NEWSLETTER OF THE

MINNESOTA

HERPETOLOGICAL

SOCIETY

APRIL 1995 VOLUME XV NUMBER 4 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 lo 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 Heimann 730-6265 Ann POlwoll 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 Morimy 647-1334 Greg Kvanbek 533-7723 Greg Kvanbek 533-7723

Lizards Jeff LeClere 488-6388

Nancy Haig 434-8684 Crocodilians Bill Moss 488-1383 Jeff Lang (70 I) 772-0227

Education Contact Adoption Contact Dav Lydon 550-9855 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

MHS 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 K vanbek George Richard Randy Blasus Marilyn Brooks John Levell Gmy Ash Dan Bergquist Liz Bowlds 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) 624-7065 (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 without change and proper credits are given to the MHS Newsletter, citing, volume, number, and date.

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Newsletter Volume XV Number 4 April 1995

CONTENTS

Editorial. ............................................................................................... . Upcoming Meeting Highlights by Greg K vanbeek ........................................ . News and Notes ...... , ............................................................................... . Meeting Review by Randy Blasus .............................................................. . Book Review by Dan Keyler ..................................................................... . Snakes of Minnesota by Jeff LeClere .......................................................... . An Experience with City Government by Randy Blasus ................................. . MHS Business ....................................................................................... . Calendar of Events .................................................................................. . Classified Advertisements ......................................................................... .

GREETINGS FROM THE NEW EDITOR

.

I 2 3 4 5 6·7 8 9 10 11-12

There is probably no better time than this, the first issue of the MHS Newsletter with myself as editor, to discuss where this publication has been and, more importantly, the direction in which it will hopefully be going. As my predecessor, Michele Stillinger, pointed out in her editorial farewell last month, editing the newsletter has traditionally been, more or less, a one person job. Each of the respective editors, from our illustrious first, Jim Gerholdt, right on through Tom Schmitz, Jo Anne Wetherell­Moriarty, Julie Cherveny, and Michele herself, has taken on the task of producing our society's newsletter, and each is in some way directly responsible for the evolution of the pUblication into it's present state. Each has done a tremendous job and all deserve the society'S most sincere gratitude.

As Michele also pointed out, all incoming editors have had their own idea of what the MHS Newsletter should be, and in this, I suspect that I differ little from my predecessors. In wishing to continue the long tradition of moving forward, rest assured that this editor has definite plans for the future of this newsletter. While changes are inevitable if the Newsletter is to evolve further, I see little need for a 'wholesale' overhaul as, quite frankly, if it'. not broken don't fix it. Short term goals include; standsrdization of format, reducing production costs while main~ining quality, and, heaven forbid, the establishment of an editorial team. More lofty goals will come in due time. Throughout this gradual process, readers comments, criticisms, and contributions are not only welcomed, but encouraged. I, for one, am looking forward to the challenge ahead. JPL

Next Newsletter Deadline: April 7, 1995

Send all submissions to: MHS Editor

Bell Museum of Natural History 10 Church St SE

Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104

1

MRS Newsletter Volume XV Number 4

UPCOMING MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

May Speaker: Dr. J. Whitfield Gibbons

Program: The Benign and Maligned:

Reassessing Reptiles and Amphibians in the Environmental Age

When I was young (younger than I am now, anyway), one of my favorite herp books was Their Blood Runs Cold, by Whit Gibbons. The book is perhaps best described as a collection of short stories about herping adventures, each of which sort of illustrates a natural history lesson about herps. My favorite story is the one in which "Rita", a student, got nailed by (that's herping talk meaning "bitten by") a Canebrake Rattlesnake, Crotalus horridus. The author later observed Rita's physician reading how to treat snakebite from a boy scout handbook. There are many other equally entertaining stories. It's really a neat book, and we are fortunate that the speaker at our May meeting will be Whit Gibbons.

Dr. Gibbons is a professor at the University of Georgia, and is also a research scientist' at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. The Savannah River site is a large research area in South Carolina, and is one of the largest undisturbed areas left in the eastern United States. The entire area sounds like a herper's paradise, and a large part of Whit's herpetological research is based on his experiences there. In addition to Their Blood Runs Cold, Whit has authored or co-authored several other books including; The Life History and Ecology of the Slider Turtle, Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Savannah River Site, Poisonous Plants and Venomous Animals of Alabama and Adjoining States, and the Reptile and Amphihian Merit Badge booklet for the Boy Scouts. His most recent book, Keeping all the Pieces: Perspectives on Natural History and the Environment, was published by the Smithsonian Institution Press in 1993.

Whit will be addressing a large variety of topics during the program. He will first discuss the importance of biodiversity, how it is studied, what habitats are most critical to amphibians and reptiles, the ecological significance of amphibians and reptiles, and he will highlight a few important species. He'll also go into some of the current threats facing amphibian and reptile populations, including the pet trade, habitat alteration, highway mortality, malicious acts, and some of the possible solutions to these problems. There will also be some of Whit Gibbons' books for sale at the meeting. This should prove to be a very interesting program, especially for those of us whose interest in herpetology runs deeper than simply observing and caring for captive amphibians

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and reptiles. We will have an opportunity to learn a great deal about herps in their native environment, and how they survive the various threats that we humans present.

