and easily observed northern water snake. The Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife keeps track of all Maine snake species and is actively studying populations of Maine’s largest and rarest snake, the State Endangered northern black racer.
About the Presenter
Derek Yorks, M.S., Wildlife Biologist - Derek serves as the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s lead biologist on reptile issues where he coordinates research and conservation efforts on several priority rare species. Derek is currently focused on assessing the distribution, status, and management needs of black racers, Blanding’s, spotted, and wood turtles in Maine, and coordinating Maine’s efforts with that of several working groups in the Northeast on these species. Derek is also studying and guiding mitigation recommendations for the impacts of roadways on Maine’s reptiles and amphibians.