By Turtle Times

Reptile & Amphibian Laws By State

There seem to be a lot of questions regarding reptile and amphibian laws. Hopefully this helps.

Federal Links

http://www.fws.gov/
http://www.cites.org/

US

http://www.api4anima…als_summary.php
http://www.ssarherps…onservation.php

Alabama

https://www.outdooralabama.com

Arizona

https://www.azgfd.com/

Arkansas

https://www.agfc.com/
http://www.snakesofarkansas.com/

California

http://www.animallaw…shgcode5000.htm

Colorado

https://cpw.state.co.us/
http://www.dem.ri.go…pdf/huntab.pdf

Connecticut

https://www.fishwildlife.org/
http://www.northeast…ocs/ct-laws.pdf

Deleware

https://delcode.delaware.gov

https://www.fishwildlife.org

Florida

https://www.fishwildlife.org/

Georgia

https://www.fishwildlife.org/

https://gadnrle.org/

Idaho

https://idfg.idaho.gov/

https://www.fishwildlife.org

Illinois

www.fishwildlife.org

www.wildlifeillinois.org/

www.animallaw.info

Indiana

www.in.gov

www.eregulations.com/indiana/

Maryland

https://onestop.md.gov/licenses/

https://dnr.maryland.gov/

Massachusetts

https://www.mass.gov/guides/wildlife-as-pets

neherp.com

Minnesota

Nebraska

www.sos.state.ne.us/business/regtrack/reg_docs/2006061610636.doc

Nevada

http://www.ndow.org/…cense/fish.shtm

New Hampshire

http://www.wildlife…./herp_rules.htm

New Jersey

http://www.nj.gov/de…df/permregs.pdf
http://www.realmacaw…ges/njregs.html

New Mexico

http://www.nmcpr.sta…19.035.0010.htm

New York

http://www.wnyherp.org/reptile-laws/

North Carolina

http://www.ncga.stat…ML/S1032v0.html
http://www.bio.david…ns_11152006.pdf

Ohio

http://www.ohiodnr.c…e/PDF/pub03.pdf

Oklahoma

http://www.wildlifed…s/huntregs6.htm

Pennsylvania

http://www.fish.stat…ary/repamp.html

Rhode Island

http://www.uri.edu/c…are_animals.pdf
http://www.dem.ri.go…pdf/huntabs.pdf

South Carolina

http://www.dnr.sc.go…gs/pdf/wmas.pdf
http://www.scstateho…ODE/t50c015.htm
www.scstatehouse.net/coderegs/c123.doc

Tennessee

http://tennessee.gov…/1660-01-18.pdf

Texas

http://www.tpwd.stat…les_amphibians/
http://www.kingsnake…stha/texas.html

Utah

http://www.wildlife….ns_reptiles.pdf
http://www.rules.uta…57/r657-053.htm

Vermont

http://www.aphis.usd…s/sregs/vt.html

Virginia

http://www.dgif.virg…ons/nongame.asp

Wisconsin

http://dnr.wi.gov/or…e/HerpsRegs.pdf

If anybody has any other links to add please feel free to do so. For the states that aren’t listed no information could be found. I do …read more
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This pair of Common Toads in our herp photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user Krallenfrosch are in the middle of amplexus! Just tell the kids they are wrestling! Happy Wednesday! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

Upload your own reptile and amphibian photos photos at gallery.kingsnake.com, and you could see them featured here! …read more
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By Turtle Times

What is the Cost of an Axolotl & What One To Buy?

The cost of an Axolotl depends on a number of factors. However, they are usually inexpensive. A healthy Axolotl costs about $80. An exotic version would cost approximately $140.

Getting this aquatic animal is still cheaper than creating an ideal habitat. Find out how much it costs to own and raise an Axolotl in your home.

Feeling kinda like this hoggie in our herp photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user jeffb ! Be sure to tell jeffb you liked it here! TAKE NO PRISONERS!