Remember, the May meeting will not be held at the usual spot in Borlaug Hall. It will be held in conjunction with the Minnesota Amphibian and Reptile Symposium at the St. Paul Student Center Theater, at the bottom of the hill from where we normally meet. The Symposium itself will be held at the Bell Museum Auditorium. There will be no "Critter of the Month" or adoption animals at the May meeting. Be there anyway, though, because this will be a really good meeting.

May Meeting

Location: St. Paul Student Center Theater Time: May 5, 1995 - 7.00 pm.

A large turnout is expected at May's general meeting of the MRS, as our meeting is being held in conjunction with the MN Amphibian and Reptile Symposium (further infonnation on pg. 9). Due to the expected increase in attendance the monthly meeting will be held in the Theater of the St. Paul Student Center, rather than the usual Borlaug Ralilocation (see map below). Please note this change in meeting loca tion.

MRS Newsletter Volume XV Number 4

NEWS AND NOTES

Regarding the Election

A grateful membership was treated to a speedy election when MHS President Bill Moss sought the approval of the recording secretary, Randy Blasus, to pass the slate of unopposed candidates. Readers from other societies may want to check out Robert's Rules of Order to learn about this efficient tactic. As newly elected Members at Large, we thank those of you who voted for us. Let us ponder the significance of this anomaly of a daughter-father team. This does not mean that a coup is at hand. Rather, it is our opinion that the society is at a peak of vitality. We have enjoyed the benefits offered by our organization for several years, and now it is our tum to reciprocate. This is part of the natural life cycle of being a member. In any case, it should save some gas car­pooling to board meetings. It is a great honor for us to serve the MHS. Siri and James Rea

March Speaker Fee Donation

The March speaker fee from the MHS will be put to good educational use, purchasing two copies of Amphibians and Reptiles Native to Minnesota for the underfunded University of Minnesota at Morris library. David M. Hoppe

March Critter of the Month

Dan Bergquist Florida Kingsnake Lamprope/tis getu/aj/oridana

Chris Miller Three-toed Box Turtle Terrapene carolina triunguis

John Levell Mexican Black Kingsnake Lampropeltis getltla nigrita

April Critter of the Month

Greg K vanbeck

Gloria Anton Sean Hewitt DavLydon Bill Moss K-cee Lawrance

Mike Howard

Tiger Salamander Ambystoma tigrinutn Savannah Monitor Varanus exanthematieus Water Monitor Varanus salvator Common Snapping Turtle Che/ydra serpentina African Bullfrog Pyxicephalus adspersus

Matthew Sacchet Bearded Dragon

John Levell Pogona vitticeps Desert Kingsnake Lampropeltis geutia splendida

Nina Katayama Dumeril's Monitor Varanus dumerili

Kathy Boron Iguana Eggs Iguana iguana

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Editor's Note: April's speaker, Dr. Walter Auffenberg, had many complimentary comments regarding the MHS meeting. He was particularly impressed with the Critter of the Month portion, saying that "it was a unique feature" unlike anything he has experienced at the numerous other herp society functions he has attended. Way to go MHS.

MHS Conservation Fund $ at Work

Signs to Ask: Give a Frog a Big Brake

Minnesota, the land of 10,000 deer-crossing signs, is about to add warning signs for frogs.

A year ago, Hennepin Parks wildlife assistant Madeleine Linck and a volunteer band of citizens scampered around on a short stretch of County Rd. 19 in Medina to ferry migrating frogs from Lake Independence to nearby breeding sites. She figures the saved about 300.

The frogs will be back as soon as the temperature and ice conditions prompt the annual migration. But this year they'll have some additional help.

Hennepin Parks will put up frog-crossing signs, complete with frog outline, to warn motorists that the amphibians will be hopping across the road. The idea is to preserve as many frogs as possible at one of the busiest crossing sites in the county.

The twin signs will go up as soon as the frogs move, which was around the first of April last year. They'll also be used in the fall when frogs return to the lake.

Linck got the idea for frog crossing signs from toad crossings in Europe, newt crossings in California and a pair of turtle crossing signs on a Wabasha County road.

The Minnesota Herpetological Society, which deals with amphibians and reptiles, contributed part of the $90 cost of the signs, which were made by the county's Public Works Department. Hennepin Parks will pay the balance.

Editor's note: The preceding text, written by Steve Brandt, appeared in the March 23, 1995 edition of the Mpls StarlTribune. Frog crossing sign photo courtesy of John Moriarty.

MHS Newsletter Volume XV Number 4

General Meeting Review By Randy Blasus

Recording Secretary

The distinguished and renown Dr. Walter Auffenberg recently told the tale of his experience with the curious monitor limrd, (Varallus olivaceus) Gray's Monitor, to a very large and intent crowd at the April meeting.

