Herping Florida in Feb.

[ont_herper]

Hey,

I am "hoping" to travel to Florida around Feb. 20th until some time during the first week of March. What I would like to know for all of you that live there and have travelled there around this time, is what your numbers were like?specifically snakes and salamanders.
I know a lot is weather depending, lots species down there would be firsts for me I just want to know if I have a chance to see enough to make the long drive.
I havent made plans, all will be last minute, to go anywhere yet accept maybe ANF area just b/c its north FL meaning a shorter drive for me. That brings up another one of my questions, has anyone found Georgia blind salamanders? I've been reading Bartlett's "In search of reptiles and amphibians" and they sound like a site to see. Since a cave remains around the same temperature thoughout the year would I be able to find one? Could I see on during a Fl caverns tour, or would I have to go splunking?
Any info would be appreciated, if you dont want to post feel plz email me, I am also sensitive as to what Im willing to post on the internet. ont_herper@yahoo.ca

[JD@reptiles]

yeah i was thinking about going around march or april. same questions he asked ^^ lol

[casacrow]

I'll be down there as well from the 5th to the 20th. I am mostly sticking to the east side and going all the way to the keys. I would love to know of good spots to check out the local herps and of any reptile oriented shops. C'mon Florida natives let us in on your sweet spots!

[Herpsrus]

I am jealous of all of you. Never been out of Canada and I would especially love to go herp hunting in Florida.

Mike

[crimsonking]

So you want to find pine snakes, scarlet kings, diamonbacks, and southern hognose????
Yeah right! Me too! lol!
Seriously, you could expect to find many of FL's natives ( and plenty of aliens :)) active in Feb. The thing is... we sometimes have a late cold front in Feb. so weather will be a factor. Just wait a few days and it'll be warm again. Too many places to be specific here. Just keep your eyes open.
:Mark

[lolaophidia]

I just got back from Tampa and even though I was working the whole time (well except for the short trip down to Darling National Wildlife Refuge) I managed to see a sweet little Black Racer hunting anoles right next to the door at the office. Hopefully I'll be able to get back down there sometime and do a little herp searching when I don't have to work 7-7... I just love the idea that the reptiles are still out and about in January (while there is 6 inches of snow and ice back home).

[crimsonking]

Lora, so you come all the way down to Tampa and don't even say "hello". hmm.. I get it..lol!
See post on 2/21/04 "A few things out..."
:Mark

[lolaophidia]

Hi Mark,
Sorry! I'm heading back down to Temple Terrace for the next couple weeks. Least I've got a little wetland outside my hotel room window where I can see some critters and the black racer and anoles at work keep me entertained when I get a break. :)

[crimsonking]

Lora, you should be pretty close to Lettuce Lake park. (Fletcher Ave.) Check it out if you can. Usually a few other snakes and stuff to see there.
:Mark

[casacrow]

I just got back.....no snakes...just loads of geckos and lil lizards. I did go to the everglades.....the gators are quite a sight...I would recommend it to anyone.

[lolaophidia]

I ran over to Lettuce Lake (it is across the street from Telcom park where I'm working) during my last visit but was only able to spend about 15 minutes there. I'm hoping to head over later this week maybe on Thursday if I get out before dusk...
Saw a nice broad head skink yesterday (at least I think it was a broad head- it was a lot bigger than the typical 5 lined) , I'll post a pic when I'm back home.

[WRX]

If you have the time, try to head over to Orlando and visit Wekiva Springs State Park. I have seen everything from gators, otters, cottonmouths, indigos....etc. Canoe rental is availiable, and its quite "wild" for being so close to a major city

BT

[lolaophidia]

I love the fact that I couldn't get 5 feet from the front door of the building I was working at in FL without finding a few interesting reptiles! These pics were all taken on my breaks and lunch. My co-workers think I'm nuts...

Male Skink- possibly a Broad Headed or Five Lined
http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/512/2138MaleSkink2_Tampa_2_04.JPG
Carolina Anoles- being over run by the non native Cuban/Brown Anoles.
http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/512/2138CarolinaAnole3_Tampa_2_04-med.JPG
Above mentioned Brown Anoles
http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/512/2138BrownAnoleReflection1_Tampa_2_04-med.JPG
My favorite is the Black Racer- I found 3 days in a row hunting the above anoles.
http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/509/2138BlackRacerInBush15cropped_Tampa_2_04.JPG
http://www.ssnakess.com/photopost/data/509/2138BlackRacerInBush13cropped_Tampa_2_04.JPG

[crimsonking]

You're hooked now! I find it amusing that so many people "overlook" all the herps literally at their feet. I would bet that you'd see a yellow rat and/or a ribbon snake sooner or later there too. I always just stop in one place and look it over VERY closely. Keep looking.
And keep posting!
:Mark

[marie]

can anyone tell me what snake looks like black glass with a greyish tint and has a yellow belly? i live in central fl. don't think it's a black racer they are too shiney. thanks marie

[lolaophidia]

Here's a site you might want to check out.

http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/herpetology/FL-GUIDE/onlineguide.htm

There are a number of snakes that might match your description.

[crimsonking]

Marie, just how big was the snake? Did you get a close look? Was there a ring around the neck? Belly was yellow/red with black - half moon spots? Then it could be a southern ring neck snake. They only get to about 10". There are also swamp snakes that have black dorsums. Where was he found?
(trying)
:Mark