Snakes Near The Planes

SAN FRANCISCO, CA —A study has found the West-of-Bayshore property located across the highway from the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) terminal complex has the largest, most stable population of the San Francisco garter snake, which is an endangered species. The area also supports a population of the California red-legged frog, another protected species, according to SFO.

Commissioned by the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and published last year, the study estimated a population of approximately 1,300 snakes at the site. The West-of-Bayshore property is a 180-acre undeveloped parcel of wetlands and uplands that is maintained by the airport and off-limits to the public.

In the study, the airport was praised for its effort to enhance the urban habitat in order to facilitate the abundant populations.

"I am proud of the findings in this study," said Natalie Reeder, SFO's wildlife biologist. "These results validate the environmental stewardship programs we have in place, to ensure endangered species can survive and thrive at SFO."

According to a release, in 2008, SFO launched its Recovery Action Plan, designed to stabilize or increase the populations of the two protected species through a variety of habitat enhancement actions.

One of these actions is the annual visit by goats, who graze in the area for several weeks in order to create a fire break during the dry summer season. The goats, which will arrive this week, eliminate the need for mechanized mowing equipment, which could impact the protected species.

In 2014, SFO's Recovery Action Plan was recognized with an Environmental Achievement Award by the Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA).