Search found 109 matches

by Saybs444
May 13th, 2015, 10:53 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: black rat snakes in MA/CT/RI
Replies: 5
Views: 2769

black rat snakes in MA/CT/RI

Where would be the best place to try and get some photos of these beauties, if anyone is trusting me enough to share general locations? :? ? I was unable to do any traveling last year as I was too busy to set aside the time, but since getting a better camera, and lifestyle changes, I'd really love t...
by Saybs444
December 26th, 2014, 4:10 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: found a spotted turtle very sluggish near a river bed. help
Replies: 4
Views: 2911

found a spotted turtle very sluggish near a river bed. help

Please. :( I'm unsure about what I should do. Will it survive coming out of brumation this early. Winter has barely started, and this unseasonably warm weather I am certain is the cause of this.
by Saybs444
September 2nd, 2014, 5:05 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: question about "live birth" snakes. help!
Replies: 4
Views: 2792

Re: question about "live birth" snakes. help!

Thank you so much!! This was something I entertained but bcuz I didn't know exactly the process, of hatching/breaking free of the membrane, I couldn't attribute it to that with any confidence. I was inclined to think injury bcuz of the way it looked very much like an open slit :/ I do have a couple ...
by Saybs444
August 31st, 2014, 9:18 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: question about "live birth" snakes. help!
Replies: 4
Views: 2792

question about "live birth" snakes. help!

Do snakes born live ever have their membrane stuck to them after "hatching" that anybody has witnessed? I found a hatchling/Newborn northern water snake that seemed to have its membrane stuck to its underside but I couldn't tell if this is what I was seeing or if it was an injury on this p...
by Saybs444
July 17th, 2014, 9:43 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: eastern box turtle help :( anyone know what this could be?
Replies: 4
Views: 2804

eastern box turtle help :( anyone know what this could be?

I've been finding eastern box turtles lately with seriously gunked up orifices. Thus far I've seen three (they have only been females that seem to suffer from it bcuz I have found males that did not have this issue but of course this could all be coincidental) one of which seemed to be very old (ver...
by Saybs444
June 17th, 2014, 10:48 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: how can you estimate box turtle age?
Replies: 8
Views: 1820

Re: how can you estimate box turtle age?

I have come across one that I believe to be sick or possibly just very old. Her rings are completely worn off, and she makes a strange gasping noise. I can hear her in the growth sometimes without seeing her. I know that it is her bcuz I encountered her before and heard and seen this behavior. She h...
by Saybs444
June 17th, 2014, 10:45 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: how can you estimate box turtle age?
Replies: 8
Views: 1820

Re: how can you estimate box turtle age?

Great thread. I have a small rescue Eastern Box in my collection. She was found and brought into the local zoo. The zoo couldn't keep her as they can't accept donations like this, and brought her to the local herp club. After four years she's growing slowly as my captive. I just put her out in the ...
by Saybs444
June 17th, 2014, 10:45 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: how can you estimate box turtle age?
Replies: 8
Views: 1820

Re: how can you estimate box turtle age?

I'm curious as I have been encountering so many lately! :) Funny you mention that. I'm in Bristol County and haven't seen one yet this year, despite going out the past four weeks to places I know there to be surviving populations. That being said, all these populations I know down here seem to be i...
by Saybs444
June 15th, 2014, 6:36 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: is it "typical" for ringnecks to be holed up w/ milksnakes?
Replies: 6
Views: 2108

Re: is it "typical" for ringnecks to be holed up w/ milksnak

I know it isn't all that unusual for snakes to be together but I guess where milk snakes are king snakes, I thought that it was a little surprising to find them together with ringnecks, of all species, so frequently. I do very often see black racers sharing living/hiding quarters with all different ...
by Saybs444
June 12th, 2014, 8:27 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: QUICK! how could u safely remove a snake from a mouse trap?
Replies: 16
Views: 5646

Re: QUICK! how could u safely remove a snake from a mouse tr

We use glueboards all the time for sampling skinks on Pacific islands, mortality rates are close to zero if you check the traps every half hour and keep them in the shade. I've spent the last 3 mornings sampling with glueboards, they're a great field tool in some circumstances if you consider the l...
by Saybs444
June 12th, 2014, 8:21 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: is it "typical" for ringnecks to be holed up w/ milksnakes?
Replies: 6
Views: 2108

Re: is it "typical" for ringnecks to be holed up w/ milksnak

Very interesting! :) ..... I've seen it three times so far in a somewhat "remote" location, all within yards from one another. I've really never encountered so many shared living arrangements before this lol
by Saybs444
June 12th, 2014, 8:18 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: how can you estimate box turtle age?
Replies: 8
Views: 1820

how can you estimate box turtle age?

