Living Alongside Wildlife

Trapping Turtles in Costa Rica: Week in Review

2012-01-21T10:16:00.001-06:00

A respectable haul With my first week of trapping turtles in Costa Rica coming to a close, I think it’s an appropriate time to take stock of the results. I set my traps on Monday and left them there all day and night before checking them on Tuesday morning. Although I had high hopes for five traps all full of turtles, the reality was a little less rewarding. Nothing. In the language of turtle

Trapping Tropical Turtles Today

2012-01-16T17:04:00.002-06:00

Some animals, like turtles, can live for decades. But most turtle studies only last a few years (one big reason is that many studies are conducted by graduate students and, contrary to popular belief, students do in fact want to graduate quickly). So, because turtles live for decades and most studies are completed after just a couple years, that means that much of what we know about

Readers Write In: Grey Ghost Rattlesnakes in Wyoming?

2012-01-13T13:08:00.006-06:00

A reader recently wrote to me in the hopes of shedding some light on a rattlesnake mystery from northern Wyoming. The original e-mail is below (I have edited for length and clarity). I was involved in a rescue event in late August in N. Wyoming. For reasons too complex to go into here I found myself in knee-to-waist high mesquite brush in pitch-black darkness, wearing nothing but shorts,

Friday Roundup-Arctic Owls in the United States

2011-12-09T14:45:00.000-06:00

1. Snowy Owls Venture South. I would venture a guess that many people in the United States would say the closest they will ever get to a Snowy Owl, Nyctea scandiaca, is a Harry Potter Movie. They might be surprised. It has long been known that Snowy Owls from northern Canada periodically venture far south (here's one filmed in Tennessee in 2009). Last month, a Snowy Owl was photographed outside

Friday Roundup-An Octopus Invasion and a Hellbender Conservation Breakthrough

2011-12-02T07:32:00.003-06:00

1. An Octopus Takes a Stroll. Perhaps you've come across the video of the octopus laboriously pulling itself out of the water and making its way through the intertidal zone. The Octopus was found in the James V. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve on the California coast. By the sound of the voices in the video, it was spotted by a family exploring the area. Katherine Harmon (in her blog, the Octopus

Is the South Florida Rainbow Snake Really Extinct?

2011-11-25T10:33:00.005-06:00

A Georgia Rainbow Snake (courtesy D. Stevenson) A few weeks ago I wrote about how the South Florida Rainbow Snake, of which there are only a handful of known specimens (and not to be confused with the "normal" Rainbow Snake), was officially declared extinct by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Not so fast, say the Center for Snake Conservation and the Center for Biological

This Thanksgiving, Don’t be a Hog (Nosed Snake)

2011-11-24T14:22:00.008-06:00

When eating a large meal, consuming something that weighs more than you do isn’t simply a matter of whether you want to do it; there are also some physical concerns. In other words, even if you wanted to eat more than your body weight in food (on some Thanksgiving pasts, I’ve certainly given it a fair shot), how can you possible fit it into your body? Something that weighs more than you do is

Friday Roundup-Eating Animals to Extinction and Yes, Virginia, There is a Copperhead

2011-11-18T13:43:00.005-06:00

An Alabama Copperhead 1. This just in: News Flash. Snakes exist in Virginia. Better get them before they get you. 2. Those Who Do Not Learn From the Past... Biologists, and even conservation biologists, historically had some curious views regarding their study organisms, views that seem very odd today. The classic example, to me at least, is that of Sir Alfred Russell Wallace (1823-1913), a

Friday Roundup-Hero Dogs and a Mouthful of Slime

2011-11-11T07:51:00.002-06:00

Here are a couple items that caught my attention this week. 1. Rattlesnakes From Abandoned Lots Invade Neighborhood, Terrorize Residents. This sounds like it could be the premise of a reasonably entertaining horror movie. Residents of Port St. Lucie, Florida are convinced that Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnakes are thriving in their neighborhoods because there are too many vacant and abandoned

Friday Roundup-Recent Articles and Blogs of Interest

2011-11-04T11:18:00.007-05:00

There are often articles and blogs that catch my eye but I am unable to comment on or write about because I am either preoccupied with other things or I can't come up with enough material to justify an entire post. So, I'd like to periodically bring your attention to some recent articles that you all may find of interest. I would like to say that this will be a weekly feature, but I don't quite

Can You Actually Get Stabbed by a Snake?

