Michael G. Starkey

Wildlife Biologist / @SaveTheSnakes Founder & Executive Director, working to protect snake populations & reduce human-snake conflict around the world.

[Taylor McCoy 🦖 @TM9380]

The Rice’s whale, a species of whale only just named and recognized in 2021. This 12 meter, 20 ton giant is on the verge of extinction with only around 33 individuals left and the lifting of environmental protections in the interest of oil might just doom them fully.

[Beth Pratt @bethpratt]

It’s been a long journey with bringing the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing to fruition, and it’s still a lot of work, but when I am on the top of the crossing and watching this wildlife habitat come alive, I know the long hours are worth it.

Yesterday, we observed some of the native planting, and while we were there, I watched in wonder as an American kestrel flew toward the crossing, saw what I think was a side-blotched lizard crawl through the rocks, and black phoebes and yellow-rumped warblers foraging among the plants.

[ABC News @ABC]

Traffic briefly came to a halt on the Golden Gate Bridge last week so a deer could make its way across. https://t.co/OsHRCqcm3R

[Save The Snakes @savethesnakes]

From our family to yours, Sssseasons's Greetings from Save The Snakes. 🐍🎄🕊️

Our team is going to take a little snake break from here and we will return in the New Year. Happy Holidays! 🐍🧡

[Save The Snakes @savethesnakes]

Give the Gift of Adventure This Christmas 🎁🐍

Looking for a unique and unforgettable gift? Give the gift of exploration and conservation with a Save The Snakes Ecotour.

The perfect gift for the nature lover, adventurer, or conservationist in your life.

https://t.co/GUq0dduFEl

[Supriya Sahu IAS @supriyasahuias]

In a coordinated intelligence-based operation, the Tamil Nadu Forest & Wildlife Crime Control Bureau with the Arani Forest Range staff, successfully thwarted the illegal trade of Red Sand Boa in Tiruvannamalai. The Schedule-I species, often targeted by traffickers, was rescued from the hands of traders before any harm could occur. Two accused were arrested, and the vehicle used for transport has been seized. After a thorough health check, the Red Sand Boa was safely released back into its natural habitat, ensuring its well-being and survival in the wild, where it belongs. Kudos to the TNFWCCB team for saving this precious life. #stopwildlifetrafficking #TNForest

[Save The Snakes @savethesnakes]

It's #GivingTuesday! 🐍 Help us protect snake populations and foster peaceful coexistence between humans and wildlife worldwide. Your gift funds education & on-the-ground conservation in countries across the globe!

Be a snake saver today:➡️ Donate:
https://t.co/tu6LRr8gpg

[Save The Snakes @savethesnakes]

Happy SnakesGiving! 🧡🐍

We're deeply grateful for snakes—nature's pest control, medical heroes, & ecosystem balancers.

And Thank You, our community of dedicated supporters! We couldn't save the snakes without you. 🙏

👉 Support Save The Snakes:
https://t.co/qFIuMNCsph

[Save The Snakes @savethesnakes]

Despite myths and legends, the Mojave rattlesnake isn’t aggressive–it’s misunderstood. They avoid danger and defend when necessary. This beautiful desert snake plays a key ecological role and deserves curiosity, not fear.

Explore their habitat with us:
👉https://t.co/GUq0ddvdtT

[Michael G. Starkey @mgstarkey]

@juliet_turner6 Keep being awesome, Juliet. Greatly appreciate your efforts to communicate your expertise and passion for the natural world to our global society. Need more like you.

[Save The Snakes @savethesnakes]

“California is a global biodiversity hotspot, with both the highest total number of species and the highest number of endemic species in the United States – including our new state shrub & snake.” @CAgovernor
#StateSnake #SaveTheSnakes #CaliforniaProud
https://t.co/xPMpaoAJNe

[Save The Snakes @savethesnakes]

HUGE NEWS! Gov. Newsom signed SB 765, officially designating the Giant Gartersnake (Thamnophis gigas) as California's State Snake! 🐍👑

This historic win results from a multi-year effort with @SenRogerNiello & @RiceNews.

#CAStateSnake #GiantGartersnake #Thamnophisgigas

[Senator Roger Niello @SenRogerNiello]

I am proud to be part of the effort to make the Giant Gartersnake the official snake and raise awareness about its important role in our state’s environment and agriculture! Thank you to @savethesnakes and @RiceNews for your partnership. #CALeg

[Save The Snakes @savethesnakes]

"Though snakes may make you recoil, they’re essential parts of our ecosystems. The giant gartersnake is unique to California, found only in the Central Valley. It is the largest of all garter snakes — some have been documented at more than 5 feet long!"
https://t.co/Xuj4KJbFnP

[Save The Snakes @savethesnakes]

Rest in Peace, Dr. Jane Goodall. She taught the world that compassion must extend to every species. Her work will inspire our fight for snake conservation forever.

Read the full statement from our Founder:
https://t.co/MBVXpM2EnL

[WHO Rwanda @WHORwanda]

Rabies & snakebites are deadly but preventable!

@BrianChirombo, @WHORwanda Rep, with @RBCRwanda & @Uni_Rwanda, opened the 2-day training of staff from hospitals, @RwandaAgriBoard and veterinarians to strengthen the prevention & management of dog and snakebites & envenoming.

[30x30 California @30x30CA]

Amazing morning kicking off CA #Biodiversity Week at Camp Pollock. Over 125 people came out to learn about the plants 🌱 & animals 🦋that call CA home. There are more than 200 events this week that you can join!

[CA State Parks @CAStateParks]

On this #WildlifeWednesday, we’re highlighting the whipsnake, seen here at Providence Mountains SRA. 🐍 Whipsnakes get their names from their long, slender bodies, which resemble a leather whip. They're fast, good climbers & hold their heads high like a periscope to spot prey.

[30x30 California @30x30CA]

#CABiodiversityDay is coming! 👇🏼Have you planned your events? More than 100 different events across the week that allow you to explore California's biodiversity in person or virtually. Don't miss out! 🦆🪲🐍🦋🦫

[Save The Snakes @savethesnakes]

“While people may fear snakes, they’re critically important animals for our world,” Michael Starkey, founder and executive director of Save The Snakes, told The Sacramento Bee. “We need snakes.”
https://t.co/GMfSJaiffm