Snakes have inhabited the United States for millions of years, with records showing at least 20 native species in the continental US. However, out of the 50 states, one stands out for having no documented wild snake species – Alaska.
Why Does Alaska Have No Snakes?
There are a few key reasons why Alaska has no native snake species:
- Climate – Alaska has an extremely cold climate with long, frigid winters. This is inhospitable to reptiles like snakes that rely on external heat sources.
- Isolation – Alaska is separated from the contiguous US by large stretches of Canada. This makes it difficult for snake species to naturally expand their range there.
- Water barriers – Snakes would have to cross major water bodies like the Bering Sea to reach Alaska. They are not adept swimmers over long distances.
- Food availability – The lack of amphibians and other small prey species in much of Alaska restricts food sources for snakes.
- Competition – Other predator species fill niches that snakes would occupy, making it harder for them to establish themselves.
These factors make Alaska an extremely challenging place for snakes to survive and reproduce. While not impossible, the climate and geography pose significant barriers to colonization by snakes.
When Did Scientists Confirm Alaska’s Lack of Snakes?
For many decades, Alaska’s reputation as a snake-free state was based on anecdotal evidence and local knowledge. But in the 1960s, scientists conducted comprehensive surveys to officially confirm that no snake species inhabited the remote northern state.
In 1961, noted herpetologist Dr. Laurence Klauber published a landmark paper documenting the absence of snakes in Alaska. He noted that no credible reports of wild snake sightings had ever been recorded, despite Alaska’s vast wilderness and habitat diversity. Klauber concluded that environmental conditions made natural colonization by snakes nearly impossible.
This scientific claim was further validated in a 1969 survey published in the journal Herpetologica. A team of researchers conducted extensive field studies across Alaska and found no evidence of any snake species. They affirmed Klauber’s assertion that Alaska’s isolation and climate made it inhospitable for reptiles.
Since these seminal studies, no new snake species have been discovered in Alaska. The state maintains its distinction as the only one in the US with no documented wild snake populations.
Has Alaska Ever Had Snakes Historically?
While Alaska has no native snake species today, fossils provide evidence that snakes did once inhabit the region millions of years ago when the climate was warmer.
Paleontologists have identified snake fossils from the Paleocene and Eocene epochs around 56-34 million years ago. Ancient snake species like Calamagras and Elaphe existed across present-day Alaska and Yukon. The climate supported a variety of reptiles and amphibians.
However, as Alaska cooled and glaciers advanced during the Ice Age, snakes and other reptiles likely became extinct locally. By the time the glaciers receded 12,000 years ago, Alaska’s climate was already too cold for snakes to recolonize the region.
So while snakes did historically occupy Alaska before the Ice Age, the current environment has been snake-free for thousands of years since. The ancient fossils represent relics of a far warmer era.
Misconceptions and Hoaxes
Over the years, there have been many misconceptions and hoaxes related to snakes in Alaska, including:
- Tourists transporting pet snakes that then “escape” into the wild.
- Stowaway snakes arriving in cargo or vehicles from the lower 48 states.
- Misidentified native lamprey eels mistaken for snakes.
- Intentionally planted snake specimens to prank people.
- Doctored images purporting to show Alaskan snakes.
However, biologists have thoroughly debunked these claims. There is no evidence of any breeding snake population in Alaska. Isolated incidents of individual snake transport are unlikely to result in successful colonization under the harsh climate.
Could Snakes Inhabit Alaska in the Future?
While scientists consider it very unlikely, some speculate that climate change could potentially allow snakes to spread into Alaska in the coming decades. Here are some key considerations:
- Warming temperatures – Rising average temperatures could make parts of southern/coastal Alaska marginally habitable for certain snake species. But temperatures would still need to increase dramatically.
- Establishing populations – Even if individual snakes reach Alaska, finding mates and breeding would still be extremely challenging.
- Isolation – Alaska would be an “island” population cut off from source populations, limiting gene flow.
- Prey availability – Lack of natural prey sources like amphibians may restrict viable snake habitats.
- Competition – Snakes would have limited niche availability surrounded by other established predators.
In summary, while a warming Alaska could theoretically enable snake incursion, there are still enormous environmental hurdles that make colonization very unlikely in the foreseeable future. Any snake populations would also be small, localized, and vulnerable.
