NEWSLETTER OF THE

MINNESOTA

HERPETOLOGICAL

SOCIETY

DECEMBER 1995 VOLUME XV NUMBER 12 BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH STREET SOUTH EAST MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55455-0104

Do you ever have a question about one of your herps and wonder who might be able to provide an answer? Most people who keep pets of any kind have been is this situation at one time or another. A group of MHS members has volunteered to provide assistance. Listed below are the people and their specialties. Please be reasonable about the time of day and how frequently you call.

Large pythons and constrictors Terrestrial turtles and tortoises Glen (Jake) Jacobsen 757-8268 John Moriarty 647-1334 Karl Hermann 730-6265 Ann Porwoll 489-7853

Other Snakes Glen (Jake) Jacobsen 757-8268

John Meltzer 263-7880 Aquatic Turtles John or Connie Levell 374-5422 Gary Ash 753-0218 Jeff LeClere 488-6388 John Levell 374-5422

Amphibians Minnesota Herps John Meltzer 263-7880 John Moriary 647-1334 Greg Kvanbek 533-7723 Greg Kvanbek 533-7723

Jeff LeClere 488-6388 Lizards

434-8684 Crocodilians Nancy Haig Bill Moss 488-1383 Jeff Lang (701) 772-0227

Education Contact Adoption Contact Sean Hewitt 935-5845 Glen (Jake) Jacobsen 757-8268

The purpose of the Minnesota Herpetological Society is: to further the education of the membership and the general public in care and captive propagation of reptiles and amphibians; to educate the membership and the general public in the ecological role of reptiles and amphibians; and to promote the study and conservation of reptiles and amphibians.

MHS VOICE MAIL PHONE NUMBER: 624 - 7065

MRS BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY RECORDING SECRETARY TREASURER NEWSLETTER EDITOR MEMBER-AT-LARGE MEMBER-AT-LARGE MEMBER-AT-LARGE MEMBER-AT-LARGE MEMBER-AT-LARGE

Bill Moss Greg Kvanbek

. George Richard Randy Blasus Marilyn Brooks John Levell Gary Ash Dan Bergquist Barbara Radanke James Rea Siri Rea

SNAKEBITE EMERGENCY

HENNEPIN REGIONAL POISON CENTER

MINNESOTA POISON CONTROL SYSTEM LOCAL OUT OF STATE

(612) 347-3141

(612) 221-2113 (800) 222-1222

(612) 488-1383 (612) 533-7723 (612) 623-7620 (612) 925-4237 (612) 925-4237 (612) 374-5422 (612) 753-0218 (612) 624-7065 (612) 291-1132 (612) 457-8107 (612) 457-4636

Copyright Minnesota Herpetological Society. The contents of this newsletter may be reproduced for inclusion in the newsletters of other herpetological societies provided that the material is reproduced \vithout change and proper credits are given to the MHS Newsletter. citing, volume, number. and date.

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Newsletter Volume XV Number 12 December 1995

CONTENTS

Editorial............................................................................................ 1 News, Notes, and Announcements.......................................................... 2 Calendar of Events.............................................................................. 4 Meeting Review by Randy Blasus.......................................................... 5 Ecoviews Why Did the Turtle Cross the Road by Whit Gibbons.................. 6 The First Herpetological Society in Minnesota by Tony Gamble.................. 7 Guidelines for Venomous Herps by Brint Spencer...................................... 8 Notes from the Hinterlands: Dirty Dceds Done Dirge Cheap by Todd Daniels.. 10 Classified Advertisements..................................................................... 12

Hop ... Hop ... Hoppy Holidays And Away We Go!

Once again we've reached that very special season of the year when tree tops glisten and children listen, at least somebody's children anyway. Who cares if the wind is howling outside, so what if our Chevy Suburbans are buried under mountains of snow, now is the time when we have eggnog (yuk!) and fruitcake (even worse than yuk!), and mistletoe and parties, and ... and, well you know, parties. All the parties are a good thing too, as it is sad but true, that those of us in the "Great White North" still won't be encountering any amphibians and reptiles in the wild for a couple of long, cold months yet, at least not without traveling a 1,000 miles or more southward anyway.

Fortunately, it is also the season when family and friends can reminisce about good times past and plan for adventures in the future. As we see out the old and ring in the new, we also bring to a close yet another volume, the 15th, of the MHS Newsletter. In doing so, the efforts of everyone who contributed to the success of volume 15 deserve to be acknowledged. Ultimately, the success of any publication is determined by the material it contains, and the effort and quality of work exhibited by this past year's authors has been tremendous. Likewise, all the hard work of our previous editor; Michelle Stillinger, undoubtedly laid the foundation on which all of volume 15 was built. Finally, while his name seldom appears in the pages of this newsletter, the invaluable contributions of MHS member Eric Thiss is worthy of special mention. His generous donation of the use of computer equipment was instrumental in the completion of the vast majority of 1995's newsletter issues and he deserves the gratitude of not only this editor, but that of the rest of the members of the MHS as well. To each and everyone of these individuals, Thanks! Until next year, "Nuff Said". JPL

Next Newsletter Deadline: January 5, 1996

Send all submissions to: MHS Editor

Bell Museum of Natural History 10 Church SI. SE

Minneapolis, MN 55455·0104

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MRS Newsletter Volume XV Number 12

News, Notes, & Announcements

Upcoming Meeting Highlights

10,000 Years and 50 Miles; A Minnesota Odyssey

Guest Speaker: John Tester

For our January meeting we have something a little different; the program will be about a lot more than just amphibians and reptiles. Not that there's anything wrong with having herpetological topics, but WOUldn't it be nice to learn about Minnesota's natural heritage?

