SAIPAN — As a wave of relief cargo flows into the CNMI following Super Typhoon Sinlaku, federal and territorial wildlife officials are urging everyone involved in the relief effort to ensure all cargo staged on Guam is inspected for Brown Treesnakes before departure and again upon arrival on Saipan, Tinian and Rota.
“Our islands have experienced a massive disaster that through hard work we will be able to overcome,” said Joseph K. Cruz Jr., Brown Tree Snake Section Supervisor for the CNMI Division of Fish and Wildlife. “However, we need to be especially vigilant to ensure we do not introduce snakes or other invasive species during this time that could negatively impact us for decades to come.”
The warning is outlined in an emergency response fact sheet issued by the CNMI Division of Fish and Wildlife, USDA Wildlife Services and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Inspections are free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The Brown Treesnake was accidentally introduced to Guam after World War II. With no native snake predators, the species devastated Guam’s bird population, nine of 11 forest bird species were lost within 30 years. Officials say the massive volume of relief cargo now moving between Guam and the CNMI creates an elevated risk of accidental introduction.
Any vehicle, pallet, loose box, container, construction material or equipment that has been staged, stationed or stored on Guam must be inspected by USDA Wildlife Services before leaving Guam. All items must also be inspected by CNMI Department of Fish and Wildlife upon arrival. Containers that have been inspected cannot be reopened without reinspection.
Anyone who sees a snake in a cargo staging area or port of departure on Guam, or anywhere in the CNMI, should report it immediately. Keep visual contact with the snake, attempt to photograph it and do not let it escape. If the snake is killed, preserve the carcass and turn it over to wildlife officials.
To report a snake anywhere in the CNMI call (670) 28-SNAKE, or (670) 287-6253, available 24/7. To reach the Brown Treesnake Rapid Response Team call (671) 777-HISS, or (671) 777-4477. For cargo inspections on Saipan and Tinian contact Joe Cruz at (670) 664-6014. For Rota contact Juan Mesngon at (670) 287-7683.