Upload your own reptile and amphibian photos photos at gallery.kingsnake.com, and you could see them featured here! …read more
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This almost all white example of the Giant Worm Lizard was found by a Peruvian villager.
Amphisbaenids are rather amazing creatures. In fact, they are so amazing that they are in their own family, the Amphisbaenidae. Most are legless, at least 3 species (in Mexico) have proportionately small, clawed, forelimbs but lack rear limbs. Amphisbaenids (often referred to as “worm lizards”) have for the most part, a, wedge-shaped head of the same width as their bodies that is adapted for digging, a cylindrical body, loose skin, scales arranged in rings, and a short tailt. Some species are long and slender, others, especially the European members of the family, are shorter and proportionately stout.

Despite perpetual but never confirmed tales of a Pacific Coast species, only a single taxon, the 14” long Florida Worm Lizard, Rhineura floridana, is known to occur in the USA. This, as suggested by both its common and species names, may be found in FL and extreme South Central Georgia.

The largest/longest amphisbaenid, is the 2 to 2 ½ foot long Giant Amphisbaenid, Amphisbaenia alba of South America where it ranges southward from Venezuela and Trinidad to Northern Argentina. It is also known as the Red (dorsal and lateral color) or the White-bellied (self-explanatory) Amphisbaenid.

In our dozens of trips to Amazonian Peru we had never seen one of these impressive creatures until one day a villager walked into the compound holding one that had been found near his home. Notable were the already mentioned colors, the darker eyespots, and the fact that while held it was not hesitant to attempt to bite.

Much in print information about this remarkable “worm lizard” is speculative. However, it is known that it is oviparous, laying ~12 eggs. It is also known that this burrower is often found in association with the nests of leaf-cutting ants. Stomach contents have disclosed that this species is primarily insectivorous, but also will eat nestling rodents and earthworms. One that I maintained was very fond of nightcrawlers. When defending itself the body is usually coiled in a semi-circle and both head and tail are turned upwards—but only the head, with widely opened jaws, need be watched (LOL)..
Continue reading “The Giant Worm Lizard (Amphisbaenid)” …read more
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This male veiled is hanging on tight for whatever is in store for him in our Herp Photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user GECKOPERSON ! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

Upload your own reptile and amphibian photos at gallery.kingsnake.com, and you could see them featured here! …read more
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Happy Rattlesnake Friday! All venomous snakes need our support, and this stunning Olmec Pit Viper (Atropoides olmec) in our herp photo of the day uploaded by kingsnake.com user PeteSnakeCharmer is no exception! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

We celebrate #RattlesnakeFriday to celebrate the wonderful venomous species that contribute to making our world greater and also use it as a way to support conservation efforts to protect these species worldwide!

Upload your own reptile and amphibian photos at gallery.kingsnake.com, and you could see them featured here! …read more
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By Turtle Times

Below we have put together a list of FAQ’s by turtle owners and commonly asked questions we have seen across the internet. If you have any answers or would like to update the below, please contact us and send the link to our team.

Sites to buy turtles

Exposed Bone Where the Scute Should Be

Nolvasan for shell rot (and where to buy it)

will uva/uvb go through thick glass window?

My hatchling is not eating. Any suggestions?

Can I keep different species of turtles together?

Can I use sand/gravel/river rocks as a substrate for my aquatic turtle?

Small Amounts of Algae On Your Turtle?

The British & Places to buy in the UK

What type of substrate should I use in my tortoise’s/box turtles enclosure?

What kind of turtle is the smallest?

Vitamin A deficiencies and supplements…

heat or not?

itchy turtle

Prickly Pear FRUIT?

…read more
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By Turtle Times

30 Gallon Fish Tank Setup guide. A 30-gallon aquarium is the perfect solution for an aquarium that will fit easily in your living area and create a focal piece at the same.

This is the perfect size for most fish keepers. It provides plenty of space for beautiful fish, and allows you to gain lots of experience.

It is a great way to keep the same fish that you see in large professional tanks. You can keep Cichlids and many other species.

Continue reading to learn about stocking ideas, equipment and design inspiration.

30 Gallon Fish Tanks: What You Need to Know

This volume of aquariums allows for an amazing combination of plants and species. The aquariums can be used to house a variety of fish, reptiles and even plants. They can also serve as a paludarium. Fish, crabs and shrimps are all able to live in the aquarium without having to fight for territory.

Its size and dimensions make it ideal for beginners who want to move on to larger tanks.

The right equipment will make your role in maintaining the aquarium minimal. Most well-known brands have a wide range of tools that can help you maintain your aquarium.

