Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Status for Lake Erie Water Snakes (Nerodia sipedon insularum) on the Offshore Islands of Western Lake Erie

Under the authority of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act), we (the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) determine threatened status for the Lake Erie water snake (Nerodia sipedon insularum) found among the western Lake Erie offshore islands and adjacent waters in the U.S. and Canada. This listing does not extend the Act's protection to water snakes (Nerodia sipedon) found on the U.S. mainland, Canadian mainland, or the adjacent near-shore U.S. islands (e.g., Mouse Island and Johnson Island in Ohio). Small population size, persecution by humans, and habitat destruction are the primary threats. This action implements the Act's protections for the Lake Erie water snake. In addition, it identifies specific handling conditions that do not violate the Act's prohibitions.