The California Senate Governmental Organization Committee approved Senate Bill 765 this week, cementing the giant garter snake as the official state snake. This decision spotlights the importance of raising awareness about the species, whose population has dropped by over 90% in the last century due to habitat loss.
Historically recognized as a threatened species in California since 1971 and at the federal level by 1993, the giant garter snake has been the focus of conservation efforts, particularly in its natural wetland and rice field habitats. Senator Roger Niello, who authored the bill, emphasized the snake’s significance. “Found in wetlands across the state, the giant garter snake is an essential part of our natural heritage and helps keep the balance in the environment,” Niello stated. He expressed pride in promoting awareness of the snake’s impact on California’s environment and agriculture.
Michael Starkey, the Founder and Executive Director of Save The Snakes, also commented on the designation. “Designating the giant garter snake as California’s official State Snake is more than a symbolic gesture; it’s a crucial step in raising awareness about this vulnerable species and its vital role in our state’s ecosystems,” he said. Starkey further explained the importance of this designation for public education, ecological balance, and the future of the state’s wetlands.
The California Rice Commission, through its President and CEO Tim Johnson, voiced its support for the bill. With the majority of California’s wetlands now lost, Johnson explained how rice fields have become an important refuge for the snake. “Our farmers are working with researchers and water districts to understand how our fields can provide even more habitat to this iconic species,” Johnson said, highlighting current efforts to use agricultural lands positively in conservation.