2011-10-20T21:25:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, an article caught my attention because the subject was a mysterious creature that is rarely seen or photographed. The Rainbow Snake, Farancia erytrogramma, is a large species highly-associated with wetlands. It is one of the most visually-striking species of wildlife that can be found in the southeastern United States. Covered by dark and glossy scales, bright red lines run

These Stories Bite

2011-09-23T11:52:00.001-05:00

A "seven foot" Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake Yesterday, two similar news stories caught my attention. In north Georgia, a large Copperhead was killed after it bit a dog. In Fort Myers, Florida, a large Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake bit and killed a dog. The size of both of these snakes was grossly exaggerated to make the stories more sensational, but we’ll return to that later. Both of

Living Alongside Wildlife

2011-09-16T11:39:00.010-05:00

A Softshell Turtle Found This Summer Outside Everglades National Park sciseekclaimtoken-4e7620cd64472 Yesterday afternoon, as I was driving home from the University, I noticed both a red-shouldered hawk and a belted kingfisher sitting on a powerline overlooking a large pond bordered on two sides by highway. As the cars raced around me to be the first to the next red light, I wondered if anyone

Rat Snake Freakout: Paradise Coast Edition

2011-09-12T20:27:00.007-05:00

Photo Courtesy of Fingerprinceprints.com For the last few days I have been monitoring a news story in Naples, Florida about an apparent python on the loose. First, a man spotted a large snake on his doorstep and assumed that it was a Burmese Python. A helpful neighbor noted that, "It kills." Mysterious flyers began to appear, warning residents of the python; that someone was putting up flyers

Things That Creep in the Night

2011-09-09T12:00:00.002-05:00

I. inornatus Earlier this year, I found myself in a tropical downpour, surrounded by a Central American jungle, and with my nose running like a faucet. I was afflicted with what my advisor had dubbed, “Black Elk Disease”, resulting in my words turning into grumbling sounds that seemed to emanate from the depths of my stomach. I tried to shake my grogginess off; I was supposed to head

A 25-pound rattlesnake in South Carolina? Unlikely.

2011-09-07T19:00:00.001-05:00

The reportedly 5.5 foot long, 25 pound rattlesnake This morning I was made aware of a large Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake that had been captured on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. This in itself isn't too surprising, the species can range up to North Carolina and are often found on barrier islands. Although, there isn't much habitat left for snakes on these islands because they are

Name That Snake

2011-09-05T17:24:00.000-05:00

Snake #1 (bonus points for describing the behavior) Over the past year or so, numerous people have taken me up on my offer to answer their wildlife-related questions. A common theme is that of the mystery snake; these e-mails are from people who have spotted a snake in their yard and are curious to know what species the animal represents. Some of these folks tend to be

Rat Snake Freakout: Highway Edition

2011-08-01T15:08:00.002-05:00

Rat snakes are large constrictors that range throughout the eastern United States and Canada. Although they may grow to be fairly long (over six feet), they are harmless unless you happen to be a rat, squirrel, or perhaps a distracted bird. Although, as I mentioned, they can be found relatively easily throughout half the continent and are normal components of many ecosystems, too many people

Aging Rattlesnakes: Don't Bother Counting Their Rattles

2011-07-01T13:01:00.000-05:00

Taking care to step around clumps of wiregrass as you make your way through the pine forest, you suddenly hear it. The sound is unmistakable. Working your way around the exposed roots of a large oak, you hear it from the base of the tree. Your blood chills as you instinctually freeze. A rattlesnake’s rattle is an incredible thing, if you think

Watch Your Step: The Myth of Cottonmouth Nests

2011-06-22T08:54:00.000-05:00

It is hard for many people to imagine something more nightmarish than strolling along the shore of their local lake and stumbling into a nest of Cottonmouths. I believe there is a legend of a water-skier plowing right through one, or perhaps it was a Cottonmouth breeding ball. In any case, although the details escape me, surely we can all agree that he died a painful and miserable

Can Cottonmouths Bite Underwater?

2011-06-21T12:59:00.000-05:00

Yes. A few years ago, I was asked to comment on a proposed snake exhibit in a local nature-themed education center. The exhibit was going to be a large swampy area, complete with water snakes, Cottonmouths, and various other wetland reptiles, like turtles. Although I personally would have enjoyed viewing such a display, I warned those at the nature center that

Are Rattlesnakes Rattling Less Because of Hogs?

2011-06-20T15:33:00.011-05:00

The short answer: There's no compelling reason to think so. Full column: In the past few months, I’ve received the following e-mail (or some similar version) several times. Generally, the scene is set in Texas (Coleman), but recently the location was switched to Georgia (Ohoopee River, Vidalia, or Lyons). “We have killed 57 rattlesnakes on two separate ranches this year. 24 @South bend & 33 @

Mississippi Floods and Monster Morganza Snakes

2011-05-18T14:00:00.002-05:00

The Mississippi River has been flooding to record levels in recent weeks, creating emergencies for many people residing in states bordering this massive waterway. Homes, businesses, and property in Louisiana and Mississippi are at great risk of damage and destruction due to the rising water. It's a very real hardship for those involved. In the wake of what we might consider a natural

Opposites Attract?

2011-04-22T19:40:00.000-05:00

A reader recently sent along a set of fantastic pictures of two snakes intertwined on a log overlooking a river. Apparently the e-mail has been circulating for a while; somewhere along the line it was suggested that these snakes were two Cottonmouths mating. Although these two snakes are mating, they’re not Cottonmouths, they are Brown Watersnakes, Nerodia

The Latest Rat Snake Freakout

2011-04-19T15:21:00.004-05:00

Those of you who have following my blog for a while know that there are several recurring themes, (besides snakes, turtles, salamanders and other amphibians and reptiles in general). One common and popular topic relates to the tendency to grossly exaggerate the size of dead rattlesnakes. However, another topic that rarely rears its head (but is perhaps more darkly amusing) is when people

Why are squirrels so stupid?