Actually, Minnesota's Natural Heritage: An Ecological Perspective is the title of a book that was written by our speaker for January; John Tester. The book is hot off the press (as they say) and is now available in bookstores. there may even be a few copies available for sale at the meeting. John's presentation won't simply be a narrative of his book, however. While much of the information will overlap, the primary thrust of the program will be an examination of the changes (biological, geological, and climatic) which have taken place in a fifty mile strip of land over a period of ten thousand ·years.

John Tester is a Professor in the Department of Ecology, Evolution and Behavior at the University of Minnesota. He has also been on the staff of the Ben Museum and was a Biologist with the MNDNR prior to that. John is a native Minnesotan, and has been interested in amphibians, reptiles, and other wildlife since his childhood. Many of us herpers probably know him best for his studies of the Canadian Toad, Bufo hemiophrys, in northwestern Minnesota. John is currently involved in a couple of other herp related projects, including a frog and toad population study at Itasca State Park. Next spring, he will also be working on a wetland study that will involve trapping and examining amphibian larvae.

I think that the nice thing about presentations like January's program is that it gives us a chance to learn more about not just the herps themselves, but about the world from which they come as well. I believe that after John's presentation, we'll all walk away with maybe just a little better appreciation for the herps and their world. Hope to see you there. Greg K vanbeck.

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

In addition to providing the MHS with a great program, November's guest speaker; Brent Peugnet, has also graciously donated his $100 honorary speaker's fec back to the society. As a nonprofit, membership supported organization, the MHS always has a need to conserve it's fmancial resources so Brent's unexpected and generous contribution is really most sincerely appreciated, especially conSidering that he traveled all the way from Arizona just to present his program. Thanks Brent! JPL

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January Meeting

Location: Borlaug Han, U of M St. Paul Campus Time: January 5, 1996 - 7:00 p.m.

General meetings of the MHS are usually held at Borlaug Hall on the St. Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota (see map below). In addition to the scheduled speaker, monthly meetings also feature Critter of the Month, so remember to bring your animals and, if possible, a container to display them in. Other regular meeting activities include; Adoptions and the MHS Library.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA- ST, PAUL CMlPUS

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Grants for Conservation Biology Research in Minnesota

The Minnesota Natural Heritage and Nongame Research Program is soliciting proposals for projects to be conducted during the 1996 andlor 1997 field seasons (or longer). Proposals should be for work contributing to the conservation and management of nongame wildlife (vertebrate or invertebrate), native plants, and plant communities in Minnesota. High priority will be given to projects focusing on specific topic areas, and on state endangered, threatened, or special concern species and rare natural communities. Awards average $3000 per year, but requests up to $10,000 per year will be considered. The deadline for submitting proposals is January 19, 1996. Decisions will be announced no later than March 1, 1996. For program guidelines, proposal format, list of priority topic areas, E&T species list, and other information, please contact: Richard J. Baker, Natural Heritage and Nongame Research Program, Minnesota Department of Natural resources, Box 7, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4007; phone: 612 297-3764; fax: 612 297-4961; e-mail: richard.baker@dnr.state.mn.us.This program is supported by contributions to the Minnesota Nongame Wildlife Tax Checkoff, Minnesota State Parks Nature Store Sales, and the Minnesota Chapter of the Nature Conservancy.

December "Critter of the Month"

Tim Mitchell

Jeff leClere

Matt Sacchet

Josh Obermeyer

MJ. & H. Hommes

Dan Bergquist

John P. Levell

Uli Sacchet

DavKaufman

Blue-spotted Salamander Ambystoma laterale Carpet Python Morelia spilota Green Treefrog Hyla cinerea Green Anoles Anolis carolinensis Ball Pythons Python regius White-lipped Python Leiopython albertsii Dumeril's Boa AcratUophis dumerili Short-tailed Python Pyt/wn curtus curtus Mexican Black Kingsnake Lampropeltis g. nigritis

To Impress Upon the Mind

When Karen Prescott called me to ask if we would be willing to present a Hands-on for a Cub Scout pack and help them earn a merit badge; I was not only more than willing, I was excited about the prospect as well. Memories of my own experience with Cub Scouts, Webelos and, eventually, Boy Scouts couldn't escape me. I wanted to give something back to an organization that has taught me so much. It was time for scout to become educator, so I said "yes" without forethought, even if I had to do the program by myself. Thank goodness I didn't have to do the presentation alone as one forgets just how rowdy forty 6 to 11 year old boys can be. In actuality, the night went better than expected. We had some of most attentive people you could ask for. The program started out as a lecture, then moved into a question and answer format and finally ended in a Hands-ons (and the adults held up the line). Everyone asked intelligent, and sometimes precognitive, questions. Some people even asked us how they could become a member of the MHS. With this kind of energy going back and forth we unintcntionally extended their meeting. To that, I would like to thank: Michael and Donna Gaunt, Joanie Staub (who unwilling subbed for her ill son, Tim Mitchell) and Karen Prescott for their invesunent of time and their help with this program. Sean P. Hewitt

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MHS Newsletter Volume XV Number 12

1996 MHS Election

Official Notice of Election Date: Friday, March 1, 1996 Place: Rm. 355 Borlaug Hall, U of M, St. Paul Campus Time: 7 p.m. Who: All active members

Currently the MHS needs people to run for any Board position they feel capable of filling. A listing of MHS Board positions with a brief description of their associated duties follows:

President: Chairs monthly meetings, appoints committee chahpersons, and acts as a public spokesman for the Society.