This story begins with a man named Hugh Cummings who originally found the species. He was an avid collector and sent the lone specimen of a different looking juvenile monitor lizard back to England (along with may other specimens). This specimen was seen by Dr. Gray of the British Museum who recognized as a new species and named it Varallur o11latur. For 100 years this was the only known specimen of this animal. A conflict in taxonomy wonld later change the name to Varallur grayii. By many, it would later come to be believed as extinct. Much later, around WW II, a famous German Herpetologist by the name of Robert Mertins found a skull in Munich which might be from an adult Gray's Monitor. The last specimen to be found was a stuffed specimen in the collection of the American Museum of Natural History and was recognized by Dr. Auffeuberg as another example of Gray's monitor.

At this time, the good Doctor had just finished his monograph on the Komodo Dragon, which won him much respect in the field of herpetology, and was beginning to work on the Bengal Monitor when he made this discovery. He soon decided to begin research on Gray's Monitor and to leave the Bengal until later date.

After doing some initial research, Dr. Auffenberg became convinced that there was a real possibility that the monitors could still be found. It was a little harder for him to convince those with the finances that this wonld be a feasible project. However, funding was found and a preliminary exploration of various sites began to determine where it would be best to start. Early records were not precise on where the specimens were collected; this was a problem as some three thousand islands, islets and the like make up the Philippines. After several years of exploration and talking to various people on these islands, he carne upon some who recognized the animal; from a picture he possessed. Not only did they recognize the animal, they ate it! The villagers told him that it was a very secretive animal and lived mainly in the high treetops and even nested there. Other habits related to Dr. Auffenberg seemed even more improbable, such as the animals were fruit eaters. Of course, this infonnation received much skepticism from him.

Soon after fmding the island where the animals occurred it became evident that proper lodging needed to be fouud. One of his contacts was a local Doctor who insisted that the place to set up residence was his plantation. One of the reasons he gave for his hospitality being the best was that the local

4

revolutionaries did not bother him because of his hospital services (services like this is rare in this area of the world). An area was picked there and a house built on top of a hill overlooking the forest. The surrounding vegetation was thick, which would make viewing the animals difficult at best. In fact, this area is so teeming with plant life that Dr. Allffenberg described it as one of the richest in the world. Studies to back up this claim have shown that there are over three thousand species per square kilometer, and that is just the plants! This type of dense forest is the preferred habitat of Gray's monitor.

After obtaining help by hiring some reliable local help, the work of collecting information began. The data collected came in the form of dissecting animals to fmd out their anatomy; a permit was obtained for this from the Philippine government. Many more animals lost their lives, however, to the native's habit of eating the animals for their special ceremonies. The animals were also collected and implanted with radio transmitters. These transmitters gave more then just location of the animal: they told the temperature of the animal; the ambient temperature; what position it was in, whether horizontal or vertical; and a plethora of other data. The location of the house allowed frequent contact with the transmitters: in fact, each telemetry signal was reached every five minutes all day long throughout the year. Some 100,000 contacts were made.

Another problem was the terrain where the lizards called home. The forest floor is made up of ancient eroding limestone. This area has great sinkholes formed from wind and rain. Walking in this type of jagged rock formation is hamrdous at best. This fortunately keeps many exotics away and discourages logging because animals cannot manage to negotiate through the area.

One of the discoveries made was on their teeth which are unique among varanids. These teeth, which are very bhmt, were found to be adaptation to the animals dietary preference of land snails. However, only twelve of some eight-htIDdred species of snail endemic to the island are eaten, and only one consistently. The juveniles have pointed teeth and dine upon insects. Of the plants, only eight to ten species are eaten out of the thousands that grow around them. One of those fruits is so toxic that only Gray's Monitor can commme it!

The entertaining sty Ie of Dr. Walter Auffenberg and the large amount of fascinating information (only a fractioll of which can he presented here) given during his preseutatiolllllade this a once in a lifetime talk. His thorough study and dedication to a subject he dearly loves, came through in this show by enthralling the audience while his humor brought gales of laughter reminiscent of those hurricanes that removed the roof of his humble hilltop abode three times during their stay on the isle of the Gray's Monitor lizard.

MHS Newsletter Volume XV Number 4

BOOK REVIEW

Amazing Amphibians (4 Yol.) & Remarkable Reptiles (4 Yol.) By: James E. Gerholdt

1994 Abdo & Daughters, Minneapolis, MN $13.99 • each or $111.92 . 8 volume set

Reviewed by: Dr. Daniel· E. Keyler

Many of you know Jim Gerholdt for his Remarkable Reptiles Program and as an MHS member, but he was also the first editor of the Minnesota Herpetological Society's Newsletter. Those early years of experience and frustration have finally led to further rewards for Jim. Recently, he has written an 8 volume series of books on reptiles and amphibians with an educational format designed for the junior reader. The Remarkable Reptiles series is composed of 4 volumes including; Snakes, Lizards, TurUes, and Alligators, with a parallel series for Amazing Amphibians that includes; Frogs, Toads, Salamanders, and Tree Frogs. Each volume is approximately 25 pages in length. The contents are informative and consistent from volume to volume with chapters on; Sizes, Shapes, Colors, Habitat, Senses, Defense, Food, and Babies followed by a glossary and index. Collectively. 105 of the author's colorful photographs are nicely displayed, a few of which are courtesy of MHS member Eric Thiss and other various contributors. There are even a handful of photos by fellow MHS

5

member Barney Oldfield. A final reward is found on the last page of each book where there is a picture of the smiling author mantled by a large Boa. This series of books is an educational literature resource for the junior herpetologist, a joy for the senior herpetologist to page through, and should be of interest to anyone with a flare for nature. Jim Gerhold!,s herpetological series would make a worthy contribution to any home or school library .