2011-04-10T13:50:00.002-05:00

I imagine I’ve heard this question one hundred times if I’ve heard it once. Perhaps this situation is familiar to you: sitting alongside the road, a squirrel’s big black eyes go wide as a car barrels down upon it. Suddenly, seemingly just moments before the vehicle passes the small mammal, it darts into the road. Knuckles clench the wheel and feet slam on the brakes as the imminent disaster

Cottonmouth Myths IV: I Got Chased by a Cottonmouth

2011-04-03T15:30:00.002-05:00

Firstly, I apologize to my millions of readers that have been waiting with bated breath for my next blog post. I am sorry that I have been unable to respond to your e-mails requesting I post some new material soon; I am sure you understand that I receive thousands of such messages each month and cannot respond personally to each one. Lately, I have been in the midst of writing some

Cottonmouth Myths III: Moccasins North of Virginia

2011-02-12T14:16:00.004-06:00

Continuing the theme of the many myths and misunderstandings that surround Cottonmouth (AKA, Agkistrodon piscivorous) biology, I am going to spend some time debunking one of the most sacred falsehoods about the species. My hunch is that this piece may attract more aggravated comments and statements to the contrary than the other posts in the series but here it is anyway: Cottonmouths

Cottonmouth Myths II: Cottonmouth Breeding Balls

2011-01-31T10:33:00.002-06:00

Cottonmouths, Agkistrodon piscivorus, are so feared and misunderstood that perhaps the most terrifying thing the average citizen can imagine is these snakes in the process of making even more Cottonmouths. I would guess it is a combination of fear, rural folklore, and maybe just the fact that Cottonmouth biology is not often brought up in school, but there is a lot of inaccurate information

Cottonmouth Myths I: Snakes Dropping Into Boats

2011-01-15T09:21:00.001-06:00

Some animals just can’t get a break. Cottonmouths, Agkistrodon piscivorus, (aka water moccasins) would like nothing more than spend their lives within their local swamp or river, either coiled up under a bunch of vegetation waiting for a hapless frog to paddle by, or perhaps patrolling the water’s edge at night looking for some other tasty morsel. But, we all know that aquatic

Orange You Glad That This Is A Perfectly Normal Alligator?

2011-01-09T15:49:00.004-06:00

The internet is abuzz with news of an orange alligator spotted in Venice, Florida. News stories are popping up not just in Florida but everywhere from Los Angeles to the United Kingdom. Nameless experts explain the beast is nearly an albino and extremely rare, other outlets breathlessly exclaimed we could be watching evolution in action. Fortunately, there were voices of reason at the

World's Largest Snake Threatened with Extinction by...Hikers and Backpackers?

2010-12-30T20:07:00.000-06:00

Imagine my surprise and interest when I noticed a newspaper article about an anaconda population crash in Bolivia. Anaconda's are the world's heaviest snake and these impressive animals can be found swimming through the swamps of South America (not Alabama). Although just about everyone has heard of anacondas, it's not a species we know too much about. Some anacondas live in a grassy

Here's a Shocker: An Electric Eel versus an Alligator? Actually, a Caiman.

2010-12-18T17:08:00.002-06:00

A video of something that looks like an alligator attacking an electric eel has been recently pulsing through the worldwide web like the shockwaves of…well, an electric eel. Although several sources identify the reptile as an alligator, this isn’t actually the case. There are two species of alligators in the world, the American Alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, and the Chinese

Rattlesnakes: Finding Their Poise and Dignity

2010-12-10T12:02:00.003-06:00

All too often we are presented with portrayals of rattlesnakes that rob them of their poise and dignity. In response, I contacted my friends and colleagues and requested they provide stories and pictures that more accurately represent the wild creatures we all appreciate. You can read about the campaign here. I'm proud to compile their stories below. Thank you to all the contributors. Do

Catching Some Rays

2010-11-26T16:38:00.001-06:00

Perhaps you’ve seen them lined up on a log sticking out from a lily pad covered beaver pond. Maybe as you’ve floated down the river, waving your arms to maintain your balance and keep your beer can from dipping into the warm water, you’ve spooked some into plopping in from the overhanging branches with a splash. A turtle’s domed shell enjoying the sun’s rays above the water is an

Knock Knock-Happy Holidays Edition

2010-11-20T10:50:00.006-06:00

12/2/10 This tale has been confirmed as true by the parties involved, I include an update and additional photos below the original post. Here's the story, in which yours truly is quoted. The story has been picked up by numerous news outlets and is now being widely disseminated. In all of them, I'm incorrectly identified as a "Florida graduate student". Sacrilege! War Eagle! From an

Announcing the Poise and Dignity Campaign

2010-11-05T16:31:00.005-05:00

Philosopher Alain de Botton has lamented the role of the pervasive advertisements we confront throughout each day of our modern lives. These advertisements are conscious efforts to pervert and distort not only what we find valuable but what we should aspire to achieve and acquire in life. The media accosts us with stories and photographs they feel would be interesting

A Giant Rattlesnake From Berkeley County, South Carolina

2010-11-02T13:32:00.004-05:00

Recently another large rattlesnake picture showed up in my inbox but without much accompanying information other than it was claimed to be from South Carolina. A quick internet search revealed some additional details. Apparently, the snake was killed in Goose Creek, Berkeley County, South Carolina and measured six feet and seven inches long (~ 2 m). It is now in the hands of a taxidermist.

