Risk of Snake Entanglement Is Affected by Installation Method of Erosion Control Blankets

Abstract

At the conclusion of road construction projects, an erosion control product (e.g., blankets, spray mulch) is installed to reduce soil loss and promote plant growth. Wildlife, such as snakes (suborder Serpentes), are prone to entanglement in erosion control blankets (ECBs) that contain polypropylene mesh with fused apertures. Previous reports have noted that the occurrences of entanglements are not uniform in their distribution across an ECB, but primarily occur where the edge of the mesh is exposed. We conducted an experiment to determine if modification to the installation methods of ECBs affects the likelihood of snake entanglement. We conducted entanglement trials to compare the likelihood of snake entanglement between two treatments: 1) exposed ECB edge (i.e., perimeter) and 2) buried ECB edge. Snakes were less likely to attempt to pass through the mesh on the buried edge treatment and all entanglements occurred on the exposed edge treatment. These results provide support that modification to the installation methods reduces snake entanglement in ECBs in some settings. However, we conducted our study in an experimental setting, and it should be evaluated under natural field conditions. This research can be used to inform several parties including contractors, habitat managers, and agency decision makers on additional steps that can be taken for products that fit their application needs to minimize risks to wildlife.

The diversity of erosion control products and implications for wildlife entanglement

“…75, NO. 4 JOURNAL OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION when the animal attempts to pass through (Stuart et al 2001; Barton and Kinkead 2005;Ebert et al 2019;Ward et al 2020). In addition, the threat that these ECBs pose may be maintained over long time periods as some ECBs degrade slowly (one to three years or longer).…”