Vice President: Coordinate speakers, introduce programs, assist the President and Chair Board Meetings in absence of the President.

Treasurer: Maintain all MHS Financial Transactions and records, purchase supplies etc.

Recording Secretary: Record the minutes of board meetings and review the monthly speaker, chair election committee.

Membership Secretary: Record new memberships, renewals or address changes, maintain contact with membership as required.

Newsletter Editor: Solicit articles, artwork, edit and assemble monthly newsletters.

Members At Large: Participate in the decision making process, work on special projects, etc.

'Tis the Season

Of all the people who attended the 1994 Holiday Banquet, John Moriarty was probably the happiest one there. This is because he took home the raffle prize, a framed, original drawing of a Wood Turtle done by Siri Rea. The rest of the 88 people assembled also had a good time as well. There was plenty of food, drink and great conversation to go around. Our featured talk and slide show was presented by Cindy Baldago (see Speaker Review) who added to our knowledge of New Guinea. This is the sixth successful year we have beld this fun event at the St. Paul Student Center and I want to thank everyone that attended, especially all those who helped with setting up and cleaning the room. ConSidering the ever tightening restraints that are placed on us by the University their assistance is really greatly appreciated. For those of you who did not come this year, please plan on keeping this date open on your Calendar for next year, as tbis is one of the best times and places to meet the other members of your club and to make new friends in a relaxing social atmosphere.

See you next year, Marilyn Blasus Holiday Banquet Chahperson

MRS Newsletter Volwne XV Number 12

A Thank You to the MHS

We would like to thank all the members of the Minnesota Herpetological Society who participated in the 1995 Eccomunity "Build the World's Longest Lego Snake Event." The two day event was hugely successful, in part to the added attraction of having live snakes for the children and their parents to interact with. The staff of the Lego Imagination Center estimates that there were between 2500-3000 visitors on Thursday, Oct. 19 & Friday, Oct. 20 (Minnesota's MEA Weekend).

A special note of thanks to Sean Hewitt and Michelle Stephan for all their hard work in organizing the MHS portion of the event. Our roving photographer; Sacha Zotovich, raised $200 by taking pictures of visitors and the snakes that the volunteers had brought to the event. The Lego Imagination Center would like to donate the money raised to the MHS as a "Special Thanks." Lego and theMHS really did make a GreatTeam for this year's Eccomunity Event at Mall of America!

Cara Helinske, Patty Diamond and Brenda Mattila - The Lego Imagination Center.

Editor's Note: Thanks Lego! And way to go MHS. Let's do it again in 1996. JPL

December Raffle Donors

Donna Gaunt Glen Jacobsen R. & M. Blasus Kathy Boron

Plate & Water Bowl "Saxy" Turtle Rubber Snake & Food Reptile Magazines.

Revenue generated by raffle ticket sales help finance a variety of society functions, including the MHS Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Fund. Congratulations to all the winners, and thanks to everyone who donated items and/or purchased raffle tickets.

SPECIAL NOTICE:

Several "orphaned" Green Iguanas are as yet unadapted and in need of good homes. These animals are of various sizes, disposition, and physical condition, and may be adopted by any MHS member including those from out of state. Shipping charges may apply. If you are willing and able to provide care for a homeless Iguana or Iguanas please contact Glen Jacobsen at (612) 757-8268.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Jan. 5, 1996 MHS General Meeting - Speaker: JOHN TESTER. Borlaug Hall (see map page 1), U of M, St. Paul Campus. 7:00 pm.

Jan, 27, 1996 MHS "Hands-On". Capitol Hill Magnet School (for Gifted and Talented Children). For more info Contact: Sean Hewitt (612) 935-5845.

Feb. 2, 1996 MHS ANNUAL WHITE SNAKE SALE. Borlaug Hall (see map page I), U of M, St. Paul Campus. 7:00 pm.

Mar. 1, 1996 MHS Annual Election Meeting. Borlaug Hall (see map page I), U of M, St. Paul Campus. 7pm. Apr. 12-14, 1996 Amphibians and Reptiles of Indiana: A Symposium in Honor Of Dr. Sherman A. Minton, Jf.

Indianapolis, IN. For more info Contact: Harriet A. Rodenberg, University Place Conference Center and Hotel, 850 Michigan St.. Indianapolis, IN 46202-5198 (317) 274-5053.

Apr. 13, 1996 Annual All Florida Herpetological Conference. GaineSVille. FL. Rietz Union, University Campus, University of Florida. For more info Contact: Dr. David Auth (904) 392-1721.

July 13-14, 1996 International Rcptile Breeder's Convention. San Diego Concourse Plaza Hall, San Diego, CA. For more info Contact: Ray Busby (800) 497-3550.

Aug. 17-18, 1995 National Reptile Breeder's Expo. Radisson Twin Towers Hotel & Convention Center, Orlando, FL. For more info Contact: Wayne Hill, P.O. Box 3277, Winter Haven, FI 33885 (813) 294-2235.

Sept, 14-15.1996 Mid-Atlantic Reptile Show. Maryland State Fairgrounds, Baltimorc, MD. For more info Contact: Tim Hoen, Maryland Herp. Soc., 2643 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218-4590 (410) 235-6116.

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MRS Newsletter Volume XV Number 12

General Meeting Review By Randy BIasus Recording Secretary

This month's review will be split into two parts because a husband and wife speaker team each gave a presentation, one at the General Meeting and the other at the Holiday Banquet.