Editor'S Note: Dan Keyler is a Toxicologist with the Hennepin County Medical Center's Department of Medicine, and is one of the country's leading authorities on venomous snakebite. Like Jim Gerholdt, Dan is a long lime MHS member and has addressed the society on the subject of venomous snakebite and it's treatment in the past. Dan is also extremely interested in the conservation of Timber Rattlesnakes, Crotalus horridus, and has been actively researching the status of the species in Minnesota for the past several years. Look for further infonnation on Dan Keyler in future editions of this Newsletter.

MHS Newsletter Volume XV Number 4

Snakes of Minnesota by Jeff LeClere

WESTERN FOX SNAKE

Description

Measuriog 36 to 56 inches in length, tbis is one of Minnesota's larger nonvenomous species of snake (Conant and Cottius, 1991). Ground color ranges from a dark straw yellow to a dark brown. Occasionally, there may be orange, yellow, or reddish pigment between the scales. There are large distinct body blotches that are very dark brown or black. These blotches become rings on the tail. The head is usually unmarked and may be light brown with yellow, orange, or reddish bightights. The belly is a dirty yellow with black checkeriog. Young Fox Snakes are noticeably lighter than adults having a tight brown or gray ground color and tighter body blotches with black outlining. The head is usually boldly marked with black lines, the most conspicuous of these being the line that travels diagonally from the eye to the angle of the jaw and the line on top of the head connecting the eyes. As with all North American Rat Snakes, the scales are weakly keeled (poorly dermed keels on the dorsal scales and smooth lateral scales) and the anal plate is divided.

Subspecies

There are two subspecies of the Fox Snake. The. Western Fox Snake (Elaphe vulpilla vuipilla) and the Eastern Fox Snake (E/aphe vuipilla g/oyd,). The westeru subspecies having a darker ground and head color and having an average of 41 blotches on the body. The Eastern Fox Snake is tighter in color; there is a stronger tendency toward a reddish head in this subspecies, and the body blotches are larger and average 34 in number (Conant and Collins, 1991). The Western Fox Snake is the only subspecies f01llld in Minnesota (Oldfield and Moriarty, 1994).

Range

The Fox Snake in Minnesota has the greatest number of records along the Mississippi and st. Croix River Valleys, but tbis snake also stretches westwardly into Minnesota via the Minnesota River. Scattered southwestern records indicate its presence in the Missouri River Valley.(Breckenridge, 1944, Oldfield and Moriarty, 1994). A number of south central counties are missing records where tbis snake has been sighted and where it should occur.

Habitat

Tbis snake occupies moister habitats than other large Minnesota snakes (Breckeuridge, 1944, Oldfield and Moriarty, 1994). Woodland and woodland edges, prairies, lowland meadows, and rocky outcroppings near rivers

(Elaphe l'u/pina vu[pina)

provide food, shelter, and overwintering sites for Fox Snakes.

Habits

Fox snakes are very active duriog the day especially in the spring but often again in the fatt as well. During the hot summer months, Fox Snakes choose to move about at night just like many other Minnesota snake species. When encOlmtered, Fox Snakes are usually very passive opting to flee even when cornered. When handled, they usually do not strike or bite, but they may release a mild musk from tbeir scent glands at the base of the tail. The musk smells like that of a red fox, hence the common name (Vogt, 1981). More excitable specimens, especially juveniles, witt coil and strike with a short, forced hiss. They will also vibrate their tails producing a rattling or bllZZing sound. Tbis behavior often causes them to be misidentified as Rattlesnakes, Bullsnakes, and because of their copper-<ooiored head, Copperbeads. They are often killed because of tbis. Bullsnakes have a much more pointed snout and are harmless also. Minnesota's Timber Rattlesnakes have thin, black bands (not spots) across the body and have a rattle at the end of their solid black tails. Fox Snakes have large, dark spots on the body, no rattie, and the tail is not solid black. Copperheads do not occur in, or even close to, Minnesota, and Copperheads are much more orange in overall coloration without any dark brown or black spots.

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Fox Snakes emerge from hibernation in April and are active until October. They bibemate in rocky crevices or man-made structures that extend below the frostline (Jessen, 1993). They mate in spriog. Females are oviparous and lay about 10 - 20 eggs. The young hatch in July or August and are about 8 - 12 inches in length.

These snakes spend most hot summer days beneath debris that retains the sun's warmth. They are strong snakes and can climb with ease. However, most prefer to travel along the ground. TIleY also swim well and make use of this ability. Many Fox Snakes have been f01llld crossing rivers or well away from the shores of ponds or lakes (Breckenridge ,1944). Fox Snakes may travel a great deal during the active part of their season. Many of these snakes are bit by automobiles as a result of their frequent road crossings and that they may use the road for warmth (Breckenridge, 1944, Oldfield and Moriarty, 1994, Jessen and LeClere, personal observation). Males are often bit in the spring, and females are often hit during egg laying season as the females search for suitable sites to lay their eggs.

