Brown Tree Snake

The brown tree snake (Boiga irregularis) was accidentally introduced to Guam in the late 1940s or early 1950s, probably from the Solomon Islands.  Native to northeastern Australia, eastern Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands, the brown tree snake has significantly damaged the economy and ecology of Guam.  The brown tree snake is the subject of a cooperative program among WS and a number of program partners to control snake populations on Guam and prevent its spread throughout the Pacific Rim. 

Overview

The brown tree snake has caused extensive economic and ecological damage to Guam.  The snake is responsible for numerous power outages across the island each year and is an opportunistic feeder that has caused the extirpation or extinction of most of Guam’s native forest birds and lizards.

Conflicts with People

The brown tree snake has caused extensive economic and ecological damage to Guam. 
It is responsible for numerous power outages across the island each year. 

Conflicts with Wildlife

The brown tree snake is an opportunistic feeder and has caused the extirpation or extinction of most of Guam’s native forest birds and lizards.

Preventing the Spread of the Brown Tree Snake

APHIS Wildlife Services coordinates operational efforts on Guam aimed at keeping the snake from reaching other destinations. 

Research

Wildlife Services’ National Wildlife Research Center conducts research and investigational activities on a wide variety of wildlife damage issues including those related to brown tree snakes.