General Meeting

Al Baldago, who had just arrived stateside prior to driving to our Friday meeting, gave us an overview of some of the research that he is currently working on in New Guinea. AI's presentation focused on the Boelen's Python, Morelia boeleni, and came from a perspective that no one else can give. AI has made many friends in several of the local tribes which allows him to move through the region in relative safety. Some of the indigenous tribes are openly hostile wishing no contact from the outside world, and the practice of headhunting is still known amongst the people of New Guinea. Because of these factors, Al is in a truly unique position allowing him to study these animals in their natural habitat unlike anyone else before.

Mter landing on the Island, Al met one of his native friends and began to prepare for his trek. Supplies and presents needed to be purchased in the valley (which is very tourist oriented) before climbing into the higher elevations. Mter a hike of an additional 800 feet above sea level and some distance inland, AI arrived at the village of his friend. His task there was to convince the villagers to lead him to the serpent's home. They told him that no one goes there, as it is too dangerous. Over time, however, he was ultimately to convince them to lead him there.

Al and a couple of his friends left the village of grass huts and ventured even higher into the mountains. They ll)ade camp at the lower end of the python's home range, around 6500 feet. Here, the habitat and insect life proved to be very hostile. The landscape is a mixture between swampy tropical jungle and treacherous limestone rock. Every step has to be investigated as vegetation covers the fissured ground and one wrong step could lead to a drop of hundreds of feet. The vegetation is so incredibly thick that a path needs to be made wberever one goes. When Al would tum to look back, little trace of their passage could be seen. Their destination was basically on the otber side of the mountain range from where the group started. However, they couldn't simply go over the top, so a more circuitous route needed to be made.

When the party arrived at the spot the villagers knew as the home of the Boelen's Python, A!' s camera told the story. Here, not only is the limestone badly eroded, but the land itself is aimost vertical. They descended by sliding down this steep incline until they landed on ledges often less than two feet wide. It is upon these

5

small outcrops that the snakes live, breed and carryon their lives. Boelen's Pythons, which can grow up to ten feet in length, hunt and bear their young on these precipices hanging hundreds of feet above the surrounding jungle. Nests are made in the dense ferns or in small openings in the rock, where they also often hide as well. The food source needs to be investigated further, but appears to include some of the local mammals. There also appears to be some variation in the coloration of the pythons, although no pattern has yet been noticed in the distribution of these color morphs. Besides the habitat, the climate that these serpents endure also makes them unusual. At the elevations where they live (6500 to 8000 feet) daily rains and night temperatures dropping into the 50's (Faluenheit) are common occurrences.

AI's research is just starting, many fecal samples need to be analyzed and notes and slides need to be studied further to unravel the secrets of these beautiful and interesting animals.

The Banquet

Cindy's presentation on the following evening was a more general overview of New Guinea and it's inhabitants. Cindy showed many slides of the native peoples and the rugged land they inhabit. Their life is one of hard labor and risk, but for all that they are happy and lead stress free lives. They are mainly farmers and swine herders living on a land they know intimately.

In contrast to the mountain villagers, the inhabitants of the valley are much more commercially oriented. While still somewhat unskilled, these people make a living off of the tourist trade and some small industry. The towns host market places where the farmers sell their produce. The larger cities are more problematic, though. Here thousands of people live near open sewers and traffic is so slow on the two lane freeways that vendors sell wares from car to car. It is here that AI's other interest in the people and region comes into play. Not only does he wish to help his friends in their mountain homes, but also the animal ranchers in their urban setting. By bringing medicines and teaching the ranchers different techniques, he hopes to give the animals a better chance of surviving and the ranchers a better understanding of the animals.

After Cindy wound up her presentation, Al showed the audience a variety of artifacts that have been given to him as presents by the many friends he has made in this remote region of the world. These artifacts, combined with the two excellent presentations, provided a fascinating glimpse of New Guinea to everyone in attendance. 00000000000000000000000000000000000

MRS Newsletter Volume XV Number 12

ECOVIEWS

WHY DID THE TURTLE CROSS THE ROAD? By Whit Gibbons

In spite of video games and entertainment TV, America's children are better educated about environmental issues and the science of ecology than ever before. We have even reached a point for hope that the next generation will be able to manage the Earth's natural habitats and wildlife in a proper manner.

But today's youth, especially future ecologists, need to be aware of a problem: scientists know far less about the basic ecology of our native plants and animals than the public thinks. Yet having a thorough ecological knowledge of the life around us will be vital for those who inherit the responsibility for the custody and proper care of our natural ecosystems.

In this respect, textbooks and TV nature shows have something in common. Both leave the impression that we know a lot more than we really do about the ecology of animals--the unusual as well as the common. Lest we become smug and complacent about how environmentally sophisticated we are, consider our level of ignorance about some everyday animals. Ecological mysteries are waiting to be solved even for an animal as mundane as a turtle.

Most people have seen a turtle crossing a road at one time or another. The box turtle, the high­domed kind that can completely close its shell, is still common in some regions and is the most often seen. Box turtles live on land, so when we see one on a highway, we can assume it's just walking to the woods across the street. But what about aquatic turtles such as snappers or pond sliders, that cross roads. Where are they going?

A female turtle may be looking for a place to lay her eggs. Otherwise, an aquatic turtle is probably traveling from one body of water to another. In a recent study, Rebecca Yeomans of the University of Georgia detennined that displaced turtles can find water. They do not just wander aimlessly but can walk directly through woods and across fields to the nearest water.

