MINNESOTA

HERPETOLOGICAL

SOCIETY

NEWSLE'lTER Vol. 18 No.1 JANUARY 1998

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY Newsletter Volume 18 Number 1

January 1998

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; • educate the members and the general public in the ecological role of reptiles and amphibians; • promote the study and conservation of reptiles and amphibians.

MHS Board of Directors President Vice president Recording Secretary Membership Secretary Treasurer Newsletter Editor Member at Large Member at Large Member at Large Member at Large Member at Large

Herp Assistance

George Richard Barbara Radanke BruceHaig Mark Schmidtke Marilyn Blasus Nancy Haig Fred Bosman Laurie Grassel James Rea Sarah Richard Roger Statz

(612) 639-6368 (612) 291-1132 (612) 434-8684 (612) 481 .. 0127 (612) 925-4237 (612) 434-8684 (612) 476-0306 (612) 428-4625 (612) 457-8107 (612) 639-6326 (612) 424-8816

Specific questions concerning amphibians and reptile are best answered by contacting the following individuals. Please Ix reasonable about the time of day and how frequently you call.

Large Boas and Pythons Tina Cisewski (612) 856-2865

Terrestrial Turtles Fred Bosman John Levell

Lizards Nancy Haig Bill Moss

Amphibians Greg Kvanbeck John Meltzer

Special Committees: Adoption Chair

Sarah Richard

(612) 476 .. 0306 (507) 467 .. 3076

(612) 434-8684 (612) 488-1383

(612) 388-0305 (612) 263 .. 7880 UP NORTI-l (Bemidji)

(612) 639 .. 6326

Snakebite Emergency Hennepin Co. Regional Poison Center (612) 347 - 3141 Minnesota Poison Control System Local: (612) 221-2113 Out of State: (800) 222 - 1222

Other snakes Jeff LeClere John Meltzer

Aquatic Turtles Gary Ash John Levell

Crocodilians Jeff Lang

(612) 488-6388 (612) 263 .. 7880

(612) 753 .. 0218 (507) 467-3076

(701) 772 .. 0227

Amphibians and reptiles in Minnesota Greg Kvanbeck (612) 388-0305 John Moriarty (612) 482 .. 8109

Jeff Korbel (218) 586-2588

Education Chair Sean Hewitt (612) 935 .. 5845

MHS Voice Mail (612) 624 -7065 E-mail: MinnHerps@aol.com Internet: http://www.onrampinc.nel/mhs/

The 1.1itm.esota Herpetologica15xiety Newsletter is published monthly by the rvlinnesota Herpetological Society, Publication deadline is the weekend of the general meeting. Submissions should be sent to : MRS Editor, c/o The Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104 Printed on recycled piper.

© Copyright Minnesota HerpetolOgical Society 1998. Contents may be reproduced for noll-profit use provided that all material is reproduced without change and proper credit is given authors and the h.fi--IS Newsletter citing; volume, number, and date.

MHS Newsletter Volume 18 Number 1

News, Notes & Announcements

Upcoming Meeting Highlights

February Program: White Snake Sale

No Guest Speaker:

Time to clean out the closets, the herp room and the garage! The Annual White Snake Sale is corning for next month's meeting. Any usable herp related item could become someone else's treasure or find of the evening. There will also be donation items from the Midwest Symposium and generous vendors.

Bring your cages, equipment, artwork, knickknacks, books, food items, etc. to the February meeting. Give them to the sales staff in the back of the room, including a list of the items and approximate sale price really helps speed things up. Put small sale items (jewelry, magnets, etc.) on a piece of cardboard so they won't get lost.

The middle section of seats will be roped off for the auction area. Get your name badge from the box, find a seat on the side and let the fun begin. This is a silent auction. When the are is opened, check out the items, if you see something you like write down your bid (increments of $.25) and your membership number (it's on your badge). Keep checking back in case someone raises your bid. A time limit will be established for each session of items. Final bid warnings will be announced before the session is closed. Those items will then be removed and tallied, please have patience until the totals are computed. All purchases must be paid for when you pick them up.

During the auction, please take time to enjoy the

PHOTO CONTEST ENTRIES

that will be on display and cast your votes. The wumers will be chosen by popular vote. Didn't enter any photos? There's still time to bring them with you on Friday night. Follow the contest rules for presentation.

LOCATION: Borlaug Hall, Room 335, U of M. St. Paul Campus

DATE/TIME: February 6, 1998, 7:00 PM

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Photo Contest Rules

There are four categories:

Herps in a Natural Setting Herps with People Photographs by professional photographers Miscellaneous styles

Entries must be: 1. 4H x6", 5"x7", B"xi0" mounted on

cardboard no larger than 11"xI4". 2. Identilied on the back with entrants name,

address, and category. Do not place names on the front of the prints.