I'm curious as I have been encountering so many lately! :)
by Saybs444
June 12th, 2014, 6:31 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: is it "typical" for ringnecks to be holed up w/ milksnakes?
Replies: 6
Views: 2108

is it "typical" for ringnecks to be holed up w/ milksnakes?

Lately in flipping, I have found this everywhere it seems. Nothing I ever encountered before. Wondering if this is something that people see often?
by Saybs444
June 12th, 2014, 5:20 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: QUICK! how could u safely remove a snake from a mouse trap?
Replies: 16
Views: 5646

Re: QUICK! how could u safely remove a snake from a mouse tr

You can tell your friend, as well, that there is an alternative live trap instead of glue traps for catching rodents around the house. There are box traps that do not harm the mouse/rodent. The door slams shut behind the rodent when it goes for bait inside the trap. I did a Google search on Rodent ...
by Saybs444
June 12th, 2014, 5:18 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: QUICK! how could u safely remove a snake from a mouse trap?
Replies: 16
Views: 5646

Re: QUICK! how could u safely remove a snake from a mouse tr

We use glueboards all the time for sampling skinks on Pacific islands, mortality rates are close to zero if you check the traps every half hour and keep them in the shade. I've spent the last 3 mornings sampling with glueboards, they're a great field tool in some circumstances if you consider the l...
by Saybs444
June 12th, 2014, 5:15 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: so, in MA, what would opinions be if I handled a black rat s
Replies: 26
Views: 6814

Re: so, in MA, what would opinions be if I handled a black r

There's no question, in Ma, the letter of the law says hands off [harassment]. In actuality, I doubt many game wardens would pinch you for picking up a rat snake, as long as you don't walk away with it. My opinion is, they are extremely hardy, calm and human tolerant. They frequently live in densel...
by Saybs444
June 12th, 2014, 5:12 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: so, in MA, what would opinions be if I handled a black rat s
Replies: 26
Views: 6814

Re: so, in MA, what would opinions be if I handled a black r

......that is absolutely APPALLING to me that it is still illegal even when the species is in peril, to move it! .... do you mean period with all animals, our just endangered ones? All animals (except invertebrates). We Texans are working to get that restriction overturned (it only came about in 20...
by Saybs444
June 12th, 2014, 5:11 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: so, in MA, what would opinions be if I handled a black rat s
Replies: 26
Views: 6814

Re: so, in MA, what would opinions be if I handled a black r

Let he who has never handled a protected species cast the first stone.... My opinion is that if I were in your shoes and I found a black rat in MA I would almost certainly let it slide through my fingers, at least for a minute or two. As long as it wasn't in the middle of some critical activity lik...
by Saybs444
June 10th, 2014, 9:12 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: so, in MA, what would opinions be if I handled a black rat s
Replies: 26
Views: 6814

Re: so, in MA, what would opinions be if I handled a black r

incuhead2000 wrote:My brother jumped out of a moving car once for a corn snake...he was not a passenger.
My father did this exact same thing. But luckily the passenger took control of the car or the story might've ended less happily. Apparently some reptile lovers can't control their compassion for our scaled friends.
by Saybs444
June 10th, 2014, 9:09 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: so, in MA, what would opinions be if I handled a black rat s
Replies: 26
Views: 6814

Re: so, in MA, what would opinions be if I handled a black r

Good points everyone. Keep in mind if you find it in the road in most cases it is better to move it off, even in states where animals are endangered it is legal to remove them from a roadway, Not in Texas! Might be the only state where you can't legally move an animal off the road. Working to get t...
by Saybs444
June 10th, 2014, 8:15 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: I found a dark colored garter snake with ORANGE sides!
Replies: 15
Views: 3910

Re: I found a dark colored garter snake with ORANGE sides!

I was just in upstate NY for a couple of weeks, and was amazed at just how varied Eastern Garters can be. While I didn't see any that looked exactly like yours, I saw a couple that were close. Here on the West Coast, I'm used to Garters showing a lot of variability, but the variability within a min...
by Saybs444
June 10th, 2014, 8:10 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: I found a dark colored garter snake with ORANGE sides!
Replies: 15
Views: 3910

Re: I found a dark colored garter snake with ORANGE sides!

That orange is pretty interesting. It also appears she may be pregnant; the time of year is right. I've seen orange on garters, but that was close to den emergence and I believe it was stained from the soil in the hibernaculum (the water and mud nearby had an orange stain). This late in the year, t...
by Saybs444
June 10th, 2014, 8:05 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: I found a dark colored garter snake with ORANGE sides!
Replies: 15
Views: 3910

Re: I found a dark colored garter snake with ORANGE sides!