How Big Do Snakes Get?

2010-10-28T09:57:00.002-05:00

It’s a question that comes up frequently and one I often pondered when I was young. What species of snake is the world’s largest and how big do they get? With the recent death of the snake generally accepted to be the largest in captivity (Fluffy, a reticulated python formerly residing at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium in Ohio), it may be an appropriate time to discuss the issue.

An Eight Foot Rattlesnake in Cameron Park, California?!

2010-09-16T09:48:00.002-05:00

I was recently made aware of an apparently giant rattlesnake that slithered up to a wastewater treatment plant in Cameron Park, California. Although geographically distinct from any area I know well, the theme is one I'm intimately familiar with. So, let's proceed with our usual protocol of examining this dead snake and explaining why the stated size is outside the realm of biological

7 Foot Diamondback Rattlers in Poulan, Georgia?

2010-09-13T09:57:00.000-05:00

This morning I noticed a news article describing the harrowing tale of a giant rattlesnake killed last week in Poulan, Georgia. If you follow this blog, you'll know my interest in giant dead rattlesnake pictures and how many tend to exaggerate the size of these animals to gigantic proportions. If you're curious why I didn't include this story as an update to my blog debunking these often

The Fish You Just Ate May Be More of a Globetrotter Than You Are

2010-08-24T12:33:00.007-05:00

Seafood is an integral component of southern culture, perhaps best exemplified by the platters of fried catfish on the menu in every hole in the wall restaurant from Brunswick, Georgia to Lake Charles, Louisiana. And the Gulf of Mexico is renowned for its appetizing saltwater bounties, oil spill notwithstanding. So, when I had a guest from out of town visit me in the Florida Panhandle, I was

Mambas on the Loose in Minnesota

2010-08-22T19:28:00.006-05:00

A couple weeks ago an interesting news story about a snake in Minnesota caught my attention. A family from Sauk Centre received a scare when a five foot long black serpent was spotted outside their home. What happened next nearly defies belief. Black Rat Snakes range throughout the eastern United States. One of the biggest species within this country, a large individual can span up

What's a Golf Ball Worth? Caution: Graphic Images

2010-08-22T16:56:00.001-05:00

I was recently forwarded an e-mail with a few graphic images associated with an apparent American Alligator, Alligator mississippiensis, attack. The text accompanying the pictures suggested a Florida man was reaching down to retrieve a golf ball in a pond when he was attacked by an alligator. It’s clear from the pictures the man unfortunately lost his arm as a result.

Australian Speed Bumps and Monster Alabama Snakes

2010-08-04T21:14:00.004-05:00

Last week, a distressed Alabama resident contacted the state’s Department of Natural Resources with a plea for help. It seems this individual’s son had sent her a grainy picture of a giant snake he had encountered while walking along a rural road in the western portion of the state. The massive beast spanned the length of the road and seemed capable of consuming any man or beast before it

A Salamander Vanishing Before Our Eyes

2010-06-20T13:37:00.008-05:00

As I stood along the edge of an isolated swamp deep in the heart of the Florida panhandle, I used my ears to listen for any calling frogs but my eyes were distracted as I watched a C-130 gunship lay waste to the ground below it as it flew in tight circles far above. Orange tracer rounds exploded out of the airplane and streaked to the ground like shooting stars. The gunners use these radiant

Big Blue Returns to Alabama

2010-06-16T19:01:00.005-05:00

The year was 1954. Marilyn Monroe married Joe DiMaggio, Great Britain ended the food rationing program begun during World War II, and it was the last time a free-roaming and wild indigo snake was ever seen in Alabama. Indigo snakes once ranged throughout the southeastern United States from Georgia to Mississippi, crawling around clumps of wiregrass within longleaf pine forests, taking refuge

Neither Hide Nor Hair

2010-05-31T20:34:00.004-05:00

Alone, up to my waist in a cypress gum swamp in southwestern Georgia, I strained to see through the trees in the little light that filtered down through the canopy above. Every few months, I was required to visit about thirty different isolated wetlands in the area to keep track of how the water levels have fluctuated. For most of the swamps and ponds I visited, this was a straightforward task,

Watching and Waiting

2010-05-05T15:17:00.004-05:00

Each year, my friends and I look forward to the long weekend when we rent a beach house on the white sands of the Florida panhandle. The few days we spend there always go by too quickly; they’re filled with time spent on the dock fishing for redfish and cast netting for mullet. We kayak through the water as osprey fly above us and swim with an eye out for dolphins in the surf. As the sun sets,

Which Came First, the Snake or the Egg?

