Endangered Snakes Found Along Wisconsin Highway 59
Wildlife officials must relocate endangered western ribbon snakes before upcoming road construction in Wisconsin.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Reptiles
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The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has identified protected western ribbon snakes within the path of a planned Highway 59 reconstruction project. State law requires that these endangered animals be safely captured and moved before heavy machinery arrives.
Why it matters
The western ribbon snake is a state-listed endangered species, meaning construction cannot legally proceed without a specialized wildlife relocation plan. This protective measure ensures that state infrastructure improvements do not further threaten local biodiversity.
The western ribbon snake is officially classified as an endangered species under Wisconsin law. The project encompasses a work area along Highway 59, including bridge replacements over the Scuppernong River.
The players
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
The state agency responsible for managing natural resources and enforcing wildlife protection laws across Wisconsin.
The details
To protect the snakes, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will install specialized fencing designed to guide the reptiles away from the construction zone. Once the area is secured, wildlife specialists will be tasked with capturing and relocating the snakes to a safe habitat before work crews and bulldozers begin road reconstruction.
Timeline
Public comments regarding the project are accepted until October 25, 2026.
Major construction is scheduled to begin in April 2027.
Road reconstruction is slated for completion in October 2027.
The Home Front
This project highlights how state conservation laws require mitigation efforts during infrastructure development to protect sensitive species. It reflects the broader mandate under Wisconsin endangered species protection statutes to balance modern road safety with environmental stewardship.
Residents living near Highway 59 should expect construction activity to begin in April 2027 and continue through October 2027. If you own property in the immediate vicinity, stay informed on the project timeline to plan for potential traffic delays during this construction window.
The takeaway
Highway 59 reconstruction is delayed by the necessity of moving endangered western ribbon snakes to ensure their survival. Residents can participate in the formal planning process by submitting comments to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources before the October 25, 2026 deadline.
What happens next
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is currently accepting public comments on the relocation and construction plan through October 25, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local wildlife protections in the Reptiles section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Cool Down.
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