Here's the mystery: No one knows for sure how they do it. Do they smell water or hear frogs calling? Do they perceive it as light reflected from the surface of the water? One thing is certain, a turtle crossing a road knows where it is going. Nonetheless, after decades of biological studies, we remain ignorant about something as ordinary as how the turtle knows.

Why is understanding how a turtle finds its way from one body of water to another important" To fully appreciate the effect of human envirornnental impacts on species, we must understand the

6

capabilities of species under natural conditions. We should encourage the revelation and explanation of any natural phenomenon, whether fascinating or routine. The more we know of an animal's ecology, the more we will appreciate the species.

Another turtle mystery involves the chicken turtle, a species that lives in lakes in the southeastern United States. The chicken turtle has both a physical characteristic and a behavior quite different from other turtles in the same area.

The neck of a chicken turtle is as long as its body--twice as long as that of other turtles the same size. Why do chicken turtles have long necks? You might think that scientists would understand the function of something as obvious as an abnonnally long neck in a common native species. But no one knows for sure why chicken turtles have long necks.

The egg-laying behavior of chicken turtles is another ecological riddle. North American turtles typically lay their eggs in the late spring and summer. Sea turtles come ashore on the beaches on summer nights. Snapping turtles, painted turtles, and slider turtles nonnally lay their eggs from April to August.

Chicken turtles are very different. They lay eggs on wann days in late fall or even winter. This is a true ecological conundrum. Why does only one species of U.S. turtle lay its eggs at the opposite time of the year from the others? Such a natural phenomenon merits explanation if we are to thoroughly understand and be infonned about the world around us.

Today's technology allows us to probe into biological mysteries not even hinted at two decades ago. Yet basic questions about some of our most common animals still go unanswered. TOday's youth, although more ecologically knowledgeable than ever before, should not feel that ecologists have deprived them of opportunities to make discoveries of their own. We still have a lot to learn.

Editor's Note: Dr. J. Whitfield Gibbons is it professor of ecology at the University of Georgia and is the division head at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory in Aiken, South Carolina. Although best known for his books including; Their Blood Runs Cold, and Keeping all the Pieces among others, Whit also writes a weekly syndicated column for the New York Times Regional News. The preceding article is one instal~nellt of that column and has been provided for publication in the MHS Newsletter through the kindness and consideration of Dr. Gibbons. 00000000000000000000000000000000

MRS Newsletter Volume XV Number 12

The First Herpetological Society in Minnesota or

Cave Drawings in Southeast Minnesota By Tony Gamble

A recent trip to a used bookstore yielded an unusual discovery, a thin volume entitled; Guide to the Caves of Miunesota. It was cheap enough so I paid my money, brought it home and began to thumb through it. Towards the back of the book was a picture of ancient Native American cave drawings. Not only was I unaware of Native cave drawings in this part of the country (these were found near Winona, Minnesota) but the primary subject of the drawings was particularly shocking. Snakes!

Only a single paragraph was included describing the illustrations, but that short passage spoke volumes. That paragraph is reprinted here exactly as it appeared in the original publication. Along with that is a copy of the drawings as they appear in the book.

A reproduction of drawings made from pictographs scratched into the soft sandstone walls of the LaMoille Cave is shown on the opposite page. Similar pictographs have beenJound in the Reno Cave, ill other nearby caves, and on the sUlfaces of scattered rock outcrops in southern Minnesota. The

7

pictographs from the LaMoille Cave, reproducedfrom a plate in the volume, 'Aborigines oj Minnesota,' have not been dated so Jar as known. They depict the wild life that existed near the shelters. Especially notable are the sketches oJthe rattle snakes. Shortly after the drawings oj the pictographs were made Jar' the 1911 volume, slabs oJthe poorly cemented sandstone Jell to the cave floor, destroying most oj the pictographs. Archeological diggings in a rock shelter aboUl haifa mile Jrom the LaMoille Cave revealed evidence oj occupancy by early 1ndians oJthe Woodland Culture--Jrom 500 B.C. to 1500 A.D. (Oral communication, Elden Johnson). The LaMoille Cave was destroyed in recent years in the course oj highway construction. .

Literature Cited:

Hogberg, R.K. and Bayer, T.N. 1967. Guide to the Caves of Minnesota. Minnesota Geological Survey. Minneapolis, MN. 59 pp.

MRS Newsletter Volume XV Number 12

Guidelines For Venomous Herps by Brint Spencer

Editor's Note: The following article was first published in the Vol. VII, No.6 issue of the MHS Newsletter (June, 1987). Brint Spencer has a B.A. in biology and is a graduate of the University of Delaware. At the time this article was written he was a Senior Keeper at the Minnesota Zoological Gardens working with both front and rear fanged venomous snakes. Along with Dr. Dan Keyler, Brint developed the venomous snakebite procedure in use at the Zoo. Anyone keeping venomous reptiles is strongly advised to photo copy these pages and post these recommendations in a prominent location of their venomous snake room. Also please be advised that fatalities can and still do occur from venomous snakebites. JPL.

The May, 1987 M.H.S. meeting focused on venomous herps and several members brought a variety of specimens for the "Critter of the Month." The M.H.S. does not recommend that it's members keep venomous herps, but it does recognize that there is a certain fascination for some of these animals. When maintaining an animal in captivity, the keeper has an obligation to provide the proper food and housing for his charges. With venomous (or any dangerous) animals, there is an additional liability to safeguard your neighbors, as well as yourself and the animal. The following is a set of general guidelines for maintaining venomous animals, several of which are common sense and can be applied equally to non-venomous animals as well.

THE WORK AREA:

1.) Maintain a Safe Work Area - Keep debris picked up and put away. You should give yourself plenty of space in which to move around.

