A snake sighting at Lihu‘e Airport earlier this week has resulted in daily searches to find a four-foot- long predator that could pose a threat to endangered native species and local habitat. A sixteen-year-old visitor from California reported seeing a
A snake sighting at Lihu‘e Airport earlier this week has resulted in daily searches to find a four-foot- long predator that could pose a threat to endangered native species and local habitat.
A sixteen-year-old visitor from California reported seeing a slender, light-brown, about four-foot-long snake on the pavement near the waterfall feature at the entrance to the airport, according to state Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Public Information Officer Debbie Ward.
A multi-state agency “rapid-response team” made up of federal and state agencies, and community representatives, began searching for the snake at Lihu‘e Airport and surrounding areas earlier this week.
“A snake sighting is a top priority,” said Kauai Invasive Species Committee coordinator and search member Keren Gundersen. “They are a predator not native to Hawai‘i, and feed on bird eggs, so they are a definite threat.”
Gundersen said no one is sure how the snake got to Lihu‘e.
The search is scheduled to continue through the weekend during daylight hours.
The state Department of Agriculture and the DLNR are coordinating the team.
“We view the report as credible, and are focusing our efforts on finding and capturing this animal,” said Peter Young, DLNR chairperson.
Young is urging the public to be on the lookout for the snake, and to immediately report a sighting.
Gundersen said two members of the team are trained in responding to Guam brown-tree snake sightings. A third specialist is on the way.
The crew first searched near the airport entrance, as well as neighboring airport property.
State Department of Transportation Highways Division workers mowed the area to allow access, and to create a perimeter for searchers, according to Ward.
Ward said between 30 to 40 snake traps owned by the DLNR are set along airport fence lines.
She said low-lying gutters and drains were flushed in an attempt to push the animal out of unsearchable hiding areas.
- To report a snake sighting call the Pest Hotline toll-free at 274-3141, then 6-PEST (6-7378), followed by the pound sign after the recorded message. Captive snakes may be surrendered to state Department of Agriculture officials under an amnesty program.
- Andy Gross, business editor, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 251) or agross@kauaipubco.com.
