Search found 1362 matches

by Steve Bledsoe
August 8th, 2020, 3:27 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Arizona... Bufo retiformis?
Replies: 9
Views: 2929

Re: Arizona... Bufo retiformis?

Hey Porter, You only have to be aware of flash floods in washes. The problem is that you can be somewhere where it's not raining, but get caught in a flash flood generated by a thunderstorm uphill from where you are. Be very careful hiking in dry riverbeds and narrow canyons during monsoon season. T...
by Steve Bledsoe
August 7th, 2020, 10:38 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Arizona... Bufo retiformis?
Replies: 9
Views: 2929

Re: Arizona... Bufo retiformis?

Porter, I don't drop in very often, but it's good to see you're still active in the hobby. Retiformis is my favorite Arizona amphibian! I found retiformis to be fairly common around Ajo and south down into Organ Pipe National Monument. I've also found them on Ajo Road ( Tucson-Ajo Hwy 86). None of t...
by Steve Bledsoe
January 8th, 2019, 12:35 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Large King Cobra
Replies: 12
Views: 10203

Re: Large King Cobra

Very nice Lou! What a thrill that must have been for you.

It was great to see you the other day at the show. It's been a while since we've been in the field together. Chance is all grown up!
by Steve Bledsoe
November 12th, 2018, 6:06 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Reptile Replicas
Replies: 18
Views: 24658

Re: Reptile Replicas

Thank you Zach. If your specimen is preserved in alcohol or formalin, it probably won't be pliable, or soft enough to re-position into a natural pose. Can you remove it from the jar to check? My experience with preserved specimens is that they get very stiff after a short while. But on the plus sid...
by Steve Bledsoe
November 7th, 2018, 11:22 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Reptile Replicas
Replies: 18
Views: 24658

Re: Reptile Replicas

Thank you Zach.
If your specimen is preserved in alcohol or formalin, it probably won't be pliable, or soft enough to re-position into a natural pose. Can you remove it from the jar to check? My experience with preserved specimens is that they get very stiff after a short while.
by Steve Bledsoe
November 5th, 2018, 8:49 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Reptile Replicas
Replies: 18
Views: 24658

Re: Reptile Replicas

Hi Bryan, Yes, they are available for purchase. They're fairly expensive because of the time involved in making and painting them. My rattlesnake replicas sell for $350 to $400 depending on the species. Some species are a little easier to paint than others. I have more photos on the Reptile Replicas...
by Steve Bledsoe
November 5th, 2018, 6:50 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Reptile Replicas
Replies: 18
Views: 24658

Re: Reptile Replicas

Thank you Chris and "rosyboakid" for the compliments. Fellow herpers are my most valuable critics. If you guys think they look reasonably real, then pleasing the general public in a display at a nature center is guaranteed. I give a lot of venomous snake lectures in my area of Southern Cal...
by Steve Bledsoe
November 2nd, 2018, 9:16 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Reptile Replicas
Replies: 18
Views: 24658

Re: Reptile Replicas

Yes - the problem with doing what I do is that I need a dead specimen to make a mold, and I don't want to kill anything to accomplish it. DORs will work if they're in nearly perfect shape, but most herps that have been run over by a 2 ton vehicle aren't much good for what I'm trying to accomplish, w...
by Steve Bledsoe
November 2nd, 2018, 7:12 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Reptile Replicas
Replies: 18
Views: 24658

Re: Reptile Replicas

Bingo!
LOL
by Steve Bledsoe
November 2nd, 2018, 12:27 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Reptile Replicas
Replies: 18
Views: 24658

Re: Reptile Replicas

Thanks Lou. I'm enjoying your videos. You're having too much fun for a guy who's supposedly "working". We need to get out together again one day, but then finding a dozen Kingsnakes in a day is probably too boring for a guy who strolls Retics, Banded Kraits and King Cobras on his coffee br...
by Steve Bledsoe
November 2nd, 2018, 10:38 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Reptile Replicas
Replies: 18
Views: 24658