2.) Use Locks - All cages containing venomous animals should be locked. The room should also be locked. This prevents anybody - especially children - from wandering into the room.

3.) Label Cages - All cages should be labeled with the type of snake inside. If possible, keep only one snake per cage. If you do have more than one snake in a cage (i.e. breeding), be sure to list the type of snake as well as the number of individuals in the cage.

4.) Proper Cage Placement - Do not keep venomous snakes in high cages. This will reduce the likelihood of a snake sliding down the hook onto your hand. Nor do you want to keep them in cages low enough that you have to kneel or crouch to work with them. This puts you in an awkward position should you have to move quickly.

5.) No Escape Routes - The room should be snake escape proof and without clutter. Shelves, bookcases and overhead pipes are excellent places for snakes to disappear.

6.) Emergency Lights - Emergency lights should serve two (2) functions. First, a light should come on immediately in the event of a power failure. You don't want to be caught in the dark with a venomous snake on a hook. Second, you should have a hand held flashlight (preferably a rechargeable one) available so you can check your snakes if the lights have gone off.

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MHS Newsletter Volume XV Number 12

WORKING WITH VENOMOUS SNAKES:

1.) NO ALCOHOL -First and foremost, snakes and alcohol (or dmgs) do not mix! Most venomous snake bites occur when the person has been dlinking. Your reflexes .and coordination are impaired. The alcohol masks some of the symptoms of a snakebite, making diagnosis and treatment more difficult.

2.) Be Alert - As a corollary, do not work with venomous animals if you are tired, sick or upset. The water pan can wait a day to be changed.

3.) A void Distractions - While the radio may be nice background, do not let it become a distraction. Personal headsets can be dangerous in that they will eliminate ambient sounds (a waming rattle). Television or a conversation can also be a distraction.

4.) Do Not Work Snakes During Severe Weather - Snow storms or thunderstOims can impede needed medical response by slowing down the ambulance or by taking down phone and power lines.

5.) Do Not Work Snakes During Rush Hour - You don't want to try and get to the hospital as thousands of other people are going to work (At the Zoo, our venomous are handled between 8:30 and 3:30).

6.) Do Not Work Alone - Since you can not predict what your reaction to a bite will be (shock, panic, faint) there should be somebody near by to assist if you are bitten.

7.) Open Cages With A Snake Hook - This will keep your a safe distance away.

8.) Be Careful With Your "Other" Hand - A hook in your dominant hand should keep it a safe distance from the snake, but be careful that your "other" hand doesn't stray into striking range. This can be done by giving that hand a hook also, or by putting it into your back pants pocket.

9.) Know The Source Of Antivenin - Be sure to know where the closest antivenin is for any snake you maintain. Remember, antivenin is to be administered by a physician. Do not keep antivenin at home and plan to treat yourself.

10.) Have A Snakebite Procedure - You should have a written plan of what to do if you are bitten. Who is to be called (and the telephone numbers) and how you are going to get to the hospital. Keep a list of emergency phone numbers near your phone.

Keeping venomous animals is an aspect of herpetology that does not, and should not, appeal to most people. It should not be an off the cuff decision based on seeing a pretty snake. There are sedous ramifications to keeping or handling dangerous animals improperly. Keeping venomous snakes does not necessmily imply that a person is a better herper than somebody who does not. It should, however, mean that they are more careful. 0000000000000000000000000000000000000

9

MHS Newsletter Volume XV Number 12

Notes from the Hinterlands (Dodge County in Southeastern MN)

Chapter 3: Dirty Deeds Done Dirge Cheap

Dear Jolm,

Disaster has struck! Just this morning as I was carrying my first cup of coffee to the kitchen table, my dog executed a peifect down field tackle on me by way of greeting. My only coffee mug in the world (my beloved Onnerable Mention, Dirge County Headbutting Contest of 1986 coffee mug, no less!) shattered into a million pieces. Beforefalling back to sleep on the kitchen floor, succumbing to secondary coffee deprivation brought on by acute COFFEE MUG SHORTAGE, I jotted down the following. Gasp! Tell the Board I'm dying here -- only you and they can save me ... Gasp! z-z-zz-zzzzz=zzzZ.

Now that we are held in winter's cold embrace, it's fun -- and necessary, to preserve our sanity -- to look back and re-live herping adventures from last summer and fall. As you no doubt remember, we Minnesotans experienced some horrific heat and humidity this last summer .. Having turned f...fo .. ~for ... well, that birthday which inunediately follows 39, I had to prove to myself that I wasn't ready for the scrap heap. So I chainsawed, split wood, and moved about 106 pounds of gopher mound dirt from point A to point B (whereupon the gopher would move an equal amount of dirt from below point A on up to A, kinda like this Magic Porridge Pot Lauri has told me about, a never ending thing). Each morning before work I'd go for a walk with Maggie, our 1 112 year old Rottweiler, to prefonn the Dirge County version of Shakespeare in the Park, to wit: "To pee or not to pee; that is the question. Whether 'tis better to endure the slings and arrows of outrageously full bladders or stoop to using a bathroom like those wussies in Olmsted County, or whether to face prudently downwind and recycle. Nay, forsooth and gadzooks, 'tis not a difficult choice. Ah­h-h-h-h ... " ... But we're not talking about bodily functions, much as I'd like to. We're talking about discovering a bunch on new gopher mounds every morning all sununer long. So, after work I'd grab a shovel and five gallon pails and move the dirt to a low spot on the property. Next morning, sure enough, there'd be fresh gopher mounds.