2010-04-30T13:02:00.005-05:00

This fall, a few colleagues of mine were hiking around southwestern Georgia when they noticed a familiar serpentine shape alongside a fallen log, a timber rattlesnake. Closer inspection revealed almost two dozen newly born rattlesnakes huddled together with their large and likely exhausted mother. Just a few months before this auspicious find, a kingsnake captured at the same site was being

Round 'em up

2010-04-22T13:11:00.004-05:00

This column ran in the papers about a month ago...It’s that time of year again, when people congregate in a few scattered festivals across the southeastern United States to celebrate the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake. Well, I guess celebrate isn’t the right word, since the snakes are eventually slaughtered. I certainly understand why people wouldn’t want rattlesnakes in their yard, but I’m

Sirena's Front Porch

2010-04-01T20:05:00.004-05:00

The Sirena Station, on the coast of the Pacific Ocean and within Corcovado National Park, isn't easy to reach. It took me seven hours of hiking to reach the rustic station, though there are more direct means. One could get there by boat, parting the waters full of bull sharks and crocodiles. Or, you could charter a small plane to drop you off on the Sirena airstrip, something I saw three times

Corcovado National Park

2010-04-01T19:09:00.006-05:00

In Corcovado, as at all other sites, we spent our first full day become oriented and learning the area’s history. Our first night had passed without event; although our accommodations weren’t ready and the entire class slept side by side on plastic mats in a single room, I didn’t mind. Perhaps because I was more comatose than asleep, but I wasn’t bothered by the thin and occasionally odorous

Getting There.

2010-03-31T16:54:00.008-05:00

I had been walking for hours, running low on water, and was surrounded by a dense and foreboding jungle when I realized I may have underestimated the hike through Corcovado National Park.Earlier that morning my group and I had loaded ourselves into two modified pickup trucks to travel to Corcovado’s Los Patos Ranger Station, our gateway to one of the largest remaining tracts of pacific tropical

The Long Walk Awaits

2010-02-24T15:51:00.003-06:00

Our time at La Selva has passed quickly. Perhaps it was the four straight days of pouring rain (in the dry season, no less) that makes me feel as though I haven't spent enough time in the forest. Or perhaps it was the valiant battle I waged against something inside of me (a virus? maybe a parasite?) that makes me long for more free hours to explore the surrounding jungle.In any case, we set off

Iguana Go Swimming

2010-02-24T15:22:00.003-06:00

If you spend much time on the suspension bridge over the Río Puerto Viejo, you’ll eventually notice some large green forms in the uppermost reaches of the trees on the river banks. Closer.Closer.They’re green iguanas (there are five in the picture above), and the largest individuals are dominant males surveying their territory. If you look even closer, you’ll see a number of females in the

Welcome to the Jungle

2010-02-23T22:37:00.004-06:00

La Selva Biological Field Station is the crown jewel of the Organization for Tropical Studies system. Established in 1954 as an experimental station to research natural resources, it was purchased by OTS in 1968. Since then, thousands of researchers have worked here to unravel the mysteries of the tropical rain forest. This is not small potatoes; an incredible 240 scientific articles are

Valley of the Quetzals

2010-02-20T16:32:00.007-06:00

Perhaps one of the most famous residents of the Central America highlands is the Resplendent Quetzal, it’s certainly at least the most well-known among the bird watching community. The species is a member of the Trogon family; and although this group of birds is particularly colorful, the quetzal stands alone. With a long and extravagant tail about three times the length of its body and

Living on the Edge: Insect Repellent

2010-02-17T10:02:00.007-06:00

Most everyone knows habitat loss is one of the major reasons we are losing biodiversity across the globe. Many species have particular habitat requirements, like the gopher frog, which breed in seasonal wetlands within longleaf pine forests, or red-cockaded woodpeckers, which nest in forests containing mature pine trees. When these habitats are gone, the animals can’t persist. That much is

The winter cometh

2010-02-13T19:59:00.003-06:00

Our bus chugged mightily as it hauled us and our luggage and gear higher and higher through the winding roads of the Costa Rican mountains. By about 5:00 pm, we gone as far as the bus could take us and we pulled off at a dirt road leading into the depths of a mountainous valley. A small wooden cantina by the side of the road was our gateway to the winding road.Most of the class began what was

An All Too Brief Stay in Cabo Blanco

2010-02-12T20:07:00.007-06:00

It was a bittersweet departure from Palo Verde National Park. There was an incredible diversity and abundance of wildlife species, including large mammals known only from tropical regions, huge congregations of waterbirds in the vast marsh adjacent to our lodging, and it was our only home in Costa Rica up to that point. However, it was hot, it was dry, and sometimes it felt as though the dirt

The Land Iguanas that Time Forgot

2010-02-04T10:52:00.005-06:00

Spiny-tailed Iguanas are a common sight around the Palo Verde Research Station. They are one of the few animals you can reliably find in the heat of the mid-day sun. These are big animals, reminiscent of dinosaurs as they haul their three-four foot long bodies across the grounds.Males must live a stressful life, their entire day is spent proving their worth to females while simultaneously