You can choose between many different designs. Some 30-gallon tanks may have wooden parts or a metallic hood slide.

Many models are designed to appeal to all budgets. You can find an aquarium that is suitable for you, whether you want to spend less or more.

There are different versions of the 30-gallon aquarium, including breeding, wide, and high tanks. The primary difference between each tank is its size and purpose.

30 Gallon Fish Tank Dimensions

A standard 30-gallon aquarium will measure 36 1/4″ x 12 5/8″ x 16 3/4″.

The variations described above would either have a height or length that is different, but the width will usually remain the same.

30 Gallon Aquarium Equipment

It is important to choose the right equipment for an aquarium. These equipment pieces provide enough nutrients, set up cycling, and maintain the desired temperature. They are the foundation of all life in your aquarium.

You have slim chances of having an aquarium that thrives without quality equipment.

Heater

Water Temperature is controlled by several factors in nature, including direct insolation and cooling. It is up to you, however, to replicate this highly efficient system in your aquarium.

You can do this by using a tank heating.

A 30 gallon aquarium doesn’t need a …read more
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By Turtle Times

How To Identify a Turtle Or Tortoise 

Turtles are a diverse group of animals with a wide range of requirements. Turtles require different environmental conditions and turtles eat many different foods.

It is important to know how to identify one turtle from another if you plan on caring for it. You can care for your turtle better if you know how to identify it. If you’re still not sure, you can consult a herp veterinarian.

Turtles come in many different types.

Let’s first look at the different types of turtles that we have.

Freshwater Turtle

How to Identify a Turtle or sea turtle. The majority of turtles that you will encounter are freshwater turtles. Freshwater turtles tend to be smaller than other turtles. These turtles spend the majority of their lives in water environments.

All freshwater turtles, except for box Turtles which spends less time in water, spend the majority of their time swimming. The Japanese pond turtle, for example, can spend many months in a pond.

Snapping turtles are examples, as well as cooters and softshell turtles. Other turtles include box turtles (wood turtles), wood turtles (map turtles), sliders and softshell turtles.

Sea Turtles

You can find them in the ocean. These are usually large turtles that are purely aquatic. The turtles do lay their eggs on the shore. Flippers are the most distinguishing feature of this turtle type. Sea turtles do not have feet. They have flippers.

Leatherback sea turtles are examples, as well as hawksbill and Atlantic ridley turtles.

Land Tortoise

How to Identify a Turtle on land. They are only found on the land. Their shells tend to be heavier and more streamlined, with high domes. You can identify a tortoise if you look at its feet. Their legs are short and elephantine. Land tortoises walk on their toes when they move.

Some examples include Greek tortoises and Russian tortoises.

Follow these steps to identify a turtle

Knowing how to identify turtles is essential if you own turtles as pets. Follow the steps to identify the species of turtle.

1. You can identify if the turtle is a freshwater turtle, a tortoise or a sea Turtle.

• The front limbs of a sea-turtle are the flippers. The sea turtle is large and hard to find as it spends most of its life in the …read more
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So precious! We love hatchling photos, like this awakening Gecko in our Herp Photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user SA! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

Upload your own reptile and amphibian photos photos at gallery.kingsnake.com, and you could see them featured here! …read more
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By Turtle Times

Taking on your first saltwater tank setup? It can be difficult to set up a new tank, but once you have your fish in it, it is worth the effort.

The process of turning an aquarium idea into a reality involves many steps. It is the same process as for setting up a freshwater aquarium.

Saltwater aquariums are a bit more expensive but offer a large variety of colorful fish. Corals are attractive because of their unique appearance and behavior. They are not available in freshwater aquariums.

Mixing these creatures will create something beautiful. It will brighten any room that you place it in.

Many people think that saltwater aquariums can be difficult to setup. This is not the case. We will walk you through all you need to do to start a saltwater aquarium. A saltwater tank setup takes a lot of work, time and patience but it is so rewarding!

Saltwater Aquarium Basics

Freshwater or Saltwater is the first thing you should choose when setting up a new aquarium?

It can be hard to decide which setup is best for you.

A saltwater tank is a tank with marine animals or plants. You can create your own aquarium. There are many options.

The unique marine life that is found in saltwater aquariums attracts many people. You can choose from the brightest fish in the world and corals to make your own reef.

