Search found 44 matches

by B.Ryerson
September 17th, 2015, 1:03 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Frustration
Replies: 28
Views: 8817

Re: Frustration

It's always frustrating. What's weird is that now I'm a "professional" I get emails from people who have found my website from the college. This January I got an email from someone saying they had a cobra in their yard. In NH. In January. I asked for a photo, and they have a curved object ...
by B.Ryerson
July 5th, 2015, 1:45 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Andrea and Mike's 2015 Species Seen
Replies: 5
Views: 4686

Re: Andrea and Mike's 2015 Species Seen

These are all beautiful shots. I'm jealous of your finds in Mass.
by B.Ryerson
April 13th, 2015, 7:52 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Northeast Member Biographies- Introduce Yourselves!
Replies: 32
Views: 14248

Re: Northeast Member Biographies- Introduce Yourselves!

Hi. My name is Bill Ryerson, and I am reappearing after a few years in the ether. I've been an active field herper since the early 2000s, and somehow turned it into a career. When I was last active here, I was working on a PhD from the University of Connecticut. Well, I finished it (which is why I w...
by B.Ryerson
April 14th, 2011, 11:53 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Research
Replies: 14
Views: 1526

Re: Research

Sometimes they can kill a project from their requests. I wanted to work with rattlesnakes and copperheads, but they told me I needed to carry the antivenom with me in the field at all times. Prohibitively expensive and has absolutely nothing to do with the care of the animal.
by B.Ryerson
April 14th, 2011, 7:31 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Research
Replies: 14
Views: 1526

Re: Research

I'm curious about "The Committee" ... ? Who are they? This would consequently invalidate any head-starting; I've been involved with the Mass Dept of Wildlife for years headstarting endangered Norther Red Bellied Cooters over the winter ... these are raised to the size of a 2-3 year old co...
by B.Ryerson
April 14th, 2011, 7:26 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Research
Replies: 14
Views: 1526

Re: Research

Chris said it best.....some research is cool, some is not. Very frustrating to read about worthless research that is more for someone making a name for themself than helping the species. The Blue Spotteds in a blender study comes to mind.....lots of good came from that one. :roll: What do you study...
by B.Ryerson
April 11th, 2011, 6:31 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Research
Replies: 14
Views: 1526

Re: Research

I'm all for it. I hate working jobs (and have quit because of it) when there is a strict kill everything and freeze it mentality. The samples inevitably languish in the freezer for years and are then thrown away. I worked one job where we processed everything in the field and released it. It took a...
by B.Ryerson
April 10th, 2011, 7:24 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Research
Replies: 14
Views: 1526

Research

Given some of the discussion here lately regarding the pet trade/collecting, I was curious to see what the group's feelings were to collecting animals for research purposes. In my research I do need to collect animals, but my research doesn't require euthanizing the individuals for tissue or anatomi...
by B.Ryerson
April 2nd, 2011, 12:06 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Another one caught, in case you missed it.
Replies: 47
Views: 12029

Re: Another one caught, in case you missed it.

I can respect that. When I generally buy an animal from a vendor, I do spend some time examining it, and when one of the first things I notice is how the individual deals with being handled. Any animal that stresses that quickly is not an animal I'm going to take home.
by B.Ryerson
April 1st, 2011, 10:38 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Another good job stopping illegal trade
Replies: 37
Views: 4689

Re: Another good job stopping illegal trade

Yeah, I'm just seeing this now too. Bruce, Tom's business partner, was killed. Tom was grazed but is OK (as Kyle said). Oh, speaking of ethical and illegal elements to the pet trade, I just started reading "Stolen World" about the early days of the reptile industry and zoo collections. Cru...
by B.Ryerson
April 1st, 2011, 8:44 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: cobra still loose????
Replies: 11
Views: 1286

Re: cobra still loose????