Food

Fox Snakes are valuable consumers of rodents, which make up the bulk of their diet. Young Fox snakes may feed on frogs or young mice (Oldfield and Moriarty, 1994). Adults have been known to eat birds and their eggs (Vogt, 1981). This snake belongs to the Rat Snake group and is a powerful constrictor. They are often the only large constrictor in the type of habitat they prefer (the moister habitats) and therefore, are not in heavy competition with other serpents for food. This may explain their apparent fixation on rodents as a natural prey item.

Care

Fox Snakes seem to make good captives, if a few things are kept in mind. They are calm, inoffensive snakes that have dietary requirements that are easy to meet. Many penple wonder why this snake is not popular with hobbyists. I tend to wonder as well, but I also feel that one must choose their Fox Snakes careftilly to get one that will thrive.

An enclosure that is rather small (like a sweater box) may be better than one that is proportionally larger. This lllay make them feel secure and hidden. On the other hand, a very large cage may suit some individuals better, especially large males with extensive home ranges. One big strike against Fox Snakes (wild caught adults in particular) is the strong tenaucy to rub their noses raw in an effort to escape (Rossi, 1992). A good solution is to place a hide box in the cage. Buying captive bred hatchlings is a better solution. Astroturf, wood shavings, newsprint, or soil can be used as a substrate. Add a brauch aud a water dish aud keep the cage ill the lower 80's F. Ventral or ambient heat is great, but an overhead heat source may work just as well (Rossi, 1992).

Feeding may be another strike against the Fox Snake. If you are looking for a consistently feeding snake, choose one of this species carefully. Mauy adult wild caught Fox Snakes will eat sparingly, if at all.

Largest Selection or Reptiles & Amphibians in Minnesota Cages, Books, Feed & Supplies

2363 University Ave. W.

Minneapolis, ivfinnesota 647-4479

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MHS Newsletter Vo/ullle XV Number 4

If you have the time and knowhow this cau be reversed, but many people do not want the hassle. There are exceptions and some feed ravenously, but very few Fox Snakes could be called gluttons, and the majority do not have the appetites of Bullsnakes, for example. Wild caught Fox Snakes can lose weight very quickly in a matter of months. A better bet would be a captive produced Fox snake. They ILSlUllly spare you the nosentb, restlessness, aud poor feeding habits of \vild ones.

Breeding well acclimated Fox Snakes is usually not a problem. Three months of hibernation at 50 degrees F. is suitable (Rossi, 1992). Place the pair together after the females sheds. The female will go off feed after she becomes gravid. Give her a high humidity hide box with sphagnum moss, vermiculite, or perlite in which to lay her eggs. Incubation of the eggs is uSlUllly one and a half to three months. I have not experienced auy problems with rearing neonate Fox Snakes. They should feed on pinky mice. I generally wait until after their fIrst shed to offer them food, but many will probably eat before this.

Breckenridge, IV.l. 1944. R'paks and Amphibianso/Minnesota. Unive~ityof Minnesota Press, Minneapolis.

Conan~ Roger and Josep~ T. Collins. 1991. A Field Guide to The Reptiles alld AmphibiansofEastemand CentralNorihAmenca. Houghton Mullin Co., Boston.

Jessen, Tom. 1993, Fox snake Hibernation Den in Blue Eanh County. Minn. He1]l.Soc.News.13 (5): 11-14

Oldfield, B.1. and J. J. Moriarty. 1994. Amphibians and Rep'/" Naul" to Minnesolll. U nivcrsity of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis.

Rossi, John V. 1992. SliakesnfIll, United Swes and Callada. Krieger Publishing Co., },-1alabar.

Vog~ Richard Carl. 1981. Natural History of the Amphibians alld Reptiles of Wisconsin. Milwauke.e Puhlic Museum, Milwauke.e.

For Sale or Petting Zoos Parties or Promotions

ANIMALS OF WALTON'S HOLLOW Exotic & Farm Animals

Bill & Jean Walton 5425 Peterson Road

White Bear Lake, MN 55127-6713 (612)426-8163

MHS Ni'a'stetter VolullI£' XV Number 4

An Experience with City Government

By Randy B1asus

It was merely by chance that we heard the City of st. Louis Park was investigating a "wild by nature" animal ordinance. OUf first feeling was one of disappointment because we had picked this suburb to live in as it had few such restrictive, and usually poorly written, laws. It was decided to contact our fellow members of the Minnesota Herpetological Society for help. We called the President, Bill Moss and our Societies' AFH legislative liaison, lawyer, and Immediate Past President, Glen Jacobson.

It was soon determined that the legislative process had just begun. By calling the City Managers Office, we found out who was in charge of writing the ordinance and asked her to see if we could obtain a copy. The employee, who is contracted by the City to provide animal control, mentioned her department had received a phone call from a resident looking into the legality of keeping a cougar in the City limits. This together with one other call about keeping an alligator had brought up the idea that a law needed to be passed before a problem ensued. The control officer was surprised that anyone knew of the ordinance in progress, but provided a fax of the proposed ordinance. This was brought to the Board members of our local society for critical review.

