Expert: Michael Donaldson - 4/27/2004

Question
Mr. Donaldson,
I have a friend who is moving to Alaska and asked me if there are snakes and other reptiles there?  I had to admit I didn't know for sure. She is moving to Wasilla, North of Anchorage. Any advice you could offer would be greatly appreciated.
Don Alexander
wotymb@juno.com

Answer
Hi Don!

The only known snakes in Alaska are the vicious "Alaskan Brown Bear Viper Snake" and ironically it only lives in...Wasilla, AK.  <cue the danger music>

Juuuuust kiddin!  =)    You can tell your friend, that there are no known snakes that live in Alaska.  On VERY rare occasions a garter snake might get washed down river from Canada, but if that DID happen it would most likely be in the southeastern panhandle, like in the Tongass National Forest area of Alaska.

There are frogs, toads, salamanders, and turtles in Alaska though, and yes...there's even such a creature as the ice worm.  Ice worms have been found on top of glaciers and are very dark in color and you'd be able to fit about 2-3 of them on your fingernail.

Well anyway, I hope that helped answer your question.  Your friend is moving to a very nice area of Alaska, since it's near ONE of my favorite towns - Palmer.  Now go tell her the good news so she can relax and enjoy her move. Actually, you have my permission to first tell her about those vicious "Alaskan Brown Bear Viper Snakes" in Wasilla if you'd like...just to see her reaction.  hahaha!!  Take care Don.

 Michael Donaldson