somebody check recent sales of young cobras to undisclosed buyers...... :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: ......(JOKE)......at bronx zoo's expense .........but i'm a PHILLY GUY........couldn't control it...... :shock: Bob, are you telling me that the beautiful 20 inch Egyptian cobra I just bought off of crai...
by B.Ryerson
March 31st, 2011, 8:12 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Hampton Roads Herping
Replies: 10
Views: 1634

Re: Hampton Roads Herping

Should have bought the Kyle Loucks snake hook! How crazy is it that there are signature model snake hooks out there. Use to make them out of a wire coat hanger... JJ Haha. I have a coat hanger soldered onto a broken golf club. It's the "Grad Student" model, comes with one packet of Ramen ...
by B.Ryerson
March 31st, 2011, 8:10 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Identification Help Thread
Replies: 83
Views: 17400

Re: Identification Help Thread

I always ID small black tadpoles as Bufo, but I'm probably wrong a good portion of the time. The toad looks to be americanus, but I can't quite see the ridges that run along the eyes to the parotoid gland.
by B.Ryerson
March 31st, 2011, 8:05 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Another good job stopping illegal trade
Replies: 37
Views: 4689

Re: Another good job stopping illegal trade

but are they really legal????......the ones already here are "FAIR GAME"?...WTF??...only until somebody decides to enforce the law.......when was it legal to import them.....the breeders would need a paper trail waaay back.......don't mistake my purpose in this string......this was pointe...
by B.Ryerson
March 31st, 2011, 7:19 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Another one caught, in case you missed it.
Replies: 47
Views: 12029

Re: Another one caught, in case you missed it.

If anything, the problem is only getting worse. I mean, when a guy goes out and finds some snake, lizard, or whatever and wants to find out what it is, he goes right to the internet and what does he find? sites like "not allowed" and other classifieds. Then instantly, someone who hadn't e...
by B.Ryerson
March 30th, 2011, 4:16 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Another one caught, in case you missed it.
Replies: 47
Views: 12029

Re: Another one caught, in case you missed it.

If anything, the problem is only getting worse. I mean, when a guy goes out and finds some snake, lizard, or whatever and wants to find out what it is, he goes right to the internet and what does he find? sites like "not allowed" and other classifieds. Then instantly, someone who hadn't e...
by B.Ryerson
March 30th, 2011, 4:07 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Another good job stopping illegal trade
Replies: 37
Views: 4689

Re: Another good job stopping illegal trade

I'm not saying the commercial breeders are doing it for the right reasons. They are doing it for the money, but I feel this would be a good first step. These people are invested in raising and breeding animals, and if profit is the motivator needed to save a species, then I'm fine with that. Is this...
by B.Ryerson
March 30th, 2011, 10:17 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Another good job stopping illegal trade
Replies: 37
Views: 4689

Re: Another good job stopping illegal trade

A head start program is very different from commercial breeding. I agree, but I think the motivation of a commercial breeder (while not as...noble) trumps the head start program. Especially if you put in the hands of someone who has the experience. For example, fly river turtles, Carretochelys insc...
by B.Ryerson
March 29th, 2011, 2:49 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Another good job stopping illegal trade
Replies: 37
Views: 4689

Re: Another good job stopping illegal trade

I didn't realize Pennsylvania required a permit to breed some of these animals in captivity. I completely understand the ban on possessing native species, but an expensive permit to do your own breeding could be just as detrimental. Some really good conservation programs are built using the knowledg...
by B.Ryerson
March 26th, 2011, 5:01 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: new species?
Replies: 9
Views: 1606

Re: new species?

Be careful about that photo, you might be able to get some locale data out of it, and we don't collectors ravaging the population.
by B.Ryerson
February 3rd, 2011, 6:26 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 2011 Member Check In
Replies: 28
Views: 3177

Re: 2011 Member Check In

Checking in...

