The question of how many snakes inhabit the Hawaiian Islands has an answer almost unique among major landmasses. The islands are famous for their near-total absence of snakes, a biological anomaly resulting from natural isolation and deliberate state policy. This lack of snakes is a reflection of strict biosecurity measures designed to protect a fragile, isolated ecosystem. The scarcity of these reptiles is intentional and forms a defining characteristic of the islands’ environment.
The Definitive Answer and the Established Blind Snake
Hawaii is home to zero native snake species. The one established snake population found across the islands is the Brahminy Blind Snake (Indotyphlops braminus). This tiny, non-venomous reptile is often mistaken for an earthworm, typically measuring less than 6.5 inches long with a slender, dark body. It earned the nickname “flowerpot snake” because it is frequently transported in the soil of potted plants, which is how it accidentally arrived in Hawaii and established itself.
The Brahminy Blind Snake poses no threat to the environment or humans, primarily subsisting on the eggs, larvae, and pupae of ants and termites. A unique detail about this species is its ability to reproduce through parthenogenesis, meaning the population consists entirely of females that lay eggs without needing a male. This asexual reproduction has contributed to its successful spread worldwide. Its small size and diet mean it does not compete with or prey upon Hawaii’s vulnerable native bird species.
Hawaii’s Stringent Biosecurity Protocols
The absence of other snake species is maintained by rigorous biosecurity protocols. The state views the illegal possession or transportation of any snake as a Class C felony. Individuals caught attempting to smuggle reptiles can face fines up to $200,000 and jail sentences of up to three years. These stringent laws reflect the understanding that a single pregnant female or pair of snakes could devastate the islands’ unique flora and fauna.
Inspection processes are enforced at all points of entry, including airports, harbors, and military bases, to intercept invasive species hidden in cargo or luggage. The Hawaii Department of Agriculture uses specialized canine teams to search incoming aircraft and shipping containers for the scent of reptiles. To prevent owners from releasing illegal pets into the wild, the state also maintains an Amnesty Program. This program allows people to surrender prohibited animals without facing prosecution or fines.
The Looming Danger of the Brown Tree Snake
The focus of Hawaii’s biosecurity is the single greatest snake threat: the Brown Tree Snake (Boiga irregularis). This nocturnal, mildly venomous snake caused catastrophic damage to the ecosystem of Guam, where it was introduced in the 1940s or 1950s. On Guam, the Brown Tree Snake is responsible for the extinction of nine of the island’s 12 native forest bird species, illustrating the potential impact on Hawaii’s unique avifauna. Beyond ecological damage, the snakes also caused frequent electrical power outages by climbing utility poles and getting into transformers.
The economic cost of a Brown Tree Snake establishment in Hawaii would be immense. Yearly damages are estimated to be between $593 million and $2.14 billion due to power outages, lost tourism, and medical costs. Because the snakes often hitch rides on military and civilian cargo leaving Guam, interdiction efforts are continuous and require cooperation between multiple agencies. Although a few snakes have been intercepted in Hawaii, constant vigilance and trapping programs have so far prevented the establishment of a breeding population.