Tiny snake native to Illinois prairies facing new potential hurdles in Chicago region and beyond

Smooth greensnakes, a non-venomous species native to Illinois prairies, face declining populations due to habitat loss and new threats like soil toxins seeping into their eggs and fungal infections. A study by Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum scientist Allison Sacerdote-Velat highlights exposure to heavy metals (arsenic, copper, iron, lead) and disease risks linked to industrial land use and agriculture.