The Windsor/Essex County Humane Society is looking for answers after a northern water snake was ‘intentionally struck with rocks and then left to die.’

Humane society executive director Melanie Coulter says they have no information about who might have harmed the female snake on Monday.

She says snakes may not be everyone’s favourite animal, but they are a part of our ecosystem and can suffer like any other animal.

The snake was likely sunning herself on some rocks near the Detroit River at Parent Avenue when she was killed.

Shelter officials say the person responsible could face charges of causing distress to an animal and jail time of up to two years.

Anyone with information about the person who attacked this snake is asked to call the humane society’s cruelty investigation department at 519-966-5751, ext 16 or Crime Stoppers.