Snake Species Closest to Alaska
While Alaska has no native snakes, a number of snake species live in neighboring northwest regions relatively close to the Alaskan border. These include:
| Snake Species | Range |
|---|---|
| Common Garter Snake | Throughout western Canada to central Northwest Territories |
| Western Terrestrial Garter Snake | British Columbia through western Alberta |
| Northwestern Garter Snake | Central British Columbia to southwestern Northwest Territories |
| Wandering Garter Snake | Southwest Canada, coastal British Columbia and Vancouver Island |
| Valley Garter Snake | Southwestern British Columbia |
| Western Rattlesnake | British Columbia interior |
As the table shows, the common garter snake’s range extends the closest to the Alaskan border, being found as far north as the middle of Northwest Territories. While not verified inside Alaska, the habitat and climatic tolerance of garter snakes make them the most likely candidates for potential future incursion with climate change.
Legal Protection of Alaska’s Snake-Free Status
To protect its unique snake-free ecology, Alaska has imposed strict laws prohibiting the importation, possession, transport, or release of any live snakes. According to Alaska Statute 16.05.920:
A person may not import, possess, transport, or release live snakes, including for commercial purposes, in the state.
This statute helps prevent both accidental and intentional introductions of snakes that could disrupt Alaska’s native ecosystems. Those who violate the snake prohibition may face large fines and felony charges for smuggling prohibited wildlife.
Beyond state law, national policy also reinforces Alaska’s snake-free status. In the 1950s, the US Post Office instituted a federal ban on mailing snakes to Alaska as part of efforts to protect the state’s wildlife.
However, the postal snake ban created controversy in the 2000s when pet owners buying snakes online were barred from receiving legal exotic snakes. In 2007, the ban was amended to allow shipment of properly permitted snakes, but strict inspection protocols remain in place.
Snake Education and Outreach in Alaska
To teach Alaskans about snakes and the importance of keeping the state snake-free, various educational programs have been created over the years, including:
- University of Alaska Museum displays on ancient Alaskan snake fossils.
- School curriculum teaching students about responsible pet ownership and invasive species.
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game public service announcements on snake regulations.
- Airport posters warning travelers not to transport unauthorized snakes.
- Zoos and wildlife parks outside Alaska highlighting native snake species.
- Nature television episodes filmed in Alaska referencing the snake-free ecology.
These programs help promote awareness and compliance with Alaska’s restrictions on live snakes. They make residents and visitors appreciate the uniqueness of Alaska’s snake-free wildlife heritage.
Cultural References to Alaska’s Snake-Free Status
Alaska’s distinctive lack of snakes has woven its way into regional culture and folklore:
- Children’s books set in Alaska often reference the absence of snakes or feature “forbidden” snake characters.
- Souvenir t-shirts and stickers celebrate Alaska as the “Land Without Snakes.”
- Some Alaska Native artworks and tattoos depict the snake-free landscape.
- Eccentric local candidates have touted snake-fighting skills despite no snakes to fight.
- “No Snakes In Alaska” is a popular song by Alaskan band Couch Surfers.
The cultural fascination with Alaska’s snake status reflects both regional pride and the allure of its rare ecology. For many Alaskans, the idea of snakes remains a strange novelty.
Snake Avoidance Training for Dogs
While pet dogs in Alaska do not need snake avoidance training, some Alaskan dogs receive the specialized training so they can safely visit other states and countries where venomous snakes are common, including:
- Detection – Dogs are trained to visually detect the presence of snake shapes and avoid contact.
- Scent recognition – Scent samples teach dogs to recognize and avoid snake odors.
- Simulated strikes – Trainers use tethered snakes or models to “strike” at dogs and instill avoidance.
- Correction – Mild electrical stimulation, vibration, or other corrections are paired with snake exposure.
- Positive reinforcement – Dogs are rewarded for successful snake evasion.
Snake avoidance training equips Alaskan dogs with lifesaving skills for when they travel outside the safety of their snake-free home state. It allows them to explore other regions while minimizing the risk from venomous snakebites.
Conclusion
Alaska’s complete lack of wild snake species makes it uniquely different from the other 49 US states. The frigid climate and geographic isolation prevent snakes from naturally colonizing the remote northern region. While fossil evidence indicates Alaska previously had snakes millions of years ago, the current landscape has been snake-free for millennia since the last Ice Age. That status is now preserved through wildlife protections and public education upholding Alaska’s identity as America’s only snake-free state.