Arrangements were made to meet with the Animal Control worker before she reported to a City Council work session (not a formal meeting). In this discussion, some flaws in the regUlation were pointed out. Glen also presented the law he helped the city of Coon Rapids draft. The proposed St Louis Park law wasn't really bad, however, it was vague and could be interpreted several ways. By discussing what the wants and needs of the City were in this matter, it was determined that Venomous snakes, alligators, crocodiles and various large wild manonals were to.be banned. We attempted to try and interest them in a pennit system for the "dangerous herps," however, the City representative indicated that more papenvork was not what they wanted. However, by negotiating a compromise, we were able to eliminate some gray areas in the law. One of these was to eliminate the word "small" in reference to allowable animals, this would have effectively outlawed Boas and Pythons from being kept. Also, a list was given to her of animals known to be venomous and lethal to humans. This was listed by genus, and had a specific example of each group so that rear-fanged colubrids such as Western and Eastern Hognose snakes would not be illegal.

8

After the discussion on this was concluded and points made, we venhlred into the coullcil chambers where the control officer reported that the law would go back into the writing stage because of some citizens' coneenl. The council approved this, and she went back to make the revisions that were mutually agreed upon.

OUf next meeting occurred 'several weeks later when she notified us that a second draft was ready for examination. Once again we all met, this time in a conference room where we reviewed the changes. There were one or two mistakes she had unintentionally made that were corrected at this time, other then that it looked ok. Now, OIle must realize that this proposal was a compromise between the City and the Society (us). It may have been possible push harder to get the City to set np a permit system for venomous herps. However, at that point in the negotiations, the momentum could reverse and cause the officials to regard our complaints as a minor nuisance and pass a law that could be much more devastating to Herpetoculture. Such laws are hard to work with and to change especially if your group is already classed as hostile. Therefore, this compromise was deemed equitable by all parties and the Society came away looking good as we helped the City and did not hinder it.

The climax was when we went to the full Council meeting to witness the passage of the law. We had found out about the second reading on! y after a call was made to see what had happened since our last meeting. As we did not see any public notice in any local papers, we were surprised that it was ready to be passed. Also, we found out that agendas for the council meetings were available from the City on the afternoon of the meeting and that a copy of the ordinance was available from the City Managers Office. At noon 011 that day, a copy of the Ordinance was picked up and reviewed to see that its' content had not changed. Everything seemed to be ok; so the last thing would be to attend the Council meeting to insure that things went smoothly and to observe the Council in action. The proposal passed with a unanimous vote. So tlus ended our first excursion with govermnent; not as bad as it could be, however, still an arduous process at best. Many thanks goes out for the help we received from the members of the Society and the City workers which helped to make the whole process work.

MHS Newsletter Volume XV Number 4

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

May 5-6, 1995 Minnesota Amphibian and Reptile Symposium. Univ. of MN, Twin Cities Campus. Contact: MN Amp, & Rep. Symp., Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104 (612) 624-9500.

May 12-14, 1995 MHS "Hands on Exhibit" at the Midwest Pet Fair, St. Paul Civic Center, St. Paul, MN. Contact: Dav Lydon - MHS Show Chairperson (612) 550-9855.

May 20-21, 1995 2nd Annual Chicago Herpetological Society Reptile & Amphibian Exhibition. River Grove,lL. Contact: Ron Humbert, cfo CHS, 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago, lL 60614 (708) 620-7377.

June 14-18, 1995 19th Annual International Herpetological Symposium. Denver, CO. Contact: David Hulmes, 361 Van Winkle Ave., Hawthorne, NJ 07506.

June 15-19, 1995 American Society of!chthyologists & Herpetologists - Herpetologists League Joint Meeting. Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Contact: Dept. of BioI. Sci., Univ. of Alberta, Edmonton, Alb. T6G 2E9, Canada.

Aug. 8-13, 1995 Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles Annual Meeting. Boone, NC. Contact: Dr. Wayne Van Devender, Dept. of BioI., Appalachian State Univ., Boone, NC 28608 (704) 262-2665. .

Aug. 19-20, 1995 National Reptile Breeders' Expo. Twin Towers Hotel & Convention Center. Orlando, FL. Contact: Wayne Hill, P.O. Box 3277, Winter Haven, FL 33885 (813) 294-2235.

Sept. 16-17, 1995 Mid-Atlantic Reptile Show. Baltimore, MD. Contact: Tim Hoen, cfo Maryland Herp. Soc., 2643 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218-4590 (410) 557-6879 or 235-6116.

Oct. 20-22, 1995 Midwest Herpetological Symposium. Clarion HotelO'Hare. Rosemont, lL. Contact: Chicago Herp. Soc. - Midwest Symposium, 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60614 (312) 281-1800.

Minnesota's Amphibians and Reptiles: Conservation and Status

May 5 and 6 1995 University of Minnesota

Twin Cities Campus

9

CO-SPONSORS

Minnesota Herpetological Society Bell Museum of Natural History Zoological Society of Minnesota

MN DNR Nongame Wildlife Program USFS North Central Experiment Station

Registration Information

Costs: $10.00 ($7.00 for members of MHS, Bell Museum and MZS)

Friday evening only $3.00 for non-members of sponsoring organizations

Preregistration is requested by April 28.

