Two snake species up for the feds’ help

Two kinds of snakes are up for enhanced federal protections under the Endangered Species Act and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife is accepting comment on protecting their slithering grounds.

The Key ring-necked snake and the rim rock crowned snake would become listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and specific areas designated for habitat protection.

The ring-necked snake is found on seven of the Florida Keys, in “limestone substrate and outcroppings in pine rocklands and hardwood hammock habitats.” Both snakes are at risk of extinction because of habitat loss due to sea-level rise and saltwater intrusion, federal officials said.

– Anne Geggis, Florida Politics