2016 Herp Finds

[SnoopySnake]

Decided to make a thread for the herps I find this year, hoping I will find many more than this!

3-26-16
Eastern Garter Snake, seems something got his tail :(
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/2BD0A904-51C8-4539-B980-5D65A39E9EC5_zpsvxnmg7al.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/A44A741C-454F-4818-B835-71F043CABB0E_zpsaxiqncn8.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/8E75642B-5CB8-4AA2-9978-755A4DA07F71_zpskbzt4gh9.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/6859CA11-496F-4283-B57B-F737DB88E422_zpswyd4svj6.jpg

4-17-16
First Eastern Garter Snake
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/C561E063-D038-463B-9E96-67DFCAAEEA3A_zpsnc4bt31i.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/EF6BAA32-BC90-4D1E-889D-7692B18B2C50_zps9n3kalhe.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/9342B7F0-94B2-47CC-B524-A47729FCE372_zpslbdyno2v.jpg

[SnoopySnake]

4-17-16
Second Eastern Garter Snake
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/544750E1-BD31-47B6-8C72-7E5903D3AB3C_zpsrvpf2yjk.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/BB49CDF2-2AFF-4905-9143-CE450E760352_zpswq7rgmwl.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/099D0D88-C400-43D2-9415-A5424FA04EC5_zpsbysfnneq.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/76A5FC71-8340-4C46-8DC7-BDB34CDE0D80_zpsenir6caa.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/214421AA-08C7-4E7B-AC0B-1A538422065A_zpsjdthjtt0.jpg

My first Dekayi!
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/4AD96665-64A3-4248-9610-B90649976B5D_zpsaxvjfyel.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/7C56A761-A21E-4D97-9088-8AFA54AD1B7F_zpsaipooyl8.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/3CD20584-0312-46F4-9260-210D9FEB4503_zpslyhulmlu.jpg

[SnoopySnake]

http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DA9A8F7D-363A-47DC-98D5-E4CC7221F284_zpskxctny6e.jpg

A toad, not sure if it's a Fowler's or American. Almost ran him over.
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/ACB06B09-5FFF-4BA4-8756-39159ECEF70B_zpsymobgiup.jpg

Thanks for looking :)

[Albert Clark]

Wow! Nice finds SS. What a successful outing. I feel bad for the garter with the chewed up tail. Thanks for sharing that. Looks like both those eastern garters might be intergrades by the red lateral striping. Just a observation.

[Bandit]

Very nice finds! Nice looking Dekay's with that stripe. Looking forward to seeing what else you find.

[toddnbecka]

Tail does look rough, but at least the snake escaped and survived, so I'd call that a win. Looks a bit different than the local garters, ours are mostly black and yellow.

[Albert Clark]

Alot of the times this type of tail condition is indicative of a parasitic condition in wild garter snakes. They are usually loaded with endoparasites. Specifically the nematodes that after infecting the animal, head to the tail. They remain there and cause more tissue damage.

[macandchz]

this herping thing is starting to recruit me. i'm just scared i'd pick up a copperhead or viper or something....

[SnoopySnake]

The garters are probably not intergrades, here in MI we only have eastern garters and butlers garters. Easterns are a much more common find for me, and most of them around here look like this :)

Macandchz, it's always a good idea to get familiar with the venomous snakes in your state, so that if you happen to come across one you know what it is and to leave it alone. Here in MI we only have one species of venomous snake, the eastern massasauga. While they're pretty tough to find, I've become familiar with them and if I happen to come across one it'll be pretty easy to tell them apart from other non-venomous snakes.

[Bandit]

Mac, just go for it. It's always fun seeing these animals in the wild. Just do a bit of research on native snakes in your area, as Snoop said. And if you aren't 100% sure of what a snake is, just leave it be. It can still be nice to observe/photograph snakes without picking them up.

[Albert Clark]

Hey Snoop, they should be intergrades bc The Butlers garter (T. Butleri) and Eastern garter (T.S.sirtalis) are different species. I think the Eastern red sided( T.S.parietalis) is also in your range. Probably just not as abundant. T.S.sirtalis and T.S.parietalis are related subspecies. Butlers is a different animal. Then there is the polymorphism that is very common in garter snakes.