3. Members may submit up to five prints

Contact Michelle Hewitt (935-5845) for further information concerning the contest or if you are submitting late entries on Friday night.

Thanks for the Cartoons

Eagle-eyed readers may have noticed the initials on the December issues' cartoons. For those who didn't, we featured the talents of Tom Jessen and Karin Rea.

Thanks to Committee Chairpersons

Adoption - Sarah Richard Education - Sean Hewitt Midwest Sym. Co-chairs - Liz Bosman

- Bill Moss Renaissance Co -chairs - Dennis Daly

Refreshments Library Meeting Sales Rodent Sales Holiday Banquet

Summer Picnic

Newsletter Folding Occasional Papers Website

- Franke Forstner - Nanette Jimerson - Karin Rea -Gary Ash - Tina Cisewski - Barb Radanke - Sarah Richard - Jody Statz - Roger Statz - James Rea - John Moriarty - Roger Statz

MHS Newsletter Volume 18 Number 1

Presidential Pabulum

By George Richard - MHS President

Well I hope everyone enjoyed the holiday season and you haven't broken too many New Years resolutions yet. It seems that many of us use this time of year to take stock of where we are, where we're going and how we want to get there. I'd like to take the opportunity to bend your ears regarding my view on the State of the Society and where we're going, and how we might get there.

Starting with the where we are: As of Jan 98 the membership of the MHS stands at 367 active members, 245 paying memberships up from 306 active members and 225 total paid memberships in Jan 97. We mailed out a record number of newsletters, 292 in Dec. 97 plus and an extra 200 to Midwest attendee's. Our Treasurer's report shows that besides being on stable financial ground, thanks to the success of the Midwest Symposium and other activities we are able to take an active roll in the support and funding of worthy projects.

The board was able to allocate $7500.00 in grants to Herpetological related projects at our last board meeting. On the Education front, in addition to the formidable task of holding literally dozens of hands-ons and complete responsibility for Como Cottage at Renfest, the MRS has presented programs for aninlal control officers on herps, raising our education efforts to even higher levels. The Adoption committee has begwl a professional intake program on animals and despite the difficulty of placing certain species has done an admirable job in their humane disposition. The Petstore/Iguana problems committee has found a consensus that will help chart a course of common action with other concerned parties. I'm sure I've omitted quite a bit from your accomplishments, but then this is supposed to be just a short overview.

Where are we going? That's the easy question, what the future holds is very clear. Either life or death, growth or diminishment, success or failure. The trick is in figuring out which one you want and how to get it. It's our choice's that shape our future. We also have to remember why we're here, to have fun. Our success so far has been phenomenal, we've earned it and we should enjoy. AIl our accomplishments make it easy to sit back, rest on our laurels, and enjoy the fruits of our success. Without continued growth though, new members, new ideas and new solutions, we'll begin to wither, fail and die as an organization.

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My vision for the society is fairly simple, help the herp across the road. From sponsoring educational seminars, holding hands-ons, or helping to lobby for an "Official State Reptile or Amphibian" to educating the public on the suitability of iguana's as pets, or helping to supply money to buy protected habitat there are hundreds of ways to learn and share and protect your hobby. Through education, preservation, cooperation and most importantly participation we will assure the future.

Help the Herp across the road. All our accomplishments so far have been made possible by just one person, and one person only, the volunteer. Without the volunteer we are no better than a bridge club that only has three members. Thank You.

GWR

January's "Critter of the Month"

Dan Keyler's special viper Lowland Viper Allzeris supercil/iaris

Help A Hapless Herp Finding homes this month were:

2 Newts 1 Russian Tortoise 1 Ball Python 1 Red-€ared Slider

a total of 5 animals found good homes

Still needing a horne: Iguanas

1 Burmese Python

Thanks everyone who applied for animals.

Refreshments

No one contributed for the January meeting.

We are looking for a volunteer to take over as Refreshment Chair for Nanette Jimerson. Nanette has served faithfully for many years and is due for a break. Anyone interested in this position should contact George Richard (639-6368).

Thanks to Refreshment Donors '97

Gloria Anton Andrea Braveko Fred & Liz Bosman Rae Fanilly Jan Larson & Chris Greens Grandmother!

MHS Newsletter Volume 18 Number 1

General Meeting Review Remarkable Reptiles Speaker: James Gerholdt

Jim Gerholdt started MHS's new year off right with his Remarkable Reptiles program. He has presented this youth oriented at MHS meetings in the past and it is always fun and interesting for everyone in the audience. A presentation donated to the annual White Snake Sale (February meeting) is a hotly contested item every year.

