Agencies monitor snakes near Guam substations
USGS and Guam Power Authority begin a yearlong nighttime survey to reduce snake-related power outages at eight substations across the island.
Image for illustrative purposes
Guam: To address frequent power outages caused by brown tree snakes, the Guam Power Authority (GPA) is partnering with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) on a yearlong monitoring project beginning June 2025.
USGS biologists will conduct nighttime visual surveys and monitoring activities near eight GPA power substations across northern, central, and southern Guam. The aim is to better understand snake behavior around critical infrastructure. Surveys will run from sundown to midnight, during which biologists will capture and mark snakes while wearing identifiable orange vests.
In 2024, brown tree snakes caused 86 power outages, mostly during late-night hours. The snakes often enter substations by climbing trees or vegetation and coming into contact with electrical equipment.
GPA, in coordination with USDA APHIS-Wildlife Services, has also been removing snakes and installing barriers, insulation covers, and trimming vegetation near substations. In fiscal 2024 alone, 869 snakes were captured near these facilities.
The initiative builds on efforts since 2021 to reduce disruptions caused by the invasive species. Survey locations will be marked with flags, and the public is urged not to disturb them.
Source: Pacific Daily News
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