Research dog sniffs out reptiles

Associated Press - November 20, 2009 12:54 PM ET

FOLKSTON, Ga. (AP) - Researchers are using a popular breed of dog to learn how rare indigo snakes are faring in the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.

C.J., a 7-year-old chocolate Lab, has a nose for more than indigo snakes. He has sniffed for spider monkeys in Nicaragua, big cats in Brazil and bats in New Mexico.

A wildlife biologists says the intent is to determine what is leading to the decline of the threatened species and to take an informal census on the snakes in the swamp.

Refuge officials made arrangements to use C.J.'s talents Monday and Tuesday through Project Orianne, a wildlife conservation organization based in Clayton that is dedicated to saving the species.

Aicher said a snake survey has never been conducted in the area searched on the east side of the refuge.

Information from: The Florida Times-Union, http://www.jacksonville.com