The largest population of an endangered snake species was discovered at an undeveloped piece of land owned by the San Francisco International Airport, officials announced Wednesday.
The announcement is based on findings from a 2020 study, commissioned by the U.S. Geological Survey and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which estimates 1,300 San Francisco garter snakes live in the 180 acre West-of-Bayshore property, located across the Bayshore Freeway from the airport.
"These results validate the environmental stewardship programs we have in place, to ensure endangered species can survive and thrive at SFO," SFO wildlife biologist Natalie Reeder said in a statement.
The area is also home to the California Red-Legged Frog, which is considered a threatened species.
SFO uses the property, in partnership with other government agencies "to implement a comprehensive endangered species recovery action plan to balance the long-term conservation of" both the frog and snake species, according to the airport website. They use "a variety of enhancement and management actions to improve habitat conditions for these species."
Since the property is a biologically sensitive area, public access is not allowed.