Having since learned 1 COUldn't trap a gopher if my life depended on it (or if the gopher's life depended on it, for that matter), 1 was stuck moving a lot of dirt. Fortunately, I had bought Lauri a beat up old golf cart for Chrisunas last year and I found it would hold me,

10

three 5 gallon pails of gopher dirt, and one Rottweiler riding shotgun. Maggie liked to ride so much she stayed on the seat while I did all the grunge work. Our driveway is over 2000 feet long, so that could add up to three or four trips in the 90 degree heat just to move mounds so they wouldn't dull the lawnmower's blades. By then I'd be filthy and drenched with sweat, gasping for air while craving a Merit, and I'd stagger to the golf cart and collapse in the seat. I'd feel a hot tongue slurping my right cheek and tum to look into big, brown eyes set in a furry face. Somehow it reminded me of dating that nursing student from Iowa 20 years ago .....

But what, you may ask, does all this have to do with herping? Well, there are two salient points here. One, this essay is free, and my father never gets tired of pointing out "You Get What You Pay For" (he usually shares this pearl of wisdom when he hear's me humming the Save Big Money at Menard's ditty). Second, Toads. On several occasions during the heat of sununer I discovered a toad or two buried in the fresh, loose, cool gopher mound dirt. I immediately wondered what you, dear reader would wonder: namely, was the toad just sitting there last night when the gopher commenced to fling dirt out of it's hole in the ground? Or did the toad actively seek out a cool, insulating environment in which to spend the heat of the day? (There, Mom, I didn't end that sentence with a preposition). To answer this question, I spent some quality time with my HP calculator and figured out the number and poundage of toads necessary to cover the ground enough for an average of seven point three toads to be found per 100 gopher mounds. I adjusted the calculated toad biomass figure to account for altitude, barometric pressure, amateur herpetologist sampling bias, and the presence of Rottweilers. I concluded, as I'm sure you would, that the toads intentionally sought the gopher mounds out. Otherwise there'd have to be approximately 6.02 gadzillion toads per square hectare here in Dirge County. And I WOUld've noticed that.

Excited that I'd finally had an opportunity to use something I'd learned in college (algebra, calculus and ecology), I rushed outside to tell Lauri, who was serenely weeding a flowerbed. Maggie used her knowledge of math and calculated the speed and vector required to bodily intercept my right thigh in mid­stride and send me sprawling, probably on just the spot on which I'd "recited Shakespeare in the Park" an

hour before. I picked myself up, wiped the fresh blood off my calculation shee~ and limped over to see Lauri. I sat there making Lauri listen to a blow-by­blow account of the toad biomass calculation while Maggie contentedly licked the blood oozing from my wrecked 40-year-old body. Soon Lauri's eyes glazed over. If I could have read her mind would I have heard: Why didn't I marry that nice. intelligent and normal Olmsted County boy 15 years ago when I had the chance??? Who knows? But I can't read minds, so I crawled back to the house on my hands and knees, figuring Maggie had some sense of fair play (which, it turns ou~ she didn't). I cracked a can of Old Mill Lite, sobbed reflectively, and went about the business of replenishing my vascular volume.

Well that's enough (and perhaps too much) from Dirge County. Todd Daniels.

Editor's Note:

Dear Todd,

Ok, ok, I'll make sure you get that most coveted of al/ herpetological anijacts; your very own genuine MHS coffee mug, even ij I have to smuggle it past the Board in the bel/y of the next African Rock Python that comes up for adoption. You have to swear on the "Sacred Skink of the Blue Tongue" that you'll keep us up-to-date on all the excitemelll down yonder in tropical Dirge COWl/y, though Such a deal, hey?

As I know how much you like to keep busy, 1 thought you might be interested in obtaining some prairie dogs. These dirt flinging dynamos are the latest and greatest of all mammalian pets, and I'd be willing to part with my entire breeding colony for a very reasonable price. Let me know what you think? By the way, one of our resident professional herpetologists reviewed your data and he concedes that your conclusiolls regarding the toads may be plausible. He feels that the question merits further investigation, however, and has submitted a $5000 grant proposal to the MN DNR to slUdy toad popularion densities in Dodge County. Maybe he'll even learn how to write and publish his findings in this newsletter. One can only Iwpe.

Anyway, I'd better stop now. As always. give my regards to Lauri and, of course, Maggie the dog. Maybe my 60+ year old parrot; Michael, and Maggie can get together sometime ne>.1 year as he's a Shakespeare buff too and his "one bird" rendition of Macbethjust has to be seen to be believed. "Out. out damned nut I say; shall I never free thee from thy shell", .. 011 well, you 'all stay in tollch now, YOll

hear. Congrats on the mug. JPL.

11

MHS Newsletter Volume XV Number 12

~~ Bloomington Veterinary ~ Hospital, P.A.