[SnoopySnake]

According to Michigan DNR and other people in the state, Butlers and Easterns are all we have. Easterns are highly variable and often have red/orange tones, in fact most of the ones I find look pretty similar to the ones I've posted :)

[FWK]

The Michigan DNR website is a bit confusing, it lists Eastern Garter Snakes but stops at the species level with the Latin, Thamnophis sirtalis. The proper common name for T. sirtalis is Common Garter. Eastern Garters (T. sirtalis sirtalis) are a subspecies of Common Garters, and the only subspecies of Common Garter found in Michigan. You would have to go a long ways to the west, into Minnesota, to find Red-Sided Garter Snakes (T. s. parietalis). You are correct that y'all only have Eastern Garters (T. s. sirtalis) and Butler's Garters (T. butleri) in Michigan, though Northern Ribbons (T. sauritus septentrionalis) are technically also Garters. What you have here are definitely Eastern Garters. Nice finds, and best of luck on your hunt this year!

[Albert Clark]

According to "The Garter Snakes" Evolution and Ecology by Rossman , Ford and Siegel , the T.S.parietalis females activity range of 8000m2 in Michigan as far back as 1952. In contrast , T.S.parietalis males had a activity range of 142000m2 in Kansas. Variable movements probably reflects population differences in distance between suitable hibernation sites and summer foraging areas.

[SnoopySnake]

Today I found this little cutie chilling outside my house :) Gave me some nice pictures and a cool video.

watch?v=T-f2AN7-cZs
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/13199088_1021405037907964_910563577_o_zpshanwjgyj. jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/13184833_1021419754573159_188156947_o_zpshhdr9v3s. jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/13214661_1021404801241321_1651024466_o_zpspkptcqmb .jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/13219653_1021405941241207_916856219_n_zpsgsyxeigv. jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/13214930_1021404724574662_2103842562_o_zps4uwoehru .jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/13162076_1021413324573802_821825635_n_zpsf86hlm2e. jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/13199006_1021413757907092_716885475_o_zpsi7wqwyt9. jpg

[RAD House]

Nice find, what a cool little frog.

[SnoopySnake]

Yesterday I found a very feisty garter snake in my yard with some awesome red coloration :) Little guy tried to bite my phone 3 or 4 times and got my hand...cute...Hopefully soon I'll be able to post something other than garters....lol
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/IMG_5681_zpsyygycgyg.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/IMG_5687_zpsofldisnu.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/IMG_5680_zpsrdhtoogz.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/IMG_5688_zpspuseglqd.jpg

[Albert Clark]

That is a nice pickup. Looks gravid or either just finished a meal. Bet my last money it's a full meal swallowed by that female. Lol.

[Pareeeee]

I love the video of the Grey Treefrog! So cute. I love catching treefrogs; I don't see them very often though :(

Thanks for sharing! Looking forward to seeing what else you find this year!

[SnoopySnake]

Haven't had much chance to get out lately so nothing too interesting...Found the feisty garter living in my yard again and got some nice pics :)
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSCN8558_zpsjpfne453.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSCN8549_zpsuyanbejr.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSCN8554_zpskgsdehvv.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSCN8557_zpssha4gn0j.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSCN8550_zpshxqbjf56.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSCN8547_zpsjd91wfm1.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSCN8563_zpslabhb262.jpg

[SnoopySnake]

And this cute little American toad, and saved this painted turtle from my uncle's paddle boat.
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/IMG_6020_zps9dsex89a.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/IMG_6013_zpsx9wbfkj2.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/IMG_6011_zpszjc3kjkl.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/IMG_6012_zpscezwlb4l.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/IMG_6014_zpss2hfu5jc.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/IMG_6015_zpskiaukg0z.jpg

[brandonh]

Haha that treefrog is pretty cute! they are migrating right now in my state! do happen to know if it's a grey or a copes? you can pretty much only tell by their calls.