Reptile Replicas

Hi all, It's been a long while since I posted here. It's good to see so many friends and familiar names still active in the field. Some of you are aware that I make reptile replicas for museums, state and local parks and nature centers. I've been doing it for a number of years. Below are a few photo...
by Steve Bledsoe
October 19th, 2017, 4:43 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: HERP Mobile App Not Working
Replies: 10
Views: 17663

Re: HERP Mobile App Not Working

I don't use the HERP phone app, but since I upgraded my iPhone with the latest software, it doesn't work with the GPS app in my phone anymore. I get the same warning that you're getting saying that the app needs to be upgraded. I imagine the new iPhone software is incompatible with a lot of older ap...
by Steve Bledsoe
August 13th, 2017, 7:29 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: FHF has moved chapter threads.....
Replies: 32
Views: 43095

Re: FHF has moved chapter threads.....

To solve the mystery, you can see my map now on both of my posts above because I changed the host site and link. I originally tried to host the image on my drop box. Evidently when I do that, I'm the only one who can see it. In my defense, I never claim to know anything about computers! :lol: Probab...
by Steve Bledsoe
August 13th, 2017, 7:57 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: FHF has moved chapter threads.....
Replies: 32
Views: 43095

Re: FHF has moved chapter threads.....

How about now?

ImageFHF USA Regional Forums Map 1 by Steve Bledsoe, on Flickr
by Steve Bledsoe
August 12th, 2017, 2:31 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: FHF has moved chapter threads.....
Replies: 32
Views: 43095

Re: FHF has moved chapter threads.....

Chris, I'm not sure why you can't see my map. :? Can anyone else not see my map? I used to use Photobucket for 3rd party image hosting, but they just turned that service off to people like me who only use their free photo hosting services. In my case, the only reason I used Photobucket was to be abl...
by Steve Bledsoe
August 12th, 2017, 9:09 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: FHF has moved chapter threads.....
Replies: 32
Views: 43095

Re: FHF has moved chapter threads.....

At the risk of either starting a debate, or starting a turf war, here's my idea of what the 5 regions might look like.
Go for it!

ImageFHF USA Regional Forums Map 1 by Steve Bledsoe, on Flickr
by Steve Bledsoe
August 11th, 2017, 6:52 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: FHF has moved chapter threads.....
Replies: 32
Views: 43095

Re: FHF has moved chapter threads.....

I see the problem with having too few regions is that it sort of defeats the primary purpose of having regional forums. My understanding is that the driver behind the desire to have regional forums is more social than biological. People seem to want a place to share like experiences and connect with...
by Steve Bledsoe
August 10th, 2017, 7:46 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: FHF has moved chapter threads.....
Replies: 32
Views: 43095

Re: FHF has moved chapter threads.....

IMO, setting up regional FHF forums is a great idea. I can't help but believe that re-creating regional forums would attract more attention and activity to FHF in general. Opening up some regional forums where people can easily interact with herpers from their own geographical regions may serve to b...
by Steve Bledsoe
March 16th, 2017, 7:15 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Arizona advice
Replies: 2
Views: 3094

Re: Arizona advice

Everything you need to know about Arizona herp laws and license requirements can be found on the AZGFD website at this link:

https://portal.azgfd.stagingaz.gov/Port ... hibian.pdf
by Steve Bledsoe
February 18th, 2017, 1:00 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 2016 Database Contest Results
Replies: 15
Views: 9947

Re: 2016 Database Contest Results

With this much-needed rain here in CA, I'm guessing we'll see a lot more herp activity this season than we have in the past years with the horribly dry conditions. For me at least, it will result in more records in the database. It's good to see that you finally set up your own account, Nicholas. Wi...
by Steve Bledsoe
January 31st, 2017, 12:29 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 2016 in Alta and Baja California
Replies: 12
Views: 10218

