The number of snakes captured during last June in Gran Canaria has reached the highest historical monthly figure since records began. 807 snakes were removed from the natural environment in those 30 days, surpassing the 803 captured in May 2025, which until now held the monthly capture record.
The 807 California Kingsnake specimens captured during the 30 days of June represent an increase of 184 compared to the 623 captured in June of the previous year, which was the previous maximum for this specific month.
This new monthly record places the 793 snakes removed in May 2026 as the third highest monthly record. The California Kingsnake, an invasive species, has been spreading across Gran Canaria since 1998.
Over the first six months of 2026, a total of 2,209 California Kingsnake specimens have been captured on the island. This figure already makes the current year the fifth with the most captures, indicating the continuous increase and expansion of its population. Captures are expected to progressively decrease from August onwards.
The control device, funded by the Department of Environment of the Cabildo and the Government of the Canary Islands and executed by Gesplan, began its annual reinforcement period on March 28th, coinciding with the snakes' peak surface activity.
This year, the operation includes 40 reinforcement personnel and a total of 50 staff members, comprising foremen, operators, canine guides, and technicians. Additionally, several dogs specialized in snake detection and 566 active traps are employed.
The expansion of personnel allows for extended citizen service hours for those who spot or capture specimens, currently operating from Monday to Sunday between 07:00 and 21:00.
