field herping in Arkansas, need advice!

Landon21 · 08-09-11, 08:26 PM

Hey everyone, the names landon. I live in a town called Ashdown, Arkansas which pretty much borders the corner of texas. Anyways, my grandfathers pond is driving up and im considering going fiel herping. I have never tried this in my hometown but im wondering what kind (if any) snakes do you think i will find? I know we have kingsnakes, cottonmouths, water moccasins and a few rattlers, but do you guys think these snakes would be out and about in a drying pond surrounded by deep woods? I would also like to look around the landon, there are tons of old tin sheds that have collapsed which im sure would be a good hiding place. I have the proper tools and have a little experience field herping experience but not much, im more into large pythons and boas but i have handled venomous snakes in the past. Were also going to sane the pond since its drying anyway and see what else we can find. Anyone have any tips or suggestions, and my main question; is it even worth trying? Do you guys actually think i will come across anything?

Also how do these natives do in captivity?

youngster · 08-09-11, 09:21 PM

I can't help you with you're question but just by the way a cottonmouth is a water moccasin they're interchangeable.

SnakeyJay · 08-10-11, 06:50 AM

If you find them in the wild leave them there to find another day

stephanbakir · 08-10-11, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snakey-Jay-BRB

If you find them in the wild leave them there to find another day

This ^
You can find prettymuch anything you want from a breeder, you pay a little but its worth it to leave the wild ones wild.

SnakeyJay · 08-10-11, 08:36 AM

If you find them in the wild leave them there to find another day

Lankyrob · 08-10-11, 10:31 AM

In terms of wild animals whatever they may be "take only pictures, leave only footprints" is the best rule to go by.

There is no need to take wild animals as pets when there are people breeding them in captivity that you can have that are A)parasite/disease free and B) not going to affect the local natural balance.

Gungirl · 08-10-11, 11:39 AM

[QUOTE=Lankyrob;627230]In terms of wild animals whatever they may be "take only pictures, leave only footprints" is the best rule to go by.

^ Love this! ( unless I'm hunting for dinner)

SnakeyJay · 08-10-11, 12:00 PM

Dinner doesnt count... everyones gotta eat

cuestick · 08-25-11, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by youngster

I can't help you with you're question but just by the way a cottonmouth is a water moccasin they're interchangeable.

Not always. In this part of the country water moccasin is used interchangeably with any snake found near water. There are at least 7 other aquatic snakes found in his location.

In response to the OP. You will find a wide variety of herps in a location such as described. Its best to leave them be but if you want help with ID you might check the herps of arkansas website. They are a pretty good source of info.

Uncle_Rev · 08-25-11, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Landon21

Also how do these natives do in captivity?

They do horrible, usually have mites, parasites and will not acclimate well to a brand new home in captivity. Not to mention you might want to take a partner when trying to dig up venomous snakes