Wild tetrataenia

[sauceman]

Hello everyone. I am new here and have not posted before.

I wanted to report that I was field herping with two friends yesterday in San Mateo County, California and, between the three of us, we observed eight wild Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia. It was an incredible thrill to observe these animals going about their business in their natural habitat. This particular population seems to be doing pretty well, despite the presence of invasive American Bullfrogs (though not many of these were seen).

The ironic part was that, while three Thamnophis species were seen, the T. s. tetrataenia were most prevalent in this area. Thamnophis atratus atratus (one individual) and Thamnophis elegans terrestris (two individuals) were also observed.

I have spent time in several other areas hoping to find the elusive San Francisco Garter Snakes and had never seen one. It was certainly one of the highlights of my herping life and a very memorable experience.

Here are a couple of pictures:

[Stefan-A]

Neat.

[BLUESIRTALIS]

That's Awesome!

[RedSidedSPR]

Wow that really is awesome!!

[infernalis]

Thanks for posting the photos..

[PINJOHN]

thanks for posting those pictures were a real buzz i don't think i have seen photo's of naturally occurring san frans out side of the text and hobby books
great stuff

[reptileparadise]

Wow! Such a striking difference with the tetra´s in captivity! I like these so much more!!!!!!!!!!

[guidofatherof5]

Very cool.

[Starling96]

That's an awesome snake!

[jitami]

Awesome! Thanks so much for sharing the pics! I really hope to find one myself someday and this gives me a little more hope