Wow that's really cool! I do know that females are thicker and usually larger than males but I've encountered many female & male garters and I guess never quite came across such a stubby one. She wasn't small at all, just stout. Very cool! I feel sad if she WAS/IS pregnant bcuz I handled her :( ...
by Saybs444
June 9th, 2014, 11:25 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: so, in MA, what would opinions be if I handled a black rat s
Replies: 26
Views: 6814

Re: so, in MA, what would opinions be if I handled a black r

Good points everyone. Keep in mind if you find it in the road in most cases it is better to move it off, even in states where animals are endangered it is legal to remove them from a roadway, same goes for flipping it. If you flip it under a heavy cover object there is a chance you will have to tou...
by Saybs444
June 9th, 2014, 8:49 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: I found a dark colored garter snake with ORANGE sides!
Replies: 15
Views: 3910

Re: I found a dark colored garter snake with ORANGE sides!

I had never seen such a thing in my area! The other thing about her that really struck me as different, was that she was SO VERY MUCH "stouter" bodied than any full grown garter I have ever encountered. Everything about her was striking. I know these pics are craptastic :( but this is afte...
by Saybs444
June 9th, 2014, 8:42 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: I found a dark colored garter snake with ORANGE sides!
Replies: 15
Views: 3910

Re: I found a dark colored garter snake with ORANGE sides!

Sorry, I know they're terrible pictures, but I only got a video of her, so that I could get the screenshots of whatever moment I wanted, so it would be quicker. I try not to spend too much time stressing them out if I'm going to be handling them. And usually to get that "perfect pic" it ta...
by Saybs444
June 9th, 2014, 8:20 pm
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: can you just NOT get the bbc code on Flickr From the app
Replies: 2
Views: 2690

Re: can you just NOT get the bbc code on Flickr From the app

Sorry I felt like maybe I shouldn't post this in here but figured possibly others were having the same issue and knew the way to get the code to rectify it and I didn't see any contact info for Flickr.
by Saybs444
June 9th, 2014, 7:12 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: I found a dark colored garter snake with ORANGE sides!
Replies: 15
Views: 3910

Re: I found a dark colored garter snake with ORANGE sides!

Post the pics! Garters are about the most variable species out there. So odd colors aren't surprising. All that variation is cool as hell though and I love seeing oddballs. Very under appreciated snakes if you ask me! If it was melanistic it would be black. Oh! I didn't realize that melanistic mean...
by Saybs444
June 9th, 2014, 7:09 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: QUICK! how could u safely remove a snake from a mouse trap?
Replies: 16
Views: 5646

Re: QUICK! how could u safely remove a snake from a mouse tr

I've freed a couple snakes from glueboards, a caochwhip and a glossy. The glossy was young and unfortunately died shortly after, but the coachwhip did fine and still goes to educational displays with me. Josh Do you know why the other died? :( I imagine that glue is full of toxins but I'm not sure ...
by Saybs444
June 9th, 2014, 4:01 pm
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: can you just NOT get the bbc code on Flickr From the app
Replies: 2
Views: 2690

can you just NOT get the bbc code on Flickr From the app

Or mobile site? This is infuriating me. I'd like to be able to post pics when I desire as opposed to waiting to be around a computer. Is this just not an option when not using the desktop site? I hate posting this on here, but its regarding sharing which is a part of herping in some cases. Thank you...
by Saybs444
June 9th, 2014, 3:51 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: so, in MA, what would opinions be if I handled a black rat s
Replies: 26
Views: 6814

Re: so, in MA, what would opinions be if I handled a black r

Where black rat snakes are classified as "endangered" in Massachusetts, I wouldn't handle them. It does make it more difficult to get a good photo, but, if you think about it, how would you get a photo of a timber rattlesnake or a copperhead? You wouldn't be able to handle them (one, they...
by Saybs444
June 9th, 2014, 2:34 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: QUICK! how could u safely remove a snake from a mouse trap?
Replies: 16
Views: 5646

Re: QUICK! how could u safely remove a snake from a mouse tr

Thanks guys!!!!! I'm so happy to be able to consult this form! I hope that she tries this! I'm letting her know!
by Saybs444
June 9th, 2014, 10:25 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: QUICK! how could u safely remove a snake from a mouse trap?
Replies: 16
Views: 5646

QUICK! how could u safely remove a snake from a mouse trap?