Those preregistered will be entered into a drawing for the New Amphibians and Reptiles

Native to Minnesota.

Mail registration to:

Minn. Amphibian and Reptile Symposium Bell Museum of Natural History JO Church St. SE Minneapolis, MN 55455

or Call 624-9050

MHS Newsleller Volume XV Number 4

MHS BUSINESS

April Board Meeting Highlights By Randy Blasus, Recording Secretary

The monthly meeting of the MHS Board of Directors was conducted on April 8th at the home of Bill Moss. A quorum was present. The board took the following action.

MHS will be purchasing two (2) frog crossing signs for a major crossing point near a Hennepin County Park. The money will come out of our conservation fund for this project.

Camp Ripley is asking if we can contribute to their Blanding's Turtle project as the federal funding has fallen through. The MHS conservation fund is now very low, however.

We will soon begin to exchange newsletters with HOTS and it will be available in the upcoming months at the library.

Nineteen members joined this month, ftfteen new and four renewals.

Presented and accepted were: Treasurer's Report, Membership Report, and Board Meeting Minutes.

Treasurer's Report Prepared by Marilyn Brooks, MHS Treasurer

Beginning Checkbook Balance:

Income: Membership Raffle Sales Donation Library Fines Other

Total Income:

Expense: Newsletter Misc PrintIPost Program Library Books Refreshments Other

Total Expense:

Net Income:

Ending Checkbook Balance:

Dedicated Funds: Available Funds

320.00 29.00

182.18 17.98

1.00 2.00

29.46 50.00 60.00 30.00

349.85

3300.48

552.16

519.31

32.85

3333.33

(3739.00) (405.67)

10

Unimin Donation

The Unimin Corporation's donation of $500 for MHS herpetological survey activities at the company's Kasota Prairie property was received in late March.

April Raffle Donors

Dan Bergquist Siri Rea Ann Porwell K -cee Lawrance MHS

Cage and misc. stuff Cobra in a Nutshell Book, postcards, magnets Cage Assorted Merchandise

April's raffle ticket sales totaled over $100, at or near an all time high. This is particularly gratifying as revenue generated by raffle ticket sales help ftnance 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.

April Refreshments

For Bringing refreshments to the previous MHS meeting the society says Thank YOII to:

Karin Rea Homemade Oatmeal Bars

A Note to Future Refreshment Donors.

Since attendance of the monthly meetings has increased, we need a lot more food. Please don't let this interfere with your decision to donate, as we do need as many people as possible to donate to keep the refreshments successful. Thank you. Nanette Jimerson - Refreshment Chairperson.

MHS Newsletter Volume XV Number 4

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

0.0.2 Armadillo Lizards. $25 for both. Call Deao (612) 566-9400.

1.1.0 Cornsnakes, 2.5 yrs. old & cage, $35 ea. Cage $50 o.b.o. Call Ryan (612) 938-8615.

1.1.0. Northern Pine Snakes, 1992 hatchlings, $125 pr. 1994 albino San Diego Gopher Snake, $50. Call Dav (612) 550-9855.

African Spurred Tortoises (sulcata), variety of sizes. Also Leopard Tortoises, c. b. hatchlings to adults. Call Mark Domka (612) 822-7996.

1.1.0. Desert Rosy Boa, c.b. 93, $100. 1.1.0. Mid­Baja Rosy Boas, c.b. 93, $300 pro 2.2.0 Mexican Rosy Boas, c.b. 91 $300 pro 3.3.0 Coastal Rosy Boas, c. b. 91, $259 pro 1.1. 0 Columbian Rainbow Boas, c.b. 94, $175 pro Will consider trades for c.b. Blue-tongue Skinks, Dumeril's Boas, Jungle Carpet Pythons. Can deliver to Twin Cities. Call Mark Wendling (319) 857-4787.

Solomon Island Boas, Candoia carinata paulsoni, c.b. subadults, feeding well on dead mice, $75-$175. Neonates born 1/4/95. Call Steph Porter (612) 690-2589.

Hatchling Speckled Kingsnakes $20, Black Rat Snakes $12. Call D.K. Compton (612) 872-7266, days and weekends.

0.0.2 Caiman Alligators 2 ft, will trade for snakes, or $60 ea, $100 pro Call Janet or Todd (701) 772-9148 or (701) 746-1055.

30" American Alligator, 36" Water Monitor, 3-4 ft Nile Monitor, all long term captives (2+ yrs) and healthy. Also feeder rabbits, frozen only $1 per lb. Call Dan (612) 489-8396.

1994 hatchlings, Cornsnakes, red albinos and normals; White Oak phase Grey Rat Snakes, all feeding on frozen mice. Also 0.1.0 Mexican Black King, 5 yrs. Call Connie or John Levell (612) 374-5422.

11

Designer wood cage, finished with glass doors, brass accents, light fixture, storage compartment, wheels for easy movement. Ideal for small iguanas, tree boas, chameleons. 3 ft W x 2 ft D x 5 ft H. $200 o.b.o. Call Michele (612) 224-7212.

