Wild tetrataenia

[ConcinusMan]

Im packing my bags Richard...just give me directions, we're going herping

OK but you're staying in a hotel. There's a motel 6 within walking distance.

[BUSHSNAKE]

Hey Richard i got an update on the Whelling bike trail(from a friend of mine whos a former Lincoln Park Zoo Keeper, this guy knows everybody)anyways it was SHUT DOWN...PERIOD. and asked him what he thought about people trying to get pictures of Massasauga, he just gave me that looked and laughed..."yeh right!"

[ConcinusMan]

Well that's good news.

[mb90078]

I live one suburb away from Wheeling. I've actually been reading up on the massasaugas in this area quite a bit lately. Some historical documents on the internet pin down some of their exact dens with pinpoint accuracy (but notice I say historical, a lot changes in 10, 20, 30 years) in Wheeling and especially just north of Wheeling.

Anyway, I've seen very, very little evidence that they are even still around in this forest preserve, or the one North of it. Of course, that doesn't mean they are extinct from it...

Also, most people don't believe me when I tell them that a venomous snake population lives/lived in this area. You'd be surprised at the looks I get.

[ConcinusMan]

I was surprised to hear there were rattlesnakes there too. But this was just a couple of years ago. There's definitely a den there and plenty of rattlesnakes. Supposedly the last holdout in the greater Chicago area.

[BUSHSNAKE]

theyre still around ... the remaining populations are HIGHLY PROTECTED

[GarField000]

OMG, why don't I live in the US so I can observe all these snakes in the wild.

Very nice pictures ....

[mb90078]

theyre still around ... the remaining populations are HIGHLY PROTECTED

Highly protected how? I used to visit these forests all the time as a kid and never saw a park ranger once.

[ConcinusMan]

I was thinking the same thing. I think what he means is that known locations where populations or dens remain, are strictly off limits.

I tell you what, Washington State is highly protective of their zonata. Can't get anywhere near them without a ranger right up in your business. If they catch you with so much as an empty pillow case in that area, they'll slap the cuffs on you.

At the same time, if you're armed only with a camera, they'll show you right were to go for the best spots. Easier to keep an eye on you that way. LoL.

It's worked out well. It's such a small area and so disjunct from the rest of zonata's range, they could have been decimated by now by collectors if it weren't for the rangers. Believe me, they've arrested their fair share of idiots who think they can just march in there, tear shtuff up, and leave with their booty. Words out now though. You won't get away with it so people don't even try as much as they used to.