[SnoopySnake]

Found this adorable Butler's Garter yesterday :) First Butler's I've found in some time. A million pics because I'm testing out a new camera and this dude was just so photogenic...And a couple pics of the squirrels living around here...because they're cute
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC06491_zpskhfkvl9b.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC06492_zps4ce4utu9.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC06496_zpsp83x9f5x.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC06497_zpsnrsljvcl.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC06499_zpsdcbttnsy.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC06502_zps8hcpju8c.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC06504_zpsv6qz3xhe.jpg

[SnoopySnake]

Continued...Thanks for looking :)
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC06506_zps8xtbopdu.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC06509_zpsvd5tlrj6.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC06522_zps22p4enmu.jpghttp://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC06530_zpsgtguywgl.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC06531_zpswd3sb0uk.jpg

[AlexCrazy]

Gee! love the color on the Butler!
While im here in America id love to do some herping.. Ive never gone herping before.. I studied the dangerous snakes and know them like the back of my hand almost.. But.. how do you catch the little buggers!? ha ha Last night my Aunts neighbors called saying that there was a king.. we rushed there and it turned out a black rat snake (Berkeley lake, GA) and this little guy had such a temper.. I got nipped 2 times trying to pick him up.. it was my actual first nip that's why I dint go far, I let go..and then he got of the porch and slithered away... I finally know it does not hurt at all so next time I wont let go ha ha. How to you approach? I distracted him with my left hand and when for the tail with my right.. my aunt try to help and that got me nipped ha ha..

[toddnbecka]

You can wear a light pair of gloves if you're really worried about being bitten, but it takes nerve to pick up a defensive snake that's striking at you, lol. Black rat snakes really aren't that bad once you have then in hand, black racers will just keep chewing away the whole time you hold onto them though. King and milk snakes are usually pretty easy to pick up, the Eastern milks I've found just tried to escape, never struck or bit though. Garters tend to be nippy.

[AlexCrazy]

Thanks for the info.. It was nerve wracking to try and pick up the striking fella.. But im not gonna be scared of the bites anymore.
So i guess you just pick them up.. hehe

[SnoopySnake]

Finally found something new (for me) a few days ago. Cute little red-backed salamanders! 3 red phase and one 'lead' phase. A few misc pics along the way, a very small dark fishing spider too. Also found another butler's garter a couple weeks ago :)
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC07021_zpsr6svjf5l.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC07023_zpsol5gxzn5.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC07024_zpsfwf5gedm.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC07026_zpsvuoc83ph.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC07029_zpsghffieqo.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC07036_zpsptgvobh5.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC07038_zpsbkwluhaq.jpg

[SnoopySnake]

http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC07039_zpscdwwz1q9.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC07040_zpss41mza0o.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC07041_zpsshjjiylp.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC07047_zpsxfxo4rmb.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC07052_zpsqhytmd3j.jpg

[SnoopySnake]

Butler's garter
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC06963_zpseb1aqxo0.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC06964_zpssml3lajt.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC06971_zpsjwcr4mzj.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC06976_zpsvkoyqeq3.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC06978_zpsngabepef.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC06979_zpstseuinpl.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC06987_zpstv8dyn16.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC06989_zpsvh4d8g42.jpg

[SnoopySnake]

Here are my herp pics from my mushroom hunting trip the other day. I have never seen another eastern garter snake like this, and I found the american toads within two ft of each other. There is one toad missing as he was too thin to mess with.

http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC07476_zpsriozsftu.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC07477_zpslb5amim3.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC07415_zpsrcamde3d.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC07409_zpsgrocdvyi.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC07406_zps7zm7nm4t.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC07408_zps3jahjs5u.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC07414_zpsoalpksfd.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC07420_zps1rnozm18.jpg

[SnoopySnake]

http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC07421_zpsvv5rcv4d.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC07422_zpshctkmkod.jpg
http://i911.photobucket.com/albums/ac317/SnoopySnake/DSC07425_zps14hxpd0s.jpg

Thanks for loooking :)

[RAD House]

Very cool, the garter reminds of some T. s. parietalis I have seen. From your location I do not think that is likely.

[SnoopySnake]

Very cool, the garter reminds of some T. s. parietalis I have seen. From your location I do not think that is likely.

Unfortunately no, all we have is Easterns and butlers.

[Tsubaki]

Good looking garter! Wish we had any snakes around:D