You will be amazed at how beautiful a natural coral reef is if you’ve ever seen one.

Saltwater aquariums are expensive and hard to maintain, so beginners tend to avoid them. Even though it’s hard to avoid the cost, beginners can still maintain a saltwater aquarium with a little effort and time.

You need to setup your aquarium before you can enjoy the fish. It is important to know how to properly set up an aquarium. This will help ensure everything runs smoothly.

Saltwater tanks come in many different types

You can do a lot with a saltwater aquarium. Here are some of the most popular types of marine aquariums to get you started.

Fish Only

The main reason people get an aquarium is to keep fish. Why bother with anything else if they’re all you want?

This is the simplest and most affordable type of aquarium. It is important to only consider the needs of your fish and not other animals such as corals.

You can select between a species or community aquarium.

<span class="wordai-block rewrite-block enable-highlight" …read more
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This Western Fence Lizard is chilling like a villain in our herp photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user chrish ! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

Upload your own reptile and amphibian photos photos at gallery.kingsnake.com, and you could see them featured here! …read more
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These two little Cresties seem a bit confused which way to go to food in our herp photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user MOC_Reptiles ! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

Upload your own and photos at gallery.kingsnake.com, and you could see them featured here! …read more
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That’s a whole lotta bull. Bullsnake that is! Loving the colors on the one here in our herp photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user orchidspider has never missed a meal! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

Upload your own reptile and photos at gallery.kingsnake.com, and you could see them featured here! …read more
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Female Collared Forest Geckos usually have prominently ringed tails.
This is another of the small but usually pretty geckos of the genus Gonatodes. The geckos of this genus are widespread in Tropical America as well as being present on many Caribbean Islands.

Although a bit less colorful than the related Bridled Forest Gecko, this Amazonian taxon, scientifically known as Gonatodes concinnatus, has derived its common name from the white to yellow bars on each side on the dark shoulders. It is the males that are so marked, the females having 6 or 7 chocolate and white transverse bars across the dorsum and usually also having white tail rings and tailtip. Males also have an unmarked brownish-yellow to orange head, shoulders, and forelimbs. Body ground color can vary. This species may be dark brown with faint lighter speckling or be exactly the opposite, being brownish-gold with dark speckling on the body.

Unlike its congener, the Collared Forest Gecko, this species seems seldom seen in camp clearings or on buildings, but is fairly common in the rainforest on stumps, fallen trees, and occasionally on broad shrub and tree leaves.

This is a small lizard, being about 3 ½ inches in total length. It is diurnal. A clutch consists of a single egg but several clutches may be produced annually.
Continue reading “The Collared Forest Gecko” …read more
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I celebrated World Snake Day a week early last Sunday here in Milwaukee at a fundraising event called “Sipping for Snakes” hosted by the Eastern Massasauga SSP.  I mean it is Wisconsin, we do everything with either cheese or beer. I stumbled across the event on facebook and was instantly excited! A fundraiser for rattlesnakes ON MY DAY OFF! I mean what more could I ask for!!! 
Continue reading “World Snake Day: Sipping with Snakes “ …read more
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Happy Rattlesnake Friday! Celebrating with this beautiful Eastern Massasauga in our herp photo of the day uploaded by kingsnake.com user ratsnakehaven found in the field in Michigan. Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

Upload your own reptile and amphibian photos at gallery.kingsnake.com, and you could see them featured here! …read more
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Indy, the Blue Tongue, in our Herp Photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user buffysmom thinks they are hiding in their tube. Let’s not burst their bubble!! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

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One little, two little, three little Bearded Dragons in our Herp Photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user dedragons ! It’s three for Thursday! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

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These Uroplatus pietschmanni in our Herp Photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user mcamo3 ,show us what amazing masters of camoflague they truly are! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

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Hope this beautiful Sumatran Short Tail (aka Black Blood) in our Herp Photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user amaliamoran brightens your Monday! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

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Although variable, male Bridled Forest Geckos are usually quite brilliantly colored.
It is often said that good things come in small packages, and this is certainly the case with the tiny geckos of the genus Gonatodes. Most are adult at an overall length of 3 ½ to 4 inches of which half is tail. IMO the little Amazonian species known as the Bridled Forest Gecko, G. humeralis, is a perfect example. I’ll admit that the females of all species in this genus are much less colorful than the males, and this is especially so when the males are in their breeding finery. The females are grayish with various darker markings and mottlings. Males, on the other hand, have an olive(ish) ground color dotted dorsally with pale to bright red and laterally with a mixture of black and reddish dots. Males also have a bridle-shaped marking of bluish-white as well as bluish-white markings atop the head, anterior to each eye and on the nosetip and yellow labial scales. These markings may all be pale when the lizard is quiet, but invariably brighten during courtship and actual breeding. A clutch consists of a single egg but several clutches may be produced annually.