Monkeys of Palo Verde

2010-02-04T09:53:00.005-06:00

As far as I can tell, there are three species of monkeys to be found within Palo Verde National Park. White-faced capuchins are encountered regularly within the forests surrounding the research station. You might hear them before you see them, chirping as they work their way through the trees. These monkeys typically are found in groups, although I've seen some monkeys traveling in pairs.Black

Palo Verde National Park

2010-02-03T22:08:00.004-06:00

For about the last ten days, I’ve been staying at Palo Verde National Park in Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica, one of the country’s 26 national parks. This is the first stop on our voyage (a Tropical Biology course offered through the Organization for Tropical Studies) through the country, and we stay here longer than any other site, save one. But our time here is nearly up. When most people

This ain't like the swimmin' hole back home

2010-01-31T20:20:00.004-06:00

We were given some free time this afternoon to explore the area, with the hope we’d use the break in our schedule of presentations and paper writing to think about the independent research projects we’d be starting tomorrow. I thought this was a good opportunity to not ponder my project but to hike to the nearby Rio Tempisque. Although the marsh adjacent to the research station was chockfull of

Act like you've been here before...

2010-01-30T13:19:00.009-06:00

Nine years ago, almost immediately after arrival at a biological field station in northeastern Costa Rica, I noticed a small and colorful frog hopping across the path before me. My mouth dropped as I realized the black frog lined with neon green was a poison-dart frog (specifically Dendrobates auratus). Growing up in the temperate United States, poison dart frogs could almost be considered

Return to Costa Rica

2010-01-29T21:25:00.004-06:00

As my rain-delayed plane repeatedly circled around Charlotte, North Carolina, I cast increasingly frequent glances at my watch. The scheduled departure time for my connecting flight to Costa Rica was approaching rapidly. It had been nine years since I was last in the country, nearly a decade. It’s unfortunate how steadfast attitudes to make plans for imminent returns dissolve over time. An

Watch Out for Falling Iguanas

2010-01-11T19:03:00.004-06:00

The southeastern United States has been hit with a cold front the likes of which it hasn’t seen in a long time. As I try to stay warm inside, my thoughts drift to the wild animals that depend on the temperature outside to regulate their internal temperature, the reptiles. In this area, and Florida in particular, it may get below freezing periodically but it doesn’t often stay this cold for

Mommy Dearest

2010-01-08T11:29:00.007-06:00

It was a dark summer night, I was up to my knees in a southwestern Georgia pond, and I just saw the scariest thing I could imagine. I was there trying to figure out how much effort was needed to catch a large sample of water snakes for a future study and my eyes were focused on keying into their serpentine shapes along the shoreline. But when I caught sight of a large mound of sticks and dirt

This Is Why You Should Never Kill A Blacksnake!

2009-12-31T23:20:00.007-06:00

It ain’t easy being a snake. If people don’t run away screaming at the sight of you there’s a good chance it’s only because you’re about to be killed with a shovel. For serpents, your average citizen of the southeastern United States is very hard to please. But in the eyes of many, some species at least do have one redeeming quality, that being they eat other snakes. The lives of many

Gatorzilla

2009-12-13T12:07:00.017-06:00

Here we'll examine commonly e-mailed pictures and text about giant alligators. Similar to my giant dead rattlesnake post, I'll add to this blog as more pictures are brought to my attention. Many of these e-mails have been going around for years. Have you recently received one that's not addressed below? Please send them to me, my contact information is on the right. ****** 1) "This picture

Come to the Light

2009-12-11T17:45:00.005-06:00

In many circles, the knock on men is they aren't romantic enough. Sure, they may come up with a good idea here and there, but it’s just not their specialty. Wives and girlfriends, often content just to know their guy is trying, will fawn over the slightest effort. But sometimes we’ve just got to hand it to some dudes. A couple months ago, one man took his girlfriend on a vacation to the

Gimme Shelter...

2009-12-10T15:08:00.010-06:00

Today I received an e-mail from Georgia about dead rattlesnakes; the e-mail indicated it may have originated from the state. The text reads, "My buddy and I went to the farm today for a little deer hunting, which was a washout. Since we had some time to kill we decided to check out the farmhouse, barns and finally... the storm shelter. No one had been down there in about 15 years so I figured it

Dinner in Cloud Break, Arizona

2009-11-23T15:11:00.012-06:00

Today I received an e-mail describing a tale of mortal combat between a lizard and snake in Cloud Break, Arizona. The text of the e-mail reads, "These pics were taken by one of the road crew at Cloud break, Arizona last week. It took a total of 5 hours for the King Snake to finish off the Goanna. (Sand Monitor) As you can see, they put some signage up so it couldn't be run over." What really

Give Me a Home Where the Blue Gopher Snakes Roam

2009-11-13T09:53:00.011-06:00

It was Monday morning and Tropical Storm Ida was welcoming us to the new week. As the early chills of fall enveloped us, dark clouds gathered in the distance, ominously blocking out the sun. Perhaps seeing the look of concern on my face, Dirk Stevenson consoled me, “No worries, the indigos won’t mind.” Dirk is the Director for Inventory and Monitoring for Project Orianne, a large non-profit

A 55 foot boa in China?

