Herping tips?

[anji1971]

I don't ever "want" to be out at 6:00 am. But apparently the snakes love it!

[Hornets23]

So i have a question that kind of relates to this thread. I guess you could say i'm getting super antsy for spring and for herping season. When do you guys start to see garters or even snakes in general in the spring? I just cant wait...I think the few warm days that we've had have gotten me going.

[infernalis]

Here where I live, we see them at different times, usually after a few days of 50-60 (steady)

I have a few "den sites" that I like to go and see if there are any males hanging around by the openings.

[charles parenteau]

lift everything ,rocks,dead trees,tole,plywood,carpet...anything big enough to hide snake....

[mtolypetsupply]

Hmmm, I'm surprised that no one took the safety angle and said, "Don't lift hiding spots with your hands, get a snake hook or even buy a golf club at a garage sale". Our area of NJ is rife with pine rattlers, and other venomous and non-venemous but large snakes. Not all snakes are friendly little Thamnophis!!!!

I'm a crappy herper, too, Gertie, I'm in your "butt with both hands (BWBH)club". However, I did follow the herpetologists on site at work, and they didn't lift anything with their fingers, for safety's sake. New herpers, and "BWBH club" members like me, be careful so as not to have to post "My Diamondback bite- gross pics attached!"

[guidofatherof5]

I know that they are suppose to be diurnal but I have found many a Radix out cruising my backyard in the dead of night 1-4am. Their doing what I'm doing. Catching worms. I've even had the opportunity to hand feed a few while I was out. I agree with all the statements about moving slowly. Remember, just because you don't see any doesn't mean they don't see you. Stopping and remaining still, gives you a good opportunity to see their movement. Be patient. They know more about the area than we do. They blend in and we stick out.

[crzy_kevo]

great pic steve i agree luckily for me though the only venemous snake in my area (massasauga rattle snake) is only found in a couple nature reserves in my area ojibway park and possibly point peelee but seeing as i am a good 30-45 minutes from both those places the only things that i know will at least give me a nasty bite are eastern milks eastern foxes and northern water snakes each of which i am not afraid of so im pretty well set with safety

[infernalis]

Steve, That picture would be excellent if we ever have a "hidden snake" photo contest.

Anyone else see the face looking out?

[brain]

Yea good camo... Looks like a checker?

[jitami]

Steve, That picture would be excellent if we ever have a "hidden snake" photo contest.

Anyone else see the face looking out?

Didn't they used to do that on kingsnake? Wherever it was, it was fun! Anyone got pics worthy of starting a new thread?