Primarily diurnal, this little gecko is often seen on the buildings and plantings at Madre Selva Biological Preserve. It seems most common in clearings but is occasionally seen sleeping on broad-leafed plants in nearby rain-forest

As we move deeper into the rain-forest this species seems to be replaced by the Collared Forest Gecko, G. concinnatus.
Continue reading “The Bridled Forest Gecko” …read more
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Happy Rattlesnake Friday! Here’s lookin’ at you kid! Check out this gorgeous albino Southern Pacific Rattlesnake in our herp photo of the day uploaded by kingsnake.com user lichanura . Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

Upload your own reptile and amphibian photos at gallery.kingsnake.com, and you could see them featured here! …read more
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I bet this Nile Monitor in our Herp Photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user orchidspider is hoping for some tasty snacks! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

Upload your own reptile and amphibian photos at gallery.kingsnake.com, and you could see them featured here! …read more
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You know it is going to be fun when you start out the day with an Eastern coachwhip in our herp photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user jodscovry! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

Upload your own reptile and amphibian photos photos at gallery.kingsnake.com, and you could see them featured here! …read more
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The sunlight really brings out the depth in colors of this Green House Snake in our herp photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user kamiki77! Be sure to tell them you liked it here.

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Large, gravid, and very dark in color, this Brown Water Snake was seen at canal edge in South Florida.The eastern USA is fortunate in having several species and subspecies of the genus Nerodia Water Snakes, as residents. Most are feisty if frightened, many will bite if carelessly restrained, and all are harmless (nonvenomous). Sadly, no matter how dissimilar they may look, many, if not most, are confused by those people who see them, with the venomous Cottonmouths. One that is most apt to be misidentified, is the Brown Watersnake, Nerodia taxispilota. It is also one that catches many folks by surprise.

The Brown Watersnake is one of the larger species, occasionally attaining 5 feet in length and being of heavy body. The color is variable, being brightest and most precise on neonates (yes, this is a live-bearing genus). Adults usually have a very visible pattern of light-edged dark dorsal blotches that alternate with light-edged lateral blotches. Some adults are very dark in overall color, especially when about to enter the shedding cycle.

Overall, the water snakes are semi-aquatic, but most are primarily water lovers. The Brown Water Snake, Nerodia taxispilota, may be seen basking in various riveredge situations including high in trees overhanging the water. From these perches, if startled, this big snake may drop into the water or, as too often happens, drop and land in the fishing boat that startled it. Sadly, when this happens this nonvenomous snake is often mistaken for the venomous cottonmouth and is summarily dispatched.

The light example seen here could probably be referred to as anerythristic (lacking red pigment)
Continue reading “The Brown Water Snake” …read more
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While not as iconic as the Westerns, Eastern Diamondbacks like this one in our herp photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user Canes05 are amazing and stunning snakes in their own right! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

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What more can we say but AMAZING! This is such a beautiful shot of a Desert Horned Lizard in our Herp Photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user Brockn ! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

Upload your own reptile and amphibian photos at gallery.kingsnake.com, and you could see them featured here! …read more
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This cute little pile of Fire Salamanders in our herp photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user jungleemporium are certainly “smoking”! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

Upload your own reptile and amphibian photos photos at gallery.kingsnake.com, and you could see them featured here! …read more
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All hail the mighty Garter Snake in our Herp Photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user TomDickinson for being so many of our first wild herp! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

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Pudge the Budgets Frog has a case of the Mondays in our herp photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user frogological! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

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Yellow Amazon Tree boas were only occasionally seen on Madre Selva Preserve.