First name: Bill
by B.Ryerson
December 7th, 2010, 6:48 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Craigslist wild reptile for sale posting
Replies: 14
Views: 2719

Re: Craigslist wild reptile for sale posting

Yeah no one is breeding narrowmouths, if thats what they are. In any case you cant sell live animals on craigslist. Flag it and shut this profit avenue down. Hope he cant move animals quick enough and seeks a new profession. The problem with the craigslist avenue is the semantics one can use. While...
by B.Ryerson
December 6th, 2010, 6:31 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Craigslist wild reptile for sale posting
Replies: 14
Views: 2719

Re: Craigslist wild reptile for sale posting

I wonder about some of these. This one was so awesome I had to save the ad, it comes off of the Hartford, CT craigslist. I flagged it, so the email no longer works, but still...take a look for yourself.
by B.Ryerson
November 24th, 2010, 6:48 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: second post
Replies: 9
Views: 1217

Re: second post

That black color works so well with the eye of that one snake. Absolutely beautiful...must...have...
by B.Ryerson
November 24th, 2010, 6:46 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa Time
Replies: 15
Views: 1785

Re: Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa Time

I don't have the cash for a really nice camera, so I'm looking to get a Pentax Optio W90 (super macro, 1 cm focal distance). Also, a new longer hook, and a scale that can accurately weigh my big rainbow boas.
by B.Ryerson
November 18th, 2010, 6:21 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Snakes of Summer 2010 in Maryland plus two lifers
Replies: 61
Views: 13763

Re: Snakes of Summer 2010 in Maryland plus two lifers

I know it is pretty bad...I visited the berks reptile show in PA and man there is some shady stuff going on there holy moly...even heard one guy offer to sell someone a king cobra for 20 dollars, you will never EVER catch a me with a venomous snake in my house, accident waiting to happen as I see i...
by B.Ryerson
November 17th, 2010, 6:26 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Snakes of Summer 2010 in Maryland plus two lifers
Replies: 61
Views: 13763

Re: Snakes of Summer 2010 in Maryland plus two lifers

I know copperheads don't mind it as much, my former labmate did some home range work on them, but I don't know about the timbers. I try to avoid handling anything unless I'm working on it. That being said, I pretty much handle every snake I see. Tubing one might seem safe, but the safest thing would...
by B.Ryerson
October 26th, 2010, 10:21 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Thrill of the hunt (racer chase)
Replies: 17
Views: 2475

Re: Thrill of the hunt (racer chase)

aren't reptiles handeled for all these "studies"????.......injected with a pit tag????.......toenails & tails clipped....blood taken...... and maybe removed from the environment.....transported to a lab... molested in other ways & then transported back????......whatda heck is so w...
by B.Ryerson
October 15th, 2010, 11:17 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Photo Request
Replies: 11
Views: 2079

Re: Photo Request

You guys rock. I'm a member of the Society of Integrative and Comparative Biology, and I will be presenting some of my data at a regional meeting tomorrow and at the national meeting in January. In case you're curious, the talk title is "Fluid Mechanics of Tongue Flicking in Snakes" at the...
by B.Ryerson
October 14th, 2010, 6:25 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Photo Request
Replies: 11
Views: 2079

Re: Photo Request

These are amazing. Matt, I will definitely grab that first racer shot. Jay, would you be okay if I altered the photo to put your name on it?

I will humbly request that these keep on comin'.
by B.Ryerson
October 13th, 2010, 4:06 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Photo Request
Replies: 11
Views: 2079

Photo Request

Hey all. I was wondering if anyone could supply with me some images of snakes with their tongues out. I have to give some talks in the next few months, and I lack both the photographic equipment and amazing talent some of the posters here have. Ideally, the photo has the tines of the tongue spread f...
by B.Ryerson
October 1st, 2010, 6:14 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Idiots are everywhere...
Replies: 7
Views: 1549

Re: Idiots are everywhere...

MarcLinsalata wrote:Poisonous snake - triangle head :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

Oh, except cobra........ :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Oh, and corals...oh, and mambas...oh, and taipans...oh, and...@#()#*$(@# nevermind.


If they get a rattlesnake roundup, can we have an idiot intervention?
by B.Ryerson
September 22nd, 2010, 3:48 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Alligator in the Charles River outside of Boston
Replies: 8
Views: 2155

Re: Alligator in the Charles River outside of Boston

Connecticut had one last year, and a couple gators were turned in, as well as a few venomous snakes.