2009-11-12T18:10:00.012-06:00

Check out what is now being claimed as a 55 foot boa from China. It should be noted that Chinese officials are claiming this photo is clearly a hoax, as boas are not native to Asia. Well, they're right...kind of. It's true that boas do not typically occur in Asia, they are limited to North and South America (with some exceptions), while pythons are found in Africa, Asia, and Australia. But

Are Bites from Baby Venomous Snakes More Dangerous Than Those From Adults?

2009-10-14T14:10:00.009-05:00

The short answer: No. Full Column: For all the fear and hatred they evoke, snakes inspire fascination like no other group of animals. Those that kill snakes on sight will eagerly take every opportunity to share stories of their encounters with serpents. Animal lovers will hold court with tales of large snakes they have seen and those they hope to find. And perhaps most interestingly,

Gopher Tortoises of Alabama

2009-10-04T20:43:00.007-05:00

Having recently returned from this year's annual meeting of The Gopher Tortoise Council, I'm inspired to reprint a brief article about gopher tortoises I wrote for the Alabama Coastal Foundation's newsletter. Laura Wewerka of the GTC and Wally Smith of Alabama PARC and Alabama's second-most distinguished university provided input: Gopher tortoises, Gopherus polyphemus, are perhaps one of the

You are what you eat

2009-09-27T20:07:00.006-05:00

What does an animal eat? It’s perhaps the most basic question a biologist can ask. Knowing what a species consumes is critical to understanding to how relates to its habitat and the ecosystem. Sometimes, these secrets are readily revealed. Many snakes, when disturbed, will be all too happy to divulge their last meal by presenting you with a fresh regurgitation of partially-digested creature.

Big Snake in Newark, Delaware

2009-09-24T09:17:00.013-05:00

Each morning I get sent recent articles pertaining to snakes, turtles, and similar creatures in the news. Some reflect just how detached we've become from the flora and fauna that surround us. Although this blog generally pertains to southeastern wildlife, I can't resist commenting on an article I received about a giant snake on the loose in Newark, Delaware. On Friday afternoon, a couple kids

Dead Coosa County Timber Rattlesnakes

2009-09-21T18:40:00.009-05:00

In the last week or so, a few colleagues and readers have brought to my attention a recently circulating e-mail that purports to tell the story of a number of Timber Rattlesnakes found under and around a hunting club cabin in Coosa County, Alabama. All the snakes were killed, including three adults and over thirty juveniles. It's been a big snake year for Coosa County, already a coral snake has

Heavy Rain + Amorous Amphibians = Toad Explosion

2009-08-24T13:53:00.009-05:00

Tropical Storm Claudette had barely cleared the Florida panhandle when I was back in the woods to check my amphibian and reptile traps, scattered throughout the forest. Some of my buckets, designed to entrap small animals that fall within them, had filled with water due to the recent torrential rain and I set upon them to begin the laborious task of bailing them out. In the distance, I heard a

The Cost of Poise and Dignity

2009-08-11T11:43:00.008-05:00

“She never wounds 'till she has generously given notice, even to her enemy, and cautioned him against the danger of treading on her.” Benjamin Franklin Driving along the rural northwestern Florida road I travel nearly every day, I suddenly caught sight of a familiar serpentine form sprawled out along the dirt shoulder. As I brought my foot down upon the brakes to bring the truck to a stop, I

The Road Less Traveled

2009-08-10T09:12:00.010-05:00

As I slowly coasted the truck to a stop, I rolled down the window and gazed in amazement at what lay before me. Sprawled out on the pavement, encircled by alternating red, yellow, and black bands, was a dead coral snake; the first I had found despite sharing their habitat for five years. This highly venomous snake is as secretive as it is deadly, living nearly their entire lives underground.

Watch Your Fingers

2009-08-05T15:47:00.007-05:00

Upon revealing to others that I research the biology and conservation of snakes, turtles, and similar animals, I can typically expect one of two reactions. The first of which is disgust and amazement that money could be allotted to such pursuits. Nice to meet you too. The second reaction, which is considerably more welcome, tends to be an expression of interest in and enthusiasm about

Get Out Of My Face

2009-08-03T09:04:00.003-05:00

Everyone knows what it feels like when their personal space gets invaded. When somebody gets too close to me, it makes me so uncomfortable that I’m almost compelled to step back and gain some distance from the other person. Just a precious few steps make a huge difference. Being from New York, perhaps I’m particularly sensitive. The amount of space a person needs is influenced largely by

Return of the Giant Killed Rattlesnake

2009-07-21T22:12:00.118-05:00

If you are here because you received an e-mail about a giant dead rattlesnake, you have come to the right place. I probably discuss the picture you have received below. If not, send it to me. My original column regarding commonly circulated rattlesnake pictures is below the addendums, which I add as I am made aware of additional photographs. Want to see rattlesnakes in their natural habitat

Mud Boggin'

