Herping 1985, Jefferson County, Texas

[reptileexperts]

Well, I've put a bit more effort into herping this summer than the last couple of years, and found it to be quite enjoyable at some of my old spots. Had a friend from college down in my area on Thursday, so I took her out to one of my favorite local herping spots for some night cruising / right away walking to see what we could turn up. Targets for the day included: Western Mudsnake, Mississippi Green Water Snake, Brown Snakes, Speckled Kingsnake. Of which we turned up half, but had a pretty enjoyable time never the less.

We encountered 6 species of snakes alive, across 12 individuals.

3x Western Cottonmouth
2x Mississippi Green Water Snake
3x Broad-banded Water Snake
1x Marsh Brown Snake
1x Gulf Coast Ribbon Snake
2x Plain-bellied Water Snake (both juveniles, presumed Blotched)

We also documented a plenthora of amphibians including: Green Frog, American Bull Frog, Squirrel Tree Frog, Green Tree Frog, Leopard Frog, Gulf Coast Toads, and calling Eastern Narrowmouth Toads. Here are a few images from the trip!


Broad-banded Water Snake


Mississippi Green Water Snake


Blotched Water Snake


Marsh Brown Snake




Squirrel Tree Frog


Green Tree Frog calling

And as a bonus, there was a juvenile Cooper's Hawk hunting in the fields nearby giving an amazing photo op!



Hope you guys enjoy! I will be heading out for a week of herping the cloud forest in Panama with my better half in 18 days!! (www.canopytower.com) staying at the canopy lodge in el valle :-) Will post another thread as things unfold.

Happy herping!

Cheers