HERP CLASSIFIED (Formerly Fauna Classifieds) Monthly classified for herpetofauna, food, supplies, literature, societies, much more... excellent information source, worldwide circulation, published since 1983. Send .32 stamp for sample. Subscriptions $14/yr, $24/yr 1st class. MClVisa. Great Valley Serpentarium, 2379 Maggio Circle, Unit C, Lodi, CA 95240. (209) 369-7737, fax (209) 369-3907.

"Animal TRACKS" since 1986 - Complete animal management software for managing personal animal collections or field notes for herpslbirds/mammals. IBM compatible. Full program $100. Working demo $10 deductible with purchase. For info or to order contact: Frank Slavens, P.O. Box 30744, Seattle, WA 98103. (206) 542-6751, fax (206) 546-2912.

Wanted

Looking for current & back issues of herp related magazines, symposia, journals, & newsletters from around the world: U.S., England, Europe, Australia, Africa, etc. Call Joel (814) 724-8351, PA.

All the Shed Snake Skins in the World, Always, to use at hands-on programs to give to kids. Bob Duerr (612) 541-0362.

Hard cover copy of Tonoises of Australia by John Cann, will pay reasonable price. Also interested in other chelonian publications. Call John (612) 374-5422.

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 brs, good towards one "priceless" MHS coffee mug. Send submissions to: MN Herp. Soc.lEditor, cia Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104.

MRS Newsletter Volume XV Number 4

Wanted 2-3 Smooth Green Snakes, Opheodrys vernalis. For a comparative evaporative water loss study with the related Rough Green Snake. Snakes will be returned unharmed upon project completion. Contact Paul Buttenhoff, Dept. of Zool., 331 Funchess Hall, Auburn Univ., Auburn, AL 36849, (334) 826-9703.

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. (1) inventory of collection, list number and sex, (2) list all species bred during previous year, (3) any longevity records, (4) please print clearly, your name, address, and telephone # 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.

BOA SURVEY: Please write for my questionnaire on Boa cOIISlridor reproduction. Even if your animals have not reproduced, please respond if they are at least 4 yrs. old and have had an opportunity. In return for a completed survey you will receive a chart showing subspecies, their scale counts and range. William Joy, P.O. Box 30073, Arlington, TX 76007, USA. Internet: 7223.220@ COMPUSERVE.COM

WE HAVE A GREAT SELECTION OF CAPTIVE BRED

HERPS.

CALL FORA COMPLETE LISTING!

JOHN & RUTH MELTZER (612) 263-7880

ERPENT'S TALE NATURAL HISTORY BooK DISTRIBUTORS

ERIC THISS (612) 470-5008

FAX (612) 470-5013

464 SeGond Street· Excelsior. MN 55331

12

MHS Rodent Sales

Orders must be placed at least one week in advance of the general meeting where frozen rodents are to be delivered. Orders taken by Terry Scheiber only; (612) 440-7482.

Mice: Pinkies - $6.00 doz. Fuzzies - $6.00 doz. Adults - $9.00 doz.

Rats: Pups - $10.00 doz. Adults - $12.00 six

- $24.00 doz.

MHS Merchandise

MHS offers an assortment of herp related sale items including; books, magazines, posters, t-shirts, notecards, buttons, stickers, bumper stickers, and patches. Look for the merchandise sales area at the far right side of the meeting room. Transactions can be handled before the meeting, during the break, and after the meeting if time allows.

All proceeds from MHS rodent and merchandise sales go toward the operating costs of the society such as; speaker fees, library book purchases, charitable dimations, etc. The MHS is a completely volunteer run, non-profit organization.

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 print 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 (1) 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 HistOlY, 10 Church Street South East, Minneapolis, MN 55455.

MEMBERSHIP AND T-SHIRT ORDER FORM

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

NAME(S) ______________________________________________________________ __

ADDRESS, __________________________________________________________________ _

CITY __________________________ __ STATE ______ __ ZIP CODE

PHONE __________________________ __ LIST IN MHS DIRECTORY? YES NO __ __

DRNERLIC# DATE OF BIRTH __________ __

HERPRELATEDINTERESTS: ______________________________________________________ ___

TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP? NEW ____ RENEWAL __ __

MEMBERSHIP LEVEL? ____ SUSTAINING ..... $60.00

____ CONTRlBUTING ..... $30.00

---.lNSTITUTION .... $25.00

_---"'BASIC .... $15.00

Are you currently (or wiII be) a University of Minnesota student? __ (check if yes)

HOW OlD YOU HEAR OF MHS? ______________________________________________________ _

NewDesign Bull Snal<e T-Shirts

($14.00 each includes postage) Indicate how many of each size

SMALL___ MEDlUM___ LARGE___ X-LARGE___ XX-LARGE __ _

Please enclose payment. MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Minnesota Herpetological Society. Membership is for 12 months from date of joining. A receipt will he 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

MINNESOTA

HERPETOLOGICAL

SOCIETY BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

10 CHURCH STREET S. E. MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55455·0104

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUES1ED

+

+

1174 12/99 G Attn: MHS Recording Secretary 3224 Idaho Avenue S St. Louis Park, MN 55426

DELIVER BY APRIL 26,1995

+

+

Non-Profit Rate U. S. Postage

PAID Mpls.MN

Pennit No. 2275