Re: 2016 in Alta and Baja California

That Pituophis is amazing. What is the species? P. vertbralis or P. c. vertebralis?
Whatever it is, that thing is gorgeous!
by Steve Bledsoe
December 5th, 2016, 12:11 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 2017 California Chapter Nominations Time- Do we Continue?
Replies: 11
Views: 11250

Re: 2017 California Chapter Nominations Time- Do we Continue

I don't doubt what you're saying Dave, as I'm a total FB novice and don't know how to navigate the system. I've totally avoided Facebook until just recently. I decided to re-open an account that I closed years ago so I could view some of the stuff my friends have been emailing links to lately. Not s...
by Steve Bledsoe
December 4th, 2016, 5:36 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 2017 California Chapter Nominations Time- Do we Continue?
Replies: 11
Views: 11250

Re: 2017 California Chapter Nominations Time- Do we Continue

Facebook is certainly an easier place for people to "pop in" and post a photo and quick comment, but in my view, it totally lacks continuity. If people just want a place to show off their photos or make casual comments, then FB is the place to do it, but it's a difficult format in which to...
by Steve Bledsoe
November 22nd, 2016, 4:18 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Giving the Chapter Some Love with an EOY Report
Replies: 4
Views: 4510

Re: Giving the Chapter Some Love with an EOY Report

Very impressive. Good job :thumb:
(... and thanks for taking the time to post all the photos.)
by Steve Bledsoe
November 22nd, 2016, 7:26 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Patternless C. cerberus
Replies: 4
Views: 6033

Re: Patternless C. cerberus

Thank you
by Steve Bledsoe
November 21st, 2016, 11:02 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Patternless C. cerberus
Replies: 4
Views: 6033

Re: Patternless C. cerberus

Hey Dave,
Have you seen cerberus like this? My friend and I thought it was fairly unique.

Hope all is well with you.
Steve
by Steve Bledsoe
November 19th, 2016, 1:41 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 2017 California Chapter Nominations Time
Replies: 20
Views: 16817

Re: 2017 California Chapter Nominations Time

daniel wrote:I know it's not necessary, but I third Jeff for Chapter President and Nate for Ed Specialist. I think they are both great guys and would do an excellent job.
I agree :thumb:
by Steve Bledsoe
November 1st, 2016, 4:56 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Patternless Crotalus cerberus (same as AZ forum)
Replies: 2
Views: 3509

Patternless Crotalus cerberus (same as AZ forum)

A friend and I found a couple of C. cerberus last July in NE Maricopa County, AZ. I was amazed to see that this big snake had none of the typical markings that most of the snakes of this species seem to have. I was told recently that all, or at least a good percentage of the adult female cerberus fr...
by Steve Bledsoe
October 29th, 2016, 4:32 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: kingsnakes in Phoenix area
Replies: 15
Views: 7601

Re: kingsnakes in Phoenix area

Jimi and Rye
Since you guys are crote enthusiasts, please take a look at this post. I'd like to get your opinions.
Thanks
Steve

http://www.fieldherpforum.com/forum/vie ... =4&t=23866
by Steve Bledsoe
October 29th, 2016, 4:30 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Patternless C. cerberus
Replies: 4
Views: 6033

Patternless C. cerberus

A friend and I found a couple of C. cerberus last July in NE Maricopa County. I was amazed to see that this big snake had none of the typical markings that most of the snakes of this species seem to have. I was told recently that all, or at least a good percentage of the adult female cerberus from t...
by Steve Bledsoe
October 29th, 2016, 3:29 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: kingsnakes in Phoenix area
Replies: 15
Views: 7601

Re: kingsnakes in Phoenix area

That snake of yours looks pure Cal King, no doubt. Here's one I found in NE Maricopa County last July. Another typical Cal King looking specimen. http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee226/Steve_Bledsoe/L.%20g.%20californiae%20270%201_zpsew6gbtcf.jpg And here's one that a friend of mine found just sou...
by Steve Bledsoe
October 27th, 2016, 2:04 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: kingsnakes in Phoenix area
Replies: 15
Views: 7601