One of the first snake species that I saw at Madre Selva Biological Preserve was coiled high in the rafters of the old kitchen building. From my vantage point the snake appeared to be clad entirely in scales of “old rafter brown.” Tree Boa? Amazon Tree Boa? Could it really be? Could I be that lucky? Segundo, having been summoned, clambered up to the rafters, grasped the snake (that reacted in typical tree boa style) and was soundly bitten during his one-handed decent. He then handed the irate snake to me.

Since that first sighting, I’ve seen many Amazon Tree Boas, Corallus hortulanus, many of various shades of brown, some being brown and orange, other being yellow, and a few being a beautiful blood red. Some I caught, some Segundo caught, others by other of our guides. But somehow, somewhere during the photographing sessions, almost all of the snakes retaliated for having been disturbed and immortalized in a “toothsome” manner. Any of you who have kept these interesting boas will understand why I tell the participants on our herp tours, “Amazon Tree Boas just don’t play nice.”

But that has never dissuaded our tour groups or me from seeking the arboreal gems. Besides in the open-air buildings, we have found tree boas high in trees, others were dangling by their strongly prehensile tail, boa face at human face level, from vines that crisscross above our trails (if not noticed these could have resulted in a real “ouch encounter”). Others have been just coiled quietly atop stumps. On one trip, one of the dangling boas, a yellow example (pictured here) was seen on four of the six nights that we were at the preserve.

The tree boas found have varied in length from 18 inch juvies to 4 to 5 foot long adults.

Continue reading “Amazon Tree Boas” …read more
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We love everything that rattles, but today we give the spotlight to this baby timber rattlesnake in our herp photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user jameswv! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

Upload your own reptile and amphibian photos photos at gallery.kingsnake.com, and you could see them featured here! …read more
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That’s a whole lotta bull. Bullsnake that is! Loving the colors on the one here in our herp photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user orchidspider has never missed a meal! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

Upload your own reptile and photos at gallery.kingsnake.com, and you could see them featured here! …read more
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Most commonly known as the harlequin toad, this Atelopus barbotinitakes center stage in our herp photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user jamesmatthews! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

Upload your own reptile and amphibian photos photos at gallery.kingsnake.com, and you could see them featured here! …read more
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What a great looking pair of Australian water dragons in our herp photo of the day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user cochran! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

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This little hatching tortoise in our Herp Photo of the Day, uploaded by kingsnake.com user amazoa is a great way to celebrate World Turtle Day late! Be sure to tell them you liked it here!

Upload your own reptile and amphibian photos photos at gallery.kingsnake.com, and you could see them featured here! …read more
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Broad-headed Skings were common in Okeetee. This male has assumed his seasonal breeding colors.
I don’t know how Gordy knew where we were but he did. The roadsign we had just passed informed us that Ridgeland was 20 miles ahead. And Ridgeland, in the state of South Carolina’s “Low Country,” was our goal.

This was way back in the mid-1950s and I was as “wound-up” as a young herper could be. I was an eager and avid herper, birder, and “everything-elser.” In other words, except for humans if it breathed, I wanted to learn about it, and herps were at the top of the list. And somewhere near Ridgeland there was a special place that Gordy had heard about—Okeetee Hunt Club. This was and is a 50,000 acre plot of land that came into being way back in 1894. Today it is fenced and patrolled and only members are allowed to enter. But back in the mid-1900s, back before today’s market hunters and the tendency to litigate every bruise or sprained ankle, anyone who wished could enter, and I was one of the lucky ones.

Besides being a refuge and gathering place for arms-bearing hunters, Okeetee was Mecca to a host of herpers. It was one of Karl Kauffeld’s favorite places and it quickly became one of Gordy’s and mine. And when you added on the several other nearby hunt clubs and preserves, the area became unbeatable. Corn snakes were common, as were Eastern Kingsnakes, Scarlet Kings, Hognoses, Eastern Diamondbacks and Canebrakes. Pine snakes were not uncommon; Broad-headed Skinks were abundant. Chorus Frogs ratcheted from nearby canal edges, Bird-voiced, Cope’s Gray, Barking and Green Treefrogs called from the Great Swamp. Oh, and did I mention that we often found Mud and Rainbow Snakes, and Red-bellied Water Snakes. The list goes on and on.

I’m glad that I actually got to experience those times now long gone. I wish the herpers of today, well.
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