2009-07-13T16:47:00.010-05:00

As I finished my fried flounder sandwich and sat around the restaurant table with Kelly Jones and Brandon Rincon, two Virginia Tech researchers and avid herpers, we debated how many amphibian and reptile species we would find that night. Our plan was to wait until dark, pay our tab and disembark to explore some of the most secluded and overgrown swamps and bogs in the Florida panhandle, an area

The Sincerest Form of Flattery

2009-06-30T19:17:00.005-05:00

There are small regions scattered across the east coast of the United States where, at the right time of year, in the right patch of habitat, you may have a chance to find perhaps the most beautiful amphibian in North America, the Pine Barrens tree frog, Hyla andersonii. Pine Barrens Tree Frogs are a small (less than 2 inches long), bright green frog with a lavender bordered light-brown patch

Needles in Haystacks

2009-06-23T17:42:00.019-05:00

They're out there.No matter how many shady retreats you cautiously pace around,and hear nothing.No matter how many stumphole tunnels you peer inside,but see nothing.No matter how many tasty morsels you stumble across,unnoticed.Or animal burrows you find,vacant.No matter how many fallen trees you crawl underneath and struggle to see inside,to no avail.Or ambush sites you find, empty.Keep looking.

Coming Soon to Your Town-A Giant Dead Snake

2009-06-03T21:43:00.007-05:00

Note: This is my original column on exaggerated snake photos. If you want to read the comprehensive discussion including all photographs of which I am aware, click here. Perhaps you’ve seen this picture before. I sure have. Every once in a while it will make the rounds through people’s inboxes. Knowing of my interest in maligned creatures, many are eager to know my thoughts on the giant

Size Doesn't Matter

2009-05-11T18:22:00.003-05:00

As the end of the semester is right around the corner, most students likely spent their Friday night tying one on at the bar. I on the other hand, was more concerned with tying my shoes on, tightly, so they wouldn’t get sucked off my feet as walked through the muck on the bottom of a farm pond.We were back in Henry County, Alabama, for another attempt to gather some greater sirens for a study

Auburn University, A River Runs Through It

2009-05-02T14:18:00.007-05:00

Ten pound turtles, serpent-eating kingsnakes, three-feet long fish, and many other animals roam through the heart of Auburn University, and most people have no idea they’re even there. Inconspicuous and unassuming, Parkerson Mill Creek meanders through Auburn, providing habitat for numerous plant and animal species that are often more likely to be seen residing within natural marshes and

Turtles....On the Road Again

2009-04-29T09:37:00.009-05:00

I originally wrote this column last spring but plan on revisiting it annually this time of year.***It’s spring now and the amphibians and reptiles have awakened from their winter inactivity and are seeking out food to eat and sunny basking spots to warm themselves. Last night I came home to find a Fowler’s toad sitting by my front door, he was waiting for an opportunity to eat one of the hapless

Senioritis

2009-04-24T22:25:00.004-05:00

During the final semester of their undergraduate career, students are often afflicted with what is known as senioritis. Symptoms include a general apathy towards their classes, perhaps they are distracted by how their life will soon change or wonder if studying for an exam will do much other than reduce the amount of time available for more pleasant pastimes. I recently realized that the end of

A Case of Mistaken Identity Part I

2009-04-21T13:37:00.005-05:00

A few years ago I was up to my waist in muddy water, helping lead a class of undergraduate students through the murky depths of Chickasawhatchee Swamp to expose them to some of the unique ecosystems of southwest Georgia. It wasn’t long before a student straggling behind the group excitedly shouted that he had found a cottonmouth. Excited and with adrenaline pumping, I trudged through the water

Alabama Passes Gas...Law

2009-04-15T13:59:00.002-05:00

If you’ve ever spent time walking through the open pine forests along the coast from South Carolina to Louisiana, you’ve probably noticed the distinctive burrows of gopher tortoises. Tortoises typically dig burrows that are best described as a half circle, rounded on top and flat on the bottom, not unlike the shape of the tortoise itself. Once you recognize this telltale shape, they will be

BioBlitz Spring 2009

2009-04-13T21:32:00.010-05:00

There may be little on Earth that I enjoy more than sharing a campfire with friends and retiring to my tent once all the stories have been told and the beer supply depleted, leaving the rain cover off so that I fall asleep only after tiring of watching the stars. On the other hand, there are few things more miserable than having it rain on my face the next morning. The fond memories of the

No Good Deed...

2009-04-10T15:20:00.004-05:00

Alligator snapping turtles are among the rarest animals in the southeast. Many eggs and hatchlings are eaten by predators before they become breeding adults, but once they do reach maturity, they live long lives. These factors combine to make turtle populations vulnerable to declines when adult turtles are removed. If young turtles disappeared, it wouldn’t influence the population much because

BioBlitz Spring 2008

2009-04-07T19:03:00.023-05:00

The following column was written in April of 2008 and relates last year's spring Bioblitz. The 2009 Bioblitz occurred over the past two weeks and I will relate it to you this month. A few weeks ago I spent my weekend sleeping outside in 40 degree weather near the Fall Line Sandhills Natural Area in western Georgia. When I awoke, although I loathed the prospect of emerging from my not quite