MADISON, Wis. -- State wildlife officials say a road project in Waukesha County might end up killing a rare snake.

The state Department of Natural Resources is considering allowing the possibility that a Butler gartersnake might be killed during construction of a culvert extension in the Town of Lisbon. The snake is listed on the DNR's threatened list.

State law requires the agency to inform the public when it considers allowing a threatened or endangered species to be killed. The agency said the project won't jeopardize the overall recovery of the snake.

The agency will take public comments on the proposal through Aug. 18.