Snake Blitz Returns

A community-wide effort to protect Guam’s native wildlife is back in action this weekend. 

Volunteers, alongside local and federal partners, will head to Islan Dåno’ (Cocos Island) on Saturday for the Third Brown Tree Snake Blitz — targeting the invasive species that continues to threaten the island’s fragile ecosystem.

Dåno’ remains the only place in the world where the endangered ko’ko’ (Guam Rail) lives in the wild. Since their reintroduction in 2010 and 2012, the population has slowly grown, with an estimated 24 to 36 birds now on the island.

But that progress is at risk.

A breeding population of brown tree snakes was confirmed on Dåno’ in 2020. Since then, 130 snakes have been removed — including a large female carrying 13 eggs in june 2025.

Recent efforts show encouraging signs. During two snake blitzes last year, 90 volunteers scoured the island — and no snakes were found, signaling that suppression efforts may be working.

Still, officials say the work isn’t over. As snake numbers decline, they’re becoming harder to detect — making continued community involvement critical.

The mission: protect native species like the ko’ko’, såli, and Mariana skink — and keep dåno’ snake-free.