8830 Lyndale Avenue South. Bloomington, MN 55420

TEL: 884-3228 • FAX: 884-7357 I.A. Sweeney DVM W.H. Sweeney DVM

Hospital Hours M-T-W-T 8:00 AM TO 9:00 PM FRIDAY 8:00 AM TO 6:00 PM SATURDAY 8:00 AM TO 1:00 PM

Please Ask NJI' DI'. Weber

English Spot Dutch

Jim's Rabbit Shack Where Spots Are Tops

Polish

JtM DALUGE 8700 Jaber Ave. N.E. Monticetlo. MN 55362

(612) 295·2818

• Reptiles· Amphibians -Invertebrates. Small Mammals. Fish. Birds Complete Line of Cages. Food, Books & Supplies for ALL Animals

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2363 University Ave. W .• SI. Paul. MN 55114 (612) 647-4479

REPTILES AMPHIBIANS

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CAGES SUPPLIES

COLD PETS ,FOR COOL PEOPLE

12601 Chowen Ave. So Burnsville, MN

--1612) 894·2305

MHS Newsletter Volume XV Number 12

Classified Ads

1.0.0 = male, 0.1.0 = female, 0.0.1 = unsexed c.b. = captive bred, o.b.o. = or best offer

For Sale

2.3 Spotted Pythons, Amaresia maculosa, C.B. 7/95 $95 - $125 ea. 2.2 Bay of LA Rosy Boas, LicluJt1ura t. saslowi, CB 9/95, excellent feeders $95 - $125 ea. 1.1 Mexican Rosy Boas, Lichallura t. trivirgata, CB 9/95 $75 ea. 5.4 Kenyan Sand Boas, Eryx c. loveridgi, CB 9/95, from bright orange parents, $50 - $75 ea. Will also trade for Aesculapian Rat Snakes, Elaphe /ongissima, or Pueblan Milks, Lampropeltis t. campbelli. Uli Sacchet (612) 937-5838.

Adult Breeding Pairs: Red Albino Corns, White Oak Rat Snakes, Mexican Black Kings, Okatee Corns. Also CB babies: Corns and Desert Kings. Call Connie or John for more info. (612) 374-5422.

Mice and Rats. Call Little Critters (612) 421-0097

Rabbits - Fryer size, current listed market price. Discounts for orders of 6 or more. Rat size $1.50 ea. or 6 for $7.s0. Adults $2 ea when available. All sizes currently available. CallJim Daluge (612) 295-2818.

Wanted

ALL THE SHED SNAKE SKINS IN THE WORLD, Always, to use at hands-on programs to give to kids. Bob Duerr (612) 541-0362.

Wanted: Any Day Geckos (Plzelsuma). Call Dean R. Montour (612) 257-2462.

Herp related news clippings, original articles, artwork, cartoons, etc. for publication in the MHS Newsletter. Authors and artists will receive compensation in the form of volunteer hrs, good towards one "priceless" MHS coffee mug. Send submissions to: MN Herp. Soc.! Editor, c/o Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104.

My female Rough-scaled Sand Boa is ready to breed this year. Looking for a male as a breeding loan. Call Chase; (612) 374-5422.

Lost And Found

A package containing magazineslbooks was left behind at the Holiday Banquet. The package was on top of the coat rack. Any help in the recovery of these items would be greatly appreciated. Anyone who recalls seeing or knows the whereabouts of this package should contact: Marilyn Blasus at the meeting or call: (612) 925-4237

12

Miscellaneous

BREEDING INVENTORY SURVEY: Everyone keeping live reptiles and amphibians is asked to contribute to this annual report. Please submit the following info current Jan. 1st of each year: (l) Inventory of collection, list numbers and sex, (2) list of all species bred during the previous year, (3) any longevity records, (4) please print clearly; your name, address and telephone number as you want them listed, (5) please do respond. Send info to: Frank Slavens, P.O. Box 30744, Seattle, WA 98103. Fax: (206) 546-2912.

SEA TURTLE SURVIVAL LEAGUE, announces its' line of eeo-promoting sea turtle merchandise, for a free catalog write: Sea Turtle Survival League, P.O. Box 2866, Gainesville, FL 32602-2866 or call (800) 678-7853.

Will find or provide "homes" for any and all unwanted venomous snakes and crocodilians. For more info contact: The Exotic Dead Corner (612) 545-5127.

GREAT V ALLEY SERPENT ARIUM, a private museum and breeding facility offering a wide selection of c.b. colubrids, boids and lizards. Open to the public. Write or fax for free price-list. Great Valley Serpentarium, 2379 Maggio Circle, Unit C Ladi, CA 95240, (209) 369-7737, Fax (209) 369-7737.

TIMBER RATTLESNAKE LIMITED EDITION PRINT

By Dan Keyler This original pen & ink drawing is limited to an edition of 141 signed and numbered prints. Prints cost $15.00 each and can be personalized upon request. Anyone interested in purchasing a pnnt should contact the artist at MHS meetings or by calling (612) 374-8760 (w) or (612) 933-2055. Proceeds will be used to further Timber Rattlesnake research in Minnesota. Order soon -they won't last long.

CLASSIFIED AD INSTRUCTIONS: Ads are run as a free service to paid members. MHS takes NO responsibility for legality or health of animal advertised here. Ads may be run for three consecutive months at which time ads may be re-submitted. The editor reserves the right to omit ads when space is limited so as to allow all members a chance to advertise. Size of ad is limited to four (4) typed lines or one (I) standard size business card. DEADLINE for all newsletter items is one week before the general meeting.

NON MEMBER & EXPANDED SIZE ADS: Line ads:$.l0 per word. Business Cards: $5.00 per month.

Quarter page ads: Half page ads: Full page ads:

One month only $10.00 per month $20.00 per month $40.00 per month

Three or more months $7.50 per month $15.00 per month $25.00 per month

Six or more months $5.00 per month $10.00 per month $15.00 per month

Send all newsletter items to: Minnesota Herpetological Society Newsletter Editor, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church Street South East, Minneapolis, MN 55455.

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Please enclose payment. MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Minnesota Herpetological Society. Membership is for 12 months from date of joining. A receipt will be sent only on request. Allow 6-8 weeks for processing. MAIL TO: Minnesota Herpetological Society, Bell Museum Of Natural History, 10 Church Street South East, Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104

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