Re: kingsnakes in Phoenix area

"Lampro dork"? Is that anything like a "Crote jerk"? :lol: :lol: When I was younger, I used to consider a lot of the more common species to be "junk snakes", but these days I find pleasure in finding and observing all of them. Vipers aren't my favorites, but they're alw...
by Steve Bledsoe
October 27th, 2016, 12:13 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: kingsnakes in Phoenix area
Replies: 15
Views: 7601

Re: kingsnakes in Phoenix area

Jimi I don't think it's fake. There may be some color enhancement going on with the camera itself, but some of the snakes from central and SE Arizona have some very bright yellow bands. The area around Tucson is especially interesting in that it's where three of the old getula subspecies intergraded...
by Steve Bledsoe
October 27th, 2016, 9:33 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: kingsnakes in Phoenix area
Replies: 15
Views: 7601

Re: kingsnakes in Phoenix area

There are plenty of photos of Cal Kings from the Phoenix / Maricopa County area on the HERP database site. Go to the L. g. california record page via this link http://www.naherp.com/taxon.php?taxon=1401 Click on "View all records for Lampropeltis getula californiae " at the bottom of the p...
by Steve Bledsoe
October 27th, 2016, 7:32 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: kingsnakes in Phoenix area
Replies: 15
Views: 7601

Re: kingsnakes in Phoenix area

No, the yumensis subspecies is no longer recognized. Basically all of the common kingsnakes found west of Tucson and the Phoenix area are now considered to be L. californiae . I guess it may be proper to refer to this particular color morph as a yumensis morph. At least to a lot of older herpers lik...
by Steve Bledsoe
October 27th, 2016, 7:11 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: kingsnakes in Phoenix area
Replies: 15
Views: 7601

Re: kingsnakes in Phoenix area

Hi Daniel Yumensis is actually an old subspecies classification that was dropped decades ago. We used to call it the Yuma Kingsnake, Lampropeltis getulus yumensis . It was named for the region around Yuma, Arizona. For many, it was viewed as an intergrade between the California Kingsnake and the Mex...
by Steve Bledsoe
October 5th, 2016, 11:58 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: HERP users WARNING
Replies: 15
Views: 11915

Re: HERP users WARNING

Good point Brian, which is why I have contributed no Sensitive data to Herpmapper, and never will. This whole exercise of keeping field records, and sharing them with the hope that the data can benefit science, is a double-edged sword. Data that can benefit science can also harm the animals we're tr...
by Steve Bledsoe
September 13th, 2016, 4:27 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Amazing Predation by a Leopard Lizard
Replies: 6
Views: 5038

Re: Amazing Predation by a Leopard Lizard

That's an amazing bit of video. I had no idea that Leopard Lizards did that. I wonder now if Collared Lizards exhibit the same sort of behavior? They're bad-ass lizards for sure! I have a ring-necked snake that does a similar thing with skinks. The snake will stalk the skink and deliberately attack ...
by Steve Bledsoe
September 11th, 2016, 4:14 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Thanks for watching
Replies: 4
Views: 2681

Re: Thanks for watching

BINGO!
Whatever you did worked.

Good video - very enjoyable.

