Changing how people view and treat snakes
I have talked about western patch-nosed snakes (Salvadora hexalepis) several times recently (here and here) because it seems like we’ve seen one or more everyday. Unfortunately, they’re usually gone before I can get a decent photo. But yesterday one stuck around long enough for this slow photographer to snap a couple shots. The short walk […]
Pretty little faces Read More »
First, it rained last night! Not much (0.02 in), but since ANY rain in May is rare, even a tiny bit is exciting. There are many reasons to love Bane (male Arizona black rattlesnake). When he was first sighted during last year’s Snake Count as he was drinking from Secret Springs, a behavior rarely seen
The Center for Snake Conservation has designated Fridays as Rattlesnake Friday, a day to promote the welfare of rattlesnakes by dispelling a common snake myth, and talking to others about the amazing ecology and natural history of rattlesnakes (for example). It’s part of their overall mission to promote snake conservation through education, which is very
A very happy un-rattlesnake Friday Read More »
Everyone thinks of me as a rattlesnake girl and I totally am. But nothing makes me happier than seeing a gophersnake (Pituophis catenifer). As I followed Jeff down the hill where Luna was hanging out last week, he suddenly appeared to be falling: running/sliding while occasionally putting his hand down as if to steady himself.
Yesterday morning Jeff and I had a prolific little stroll to the old horse barns. First, we spotted a western patch-nosed snake (Salvadora hexalepis) stretched across the road. A few steps later, Jeff saw the first Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) of the year at the preserve! Gila monsters spend most of their life underground, so
First of the year! Read More »
Muleshoe’s first Save the Frogs Day was a success! Thirty people (14 adults and 16 kids) participated in this year’s event, including a science class from a local middle school. We learned about our local frog (Lowland leopard frog, Lithobates yavapaiensis), built them a new pond, and of course ran into a snake or two.
Save the Frogs Day 2013! Read More »
For the month of May I intend to do a short blog post every day, focused on a recent experience at the Muleshoe Preserve. I’ll start with this lovely Sonoran whipsnake (Coluber bilineatus): While hanging out on the couch yesterday afternoon, I spotted a shiny, slender figure moving along a mesquite branch, 4-5 feet off
Last month we told you about the western diamond-backed rattlesnake den we recently ‘discovered’ at preserve headquarters. Well, this past week has been a busy one for our rattlesnake neighbors. We have seen about a half dozen adult males and females hanging out and/or dispersing from their den. Here are some highlights: In the following
Snake season is here! Read More »
We’ll take a short break from tales of Jaydin to share a somewhat unusual snake sighting at the preserve. Last winter we had timelapse cameras on three snake dens, but never saw anyone until March. Well this year, on 20 January, we were pleasantly surprised to see not one, but two female western diamond-backed rattlesnakes
January rattlesnakes? Read More »
At a certain time of year, a male snake focuses his efforts on breeding. He moves long distances in search of potential mates (a video of this behavior, scent-trailing, can be seen here). However, finding a female is only the first step; now he must convince her to mate with him. Rattlesnakes are great romantics.
Rattlesnake Romance Read More »