So i never really did this before. I have seen the occasional water snake, black rat snake, and gartner snake. I live in eastern pennsylvania around lehighton, PA. Just want some pointers on when is the best time to go, where to look, and how to go about the handling. Also what might i find. I am aware of the potential for rattlesnakes and/or copperheads in the area (also the potential for seeing a 9 foot python that has been seen locally, apparently it escaped from a local pet owner.). Any advice would be appreciated.
-
Hello!
Either you have not registered on this site yet, or you are registered but have not logged in. In either case, you will not be able to use the full functionality of this site until you have registered, and then logged in after your registration has been approved.
Registration is FREE, so please register so you can participate instead of remaining a lurker....
Please be certain that the location field is correctly filled out when you register. All registrations that appear to be bogus will be rejected. Which means that if your location field does NOT match the actual location of your registration IP address, then your registration will be rejected.
Sorry about the strictness of this requirement, but it is necessary to block spammers and scammers at the door as much as possible.
First time
- Thread starter zwet21
- Start date
Nanci
Alien Lover
I frequently find snakes by "flipping," turning over anything flat (and replacing exactly as it was) anything that looks like good shelter- carpet or cardboard squares, plywood, tin sheets, shingles, etc. If you go in the morning, the snakes are likely to be cold and in place. The later you go, the more chance you have of finding then out and about. Snakes are frequently found near water. Anywhere that has snake prey such as frogs, toads, minnows, lizards will also have snakes. Be sure you can identify any venomous snakes in your area. I'll handle non-venomous snakes or sometimes place them in a tree for photos, but then return them to exactly where I found them. Another skill to develop is listening for reptiles that are moving under leaves or in the grass. I've found plenty of animals by tracking down rustling noises. Be careful with lizards- their tails break very easily. If you are attempting to catch one, pin it down by the body with your hand flat- never grab it by the tail.
cka
memba
Find some water, you'll find some herps :*)...Creek sides, from small trickles to riversides, lake sides etc are good starts. Trash piles in fields, old knocked down shacks, junkyards (yes, junkyards), open clearings in forests, especially if there are pile's of brush or fall downs. Under dead bark on a fallen tree is a good spot. Look for rocky hillsides facing to the east or southeast, they'll warm up fastest in the early spring. Having a field guide thats relevant to your location will help some, and make sure you return any moved cover back to it's original position as best as possible. Make sure you are not trespassing or breaking any regulation, rule or law(s) in the area you want to check out.........but enjoy 
...........
...........
mdrews
New member
In and around my area spring has proven to be the most successful time!less foliage makes it easier to see and in some spots the accessibility is hindered in summer to alot of good spots due to over growth.