Thanks Lou
by Steve Bledsoe
September 11th, 2016, 10:29 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Thanks for watching
Replies: 4
Views: 2681

Re: Thanks for watching

Don't see a link, Lou.
May be my computer settings or something.
by Steve Bledsoe
August 24th, 2016, 4:33 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: "New" California rattlesnakes
Replies: 15
Views: 9662

Re: "New" California rattlesnakes

Variations in venom components within the same rattlesnake species is nothing new. Crotalus s. scutulatus is known to have 3 different venom types across it's US range from California to west Texas. It seems ridiculous that a difference like this warrants an elevation of small populations to species...
by Steve Bledsoe
August 24th, 2016, 10:17 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Craziest Border Patrol Story
Replies: 41
Views: 23309

Re: Craziest Border Patrol Story

I can only tell this story as I recall Kent telling it to me. Bill “billboard” Townsend was there with Kent, so if you read this, Bill, please add or correct anything that you feel is needed. Kent, Bill and a young friend of Bill’s (who’s name I don’t know) were on a camping/herping trip in SE Arizo...
by Steve Bledsoe
August 23rd, 2016, 5:21 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Craziest Border Patrol Story
Replies: 41
Views: 23309

Re: Craziest Border Patrol Story

I’ve been stopped too many times to remember while herping, but I have never been asked to grant permission for a search. I guess I’ll never know how I’m going to react until it actually happens, and then how I react may depend a lot on the attitude of the officer. Call me naïve, but I like to belie...
by Steve Bledsoe
August 22nd, 2016, 10:14 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Advices for a California trip in September
Replies: 17
Views: 9385

Re: Advices for a California trip in September

I personally don't know anything about herping the San Francisco, Mono Lake or Yosemite areas, but am quite familiar with herping the deserts of southern California. Both the Colorado and Mojave Deserts are rich with herp species, but as you noted, September is not prime time to see them. The best a...
by Steve Bledsoe
August 20th, 2016, 1:20 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Craziest Border Patrol Story
Replies: 41
Views: 23309

Re: Craziest Border Patrol Story

Hey Steve did they (atf) identify themselves first? That approach is a recipe for disaster and I hope this was stated to them after the dust settled. At the very least I would have given them an earful for pointing a weapon at me without just cause and most certainly would have collected names and ...
by Steve Bledsoe
August 17th, 2016, 5:19 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Craziest Border Patrol Story
Replies: 41
Views: 23309

Re: Craziest Border Patrol Story

I've met many a U.S. Border Patrolman over the years while road cruising in the middle of the night, and I have to say that all of them have been professional and friendly with the exception of one. It was 2:30 in the morning and I guess maybe the guy had a bad day - who knows? My craziest BP story ...
by Steve Bledsoe
August 8th, 2016, 10:13 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Collared Lizards in Mojave Desert National Preserve
Replies: 2
Views: 2524

Re: Collared Lizards in Mojave Desert National Preserve

Jonathan,
If you want to see some this year, I'd give it a shot in October when the highs are in the mid to low 90's. I've seen plenty GB Collared Lizards that time of year in the Colorado Desert. My guess is that they like the fall weather in the Mojave as well.
by Steve Bledsoe
June 28th, 2016, 3:38 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Finnish herpers return
Replies: 15
Views: 6044

Re: Finnish herpers return

I agree with Fundad. I wouldn't waste my time in southern California. Arizona is the place to be that time of year. I would volunteer to spend some time with you in AZ except I'm going to be there in July and then again in late August this year. It looks like you're planning your arrival in the Stat...
by Steve Bledsoe
June 10th, 2016, 1:43 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Atrox in Berdoos
Replies: 15
Views: 9235

Re: Atrox in Berdoos

I'm expecting to see a Bearded Dragon one of these days, sunning himself in Anza-Borrego, and I won't be surprised if and when it happens. An atrox finding it's way naturally into the Berdoos is at least a remote possibility, but considering all the other stuff we find in that area, I personally hav...
by Steve Bledsoe
June 10th, 2016, 12:21 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Atrox in Berdoos
Replies: 15
Views: 9235

Re: Atrox in Berdoos

Didn't someone post here on the forums a few years ago, a DOR Ball Python that was found near the desert on Hwy 74 or Hwy 243? I have no doubt that the entire region out there in the San Gorgonio Pass/Palm Springs area is a dumping ground for unwanted reptiles. No telling what may be discovered out ...