Home / Environment / Guam Volunteers Capture Invasive Snakes
Guam Volunteers Capture Invasive Snakes
17 Jul
Summary
- Community volunteers trained to identify and manage invasive snakes.
- An event resulted in approximately 20 brown tree snake captures.
- Cooperative effort between University of Guam and Joint Region Marianas.
Community volunteers in Guam are actively participating in efforts to manage the invasive brown tree snake, a species that has significantly impacted the island's native wildlife. A recent workshop, held on June 23 at Tarague Beach on Andersen Air Force Base, saw approximately 60 volunteers receive crucial training on recognizing, handling, and humanely dispatching these snakes.
Following the educational session, a nighttime hunt was conducted, resulting in the capture of about 20 brown tree snakes. This collaborative initiative between the University of Guam and Joint Region Marianas, established in 2025, aims to heighten awareness, particularly among military personnel and their families.
Officials highlight the extensive damage the brown tree snake has inflicted on Guam's ecosystem over its more than 70-year presence, leading to the decline of many native bird and reptile populations. Prevention strategies include rigorous cargo inspections and community education to halt the snake's spread via transportation networks.