There was a booth for the New York Reptile Rescue agency at the White Plains show, I picked up a female Cal King from them.
by B.Ryerson
September 22nd, 2010, 3:42 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: The Legend of Crotalus Rex; a story of Demons and Monsters
Replies: 31
Views: 3951

Re: The Legend of Crotalus Rex; a story of Demons and Monste

I could be persuaded to "re-invade Jersey". I grew up there and it's been years since I herped anywhere.
by B.Ryerson
September 21st, 2010, 1:22 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: I need help with this shed...
Replies: 65
Views: 8875

Re: I need help with this shed...

Last one is definitely a quarter. Quarters have that little bit of copper coloring to them, nickels are completely silver. There do also appear to be some keels.

And there is no way something with the name "loonie" gets to be dominant. Mendel would roll over in his grace.
by B.Ryerson
September 21st, 2010, 7:35 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: I need help with this shed...
Replies: 65
Views: 8875

Re: I need help with this shed...

Elliot, to be frank, I don't think you know what you are talking about anymore. In fact, I daresay you are a loonie. no, no the loonie is a different species from Canada. While a different species, you often see loonies and quarters together, especially in upstate NY and Maine. There does not seem ...
by B.Ryerson
September 7th, 2010, 6:23 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: OMG, WTF!!! (Duskies...)
Replies: 15
Views: 2353

Re: OMG, WTF!!! (Duskies...)

Agreed on the first one. D. quadramaculatus can get big. I'm only familiar with NW Georgia/Tennessee/SW North Carolina, but the little one looks like a D. ochrophaeus or D. ocoee. I know D. ochrophaeus is being broken up, but the do have wildly variable coloring.
by B.Ryerson
September 3rd, 2010, 12:31 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: The last from up north this year
Replies: 22
Views: 3657

Re: The last from up north this year

I don't know about anyone else, but I definitely stared at that rock picture for a good thirty seconds looking for a snake before I even noticed the deer.
by B.Ryerson
August 4th, 2010, 7:39 am
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: Compact camera recommendations?
Replies: 10
Views: 3829

Re: Compact camera recommendations?

You may also want to take a look at the Pentax Optio W80...around $150. It does underwater, and has a good super macro mode. I had a w60 for a while and loved it.
by B.Ryerson
July 16th, 2010, 9:27 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Northeast Member Biographies
Replies: 197
Views: 56105

Re: Northeast Member Biographies

I'm Bill. Herping since a kid. Currently a PhD student at UConn, my dissertation focuses on biomechanics in snakes. I have broad interests in vertebrate physiology, morphology, and biomechanics. I also keep captive bred reptiles, currently around 10 snakes, seven turtles and a few lizards.
by B.Ryerson
July 16th, 2010, 9:25 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: NE Region Database Activity
Replies: 46
Views: 6133

Re: Seriously people, we can do better!

Bah, I need a new camera. Then I'm gonna turn that eastern CT so red...
by B.Ryerson
June 30th, 2010, 1:33 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: New Hampshire Trip
Replies: 9
Views: 3200

Re: New Hampshire Trip

I think it is a Maritime subspecies. I don't know if you saw the whole snake, but the dorsal stripe appears to fade as you get away from the head, which I think is one of the morphological characters you can use to distinguish them. I also think the color/pattern of the checkered pattern on the back...
by B.Ryerson
June 25th, 2010, 11:44 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Quick after work herping with a two for one special.
Replies: 17
Views: 4009

Re: Quick after work herping with a two for one special.

Hey Matt what kind of staining technique are you using? All of my histological work uses alcian blue and alzarin red, but I feel like both of those would be too dark to efficiently count rings.

Asking as one grad nerd to another.
by B.Ryerson
June 8th, 2010, 6:52 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Check in thread
Replies: 42
Views: 11451

Re: Check in thread

Bill, reporting in for duty.