The program began with an invitation for all the children to come up front and sit on the floor. More than 20 came down inunediately with a few more trickling down later. One boy asked if the animals Jim brought were venomous even before the first one was brought out. He was told that none of them were but that didn't stop him from asking again as each one was brought out.

After quizzing the children on the five classes of reptiles, he described seeing tuataras for the first time several years ago while working at the San Diego zoo. They were kept in refrigerated containers to maintain the low temperatures they need despite the southern California climate. He also described having one of the first captive bred American alligators hatch in his hand at the same zoo. This led to a demonstration of some differences between crocodiles and alligators using small skulls of each. The alligator skull was also used to describe their "grab nose, drag and drown" technique for capturing prey. Alligator are good parents that guard their nests until the eggs hatch then dig the babies out and carry them to the water.

The next item displayed was a turtle shell that was used to show where a turtle's spine is and describe other details of turtle and tortoise anatomy.

By this time, the kids were getting a little anxious to See the live animals so Jim asked "how many like reptiles?" (all of them), "how many like to learn about them?" (unanimous again) and "how many like peanut butter?". This stumped them but the Gerholdt's had to eat 24 pounds of it to get enough containers for all the animals he brought to the meeting.

The first animal was a Russian tortoise that eats his vegetables. Jim told the kids to eat their vegetables too if they wanted to grow a nice shell like the tortoise. A fat box turtle was next. She had eaten so many worms during the previous summer that she can't shut her shell now. She has been with Jim for 16 years and her companion at home has been a captive for 25 years. The last turtle was a blanding's turtle

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By Bruce Haig Recording Secretary

t11at taps on the glass of his cage when he is hungry. He is not concerned by threats to flush him down the toilet if he gets too obnoxious. He has the phone number for the DNR and knows that he is a protected species.

After the turtles, the talk turned to lizards with a leopard gecko first. These guys store fat in their tales while the eating is good and can live off of it for 2 to 3 months if necessary. A blue tongued skink obligingly displayed it's bright colored tongue that it uses to smell and scare off predators. A glass lizard was used to demonstrate the differences between snakes and lizards. He can blink and listen with his ears which no snake can do. His ability to lose and re­grow his tail was not demonstrated however. Iguanas were mentioned but none were displayed because they make lousy pets despite being very tasty.

Now it was time to bring out some snakes. This drew cheers from the yOWlg audience in front. "Big or little?" they were asked and big got the most votes. A five foot Florida king snake that Jim adopted through the SOCiety a while ago delighted everyone. (No, it is not venomous) The children learned that it is capable of inflicting a nasty bite and how it kills it's prey by constriction. A western hognose snake (another MHS adoptee) was too tame to show how they play dead but a member of the audience helped out with a pretty good imitation. Skins from a king cobra and a Sri Lankan cobra were rolled out to show their patterns. The Sri Lankan has markings on the back of it's hood that look like a face. When it is threatened, it displays the back of it's hood to scare predators off rather than trying to bite. A pueblan milk snake was brought out to show the difference between it's pattern and that of a coral snake and a 12 - 13 year old amelonistic corn snake showed yet another pattern variation.

After the snakes were put away, Jim showed slides of tuataras, alligators, crocodiles, "Minnesota Fats" the record holding common snapping turtle and a variety of other reptiles. A picture of a Texas coral snake prompted one young person to declare that it "will hurt Jack" and another of a road killed rattlesnake with a huge rat that was found in it's stomach got the comment "no wonder it died".

Jim's talk was spiced with a lot of bad jokes (Why is there duck tape behind the cobra skins? Because they were starting to quack!) but we won't hold them against him.

MHS Newsletter Volume 18 Number 1

VITA-MORTEM REPORT A MedicaVEducati011 Report

As of the writing of this month's column, I am looking out the window at another cloudy day; this one with snow and temperatures that are supposed to keep faIling ... .1 have to say that I am feeling very happy about getting ready to go to Florida for the North American Veterinary Conference next week. The general idea is to gather herp (mostly reptile) information from the people who have been writing the books. The excuse is to gather more UVB's - hey, work with reptiles every day and some of their needs begin to rub off!!! Next month I will report on the latest cool info that I gather (unfortunately I haven't figured out a way to gather UVB's for distribution, but I will work on it!!!).

On a more solemn note: In October, 6 iguanas were taken to the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine (Un.Mn. CVM) for a wet lab on Iguana Medicine led by Dr. Terry Schweiss. Alumni from local and outs tate Minnesota and even California attended to gather some hands on experience. Some of these doctors had never seen or touched a large snake or lizard but were starting to get calls from reptile owners, so embraced the opportunity to get a closer look at them. Sarah Richard and I brought in a menagerie of critters as a mini hands on. Six