Delta has hired a wildlife biologist to monitor the colony of garter snakes living around the dike in Beach Grove.
The snakes were removed and then returned to the area last spring as crews replaced the rip-rap along a section of the dike. The municipality was
tipped off to the presence of the snakes by local residents, including a group of Beach Grove Elementary students who rallied to save the snakes.
In all, more than 500 garter snakes were rescued from the area and returned about six weeks later once construction was complete.
"They seem to be doing quite well," wildlife biologist Brent Matsuda said last week as he and two volunteers, who are also biologists, captured snakes to take measurements to see how they have fared.
"They want to know if the habitat is still being used," Matsuda said, as well as the growth and survival rates for the rescued snakes, which were all microchipped.
It's mating season for the snakes, Matsuda said, adding people should steer clear of the area until the end of the month.
"It's a really sensitive time because they're in the middle of breeding," Matsuda said, adding people should not try to capture or handle the snakes.
The species is fully protected by the B.C. Wildlife Act.
"Just leave the snakes alone," he said.
