Recent News
Earth Day to be celebrated around the island todayFriday, April 22, 2022
People in Bermuda will join millions around the world today to celebrate the planet and its environment for the 52nd annual Earth Day.
Drivers urged to fill their tanks and help good causes
Friday, February 11, 2022
Bermuda’s drivers have been asked to fill their tanks for a good cause as a charity event combining fun and fundraising goes for its 53rd annual spin tomorrow.
Zoological Society Launch Micro Forest Project
Monday, November 22, 2021
The Bermuda Zoological Society [BZS], in partnership with RenaissanceRe, is initiating a pilot project to “promote biodiversity and stewardship of our natural heritage by creating several sustainable micro forests.”
Aurum Fund Management Donates To BZS
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
Aurum Fund Management Limited has donated $12,500 to the Bermuda Zoological Society [BZS] to aid in the creation of a saltwater pond to support the growth of Black Mangroves on Trunk Island.
A spokesperson said, “The Bermuda Zoological Society is happy to announce that Aurum Fund Management Limited have donated $12,500 to the creation of a saltwater pond to support the growth of Black Mangroves on Trunk Island – the BZS ‘Living Classroom.’ An anonymous donor also assisted with funds for the project.
BZS To Host Zoom Around The Sound On Sept 18
Thursday, September 02, 2021
The Bermuda Zoological Society will be holding the annual Zoom Around The Sound event on Saturday, September 18th.
A spokesperson said, “Are you ready to zoom with the Bermuda Zoological Society? Join the annual Zoom Around the Sound event on Saturday, 18th September and help the BZS raise funds for their education and conservation programmes.
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Latest News
All the latest updates and news from the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum, and Zoo, one of Bermuda's leading visitor attractions!
Simon Jones
Published Jul 8, 2016 at 8:00 am (Updated Jul 8, 2016 at 1:37 am)
Unwelcome visitor: a non-venomous Pueblan milk snake, similar
to the one in this picture, was captured in Sandys
Conservationists have warned of the disastrous consequences snakes could have on Bermuda’s wildlife after a species of kingsnake was captured in Sandys.
The Peublan milk snake, which is a non-venomous reptile, was spotted slithering across a back yard on Monday evening by a homeowner who quickly reported the sighting.
The report prompted a fruitless search of the surrounding area by wildlife experts, however on Wednesday the snake was spotted again and captured in a bucket by a member of the public.
The latest snake capture is believed to be the third in four years and comes after a Black Racer was picked up on the Tucker’s Point golf club in 2013.
Wildlife ecologist Mark Outerbridge told The Royal Gazette that milk snakes were common pets in other parts of the world and the one found in Sandys had probably escaped from captivity.
“It is illegal to bring snakes into Bermuda either as a business or a private citizen so under these circumstances it is likely that this animal was brought into Bermuda illegally, kept as a pet and somehow escaped,” he said.
“The Black Racer found on the Tucker’s Point golf course three years ago was likely brought in accidentally in a visitor’s golf bag.
“Either way ecologically it could be disastrous for us if snakes were able to establish themselves on our island.
“Bermuda’s wildlife has been innocent of snake predation. The consequences would be like having a lionfish on land.
“Kingsnakes have a very broad diet that could include frogs, lizards, small mammals and even birds; Bermuda has an abundance of these creatures so the effects would be disastrous for some of our native wildlife.”
BAMZ staff travelled up to Sandys on Wednesday to pick up the snake, which was later humanely destroyed at the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo.
Dr Outerbridge praised the swift response of the community to the sighting of the reptile.
“I was very impressed with the vigilance of the local community in this case,” he said.
“They reported the sighting extremely quickly and acted in an extremely proactive fashion.”
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources recommends that if a member of the public sees a snake or any other unusual animal, the Bermuda Police Service should be called, and the BPS will in turn contact the Department’s Animal Control Section.
•For injured wildlife contact the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo at 293-2727.