Is it even possible??? :( .... I disagree with traps period, but a friend has a garter on a glue trap :( do u think this is impossible to free the snake without killing it it at least severely hurting it?? Ugh this kills me. I feel for every single creature caught on these inhumane evil things!!
by Saybs444
June 8th, 2014, 10:23 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: so, in MA, what would opinions be if I handled a black rat s
Replies: 26
Views: 6814

Re: so, in MA, what would opinions be if I handled a black r

Rats are unpredictable. They can be biters under the right circumstances, and I think that if you attempted to handle one when it was leaving you would increase the odds. I would think that it would consider your handling a predation attempt, if it recognized you as a threat and you physically grab...
by Saybs444
June 8th, 2014, 10:20 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: so, in MA, what would opinions be if I handled a black rat s
Replies: 26
Views: 6814

Re: so, in MA, what would opinions be if I handled a black r

Not stupid to take pictures of ratsnakes and post them. Stupid to take pictures of yourself handling them in mass and then posting them. You don't need a great camera to get good observational shots. Moving slowly and deliberately will keep most snakes calm in your presence. I didn't mean regarding...
by Saybs444
June 8th, 2014, 10:16 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: I found a dark colored garter snake with ORANGE sides!
Replies: 15
Views: 3910

I found a dark colored garter snake with ORANGE sides!

I have never before seen a garter like this, and to top it off it seemed a much more "stout bodied" snake than what I'm used to in garters. I initially thought that it was a water snake for a quick second bcuz I saw the Orange, and then I realized it wasn't. We don't have orange colored ga...
by Saybs444
June 8th, 2014, 8:42 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: so, in MA, what would opinions be if I handled a black rat s
Replies: 26
Views: 6814

Re: so, in MA, what would opinions be if I handled a black r

I agree with everything both Pete and Jeffrey said. The following page is very informative and explains what is "unlawful" in MA. Be smart about it if you do in fact encounter one in MA. Good luck! http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/nhesp/species-and-conservation/nhfacts/pantherophis-allegh...
by Saybs444
June 8th, 2014, 8:11 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: so, in MA, what would opinions be if I handled a black rat s
Replies: 26
Views: 6814

Re: so, in MA, what would opinions be if I handled a black r

They are considered "endanger" in MA, and I believe that means you cannot harass them intentionally ... that means handling them. Having found numerous black rats in CT, I have no qualms with reasonably handling individuals ... they usually are docile and don't seem to mind being picked u...
by Saybs444
June 8th, 2014, 8:07 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: so, in MA, what would opinions be if I handled a black rat s
Replies: 26
Views: 6814

Re: so, in MA, what would opinions be if I handled a black r

I honestly don't think any harm would come to the snake at all. They are a very durable species and quite tolerant of people. That said, I still think the coolest "interactions"with snakes are the ones where you take pics and observe natural behavior. I'm always pleased as punch ifn I can...
by Saybs444
June 7th, 2014, 11:46 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: so, in MA, what would opinions be if I handled a black rat s
Replies: 26
Views: 6814

so, in MA, what would opinions be if I handled a black rat s

? ...... I am not saying that I would. I truly respect all of our native species here in MA, and all snakes in general. But I am curious as to how people would feel about that. Is it that looked down upon? I do realize that they are rare in MA, and my morals would probably truly stop me from pursuin...
by Saybs444
June 7th, 2014, 11:45 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: so, in MA, what would opinions be if I handled a black rat s
Replies: 7
Views: 2031

so, in MA, what would opinions be if I handled a black rat s

? ...... I am not saying that I would. I truly respect all of our native species here in MA, and all snakes in general. But I am curious as to how people would feel about that. Is it that looked down upon? I do realize that they are rare in MA, and my morals would probably truly stop me from pursuin...
by Saybs444
June 6th, 2014, 4:09 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Has anybody in MA had any experiences with black rat snakes?
Replies: 17
Views: 3708

Re: Has anybody in MA had any experiences with black rat sna

This particular snake actually bit me. Overall, they are calm but some individuals may hiss and lunge, but it's mostly bluff. 99% of the rats I've encountered were dog-friendly. https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2574/3862447904_5054ef226f_o.jpg https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4010/4577263062_32d4b2d8e3...
by Saybs444
June 6th, 2014, 3:10 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Has anybody in MA had any experiences with black rat snakes?
Replies: 17
Views: 3708

Re: Has anybody in MA had any experiences with black rat sna

Yup, I photographed this ratsnake at one of my "go to" spots in southwestern CT. I totally understand about wanting to discover a local population. wow thats AMAZING! Im so very jealous :cry: :( LOL! I hear that they're a pretty calm species. Do you find that to be the case with your enco...
by Saybs444
June 6th, 2014, 3:08 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Has anybody in MA had any experiences with black rat snakes?
Replies: 17
Views: 3708

Re: Has anybody in MA had any experiences with black rat sna

Saybs444, I love your album cover shot even better than the last one. Are you limited in Black rat hab? Could be that you try looking for them at a different time of day or more often? Try looking up also, I have seen several up in trees well above my head and would've missed them if I would have o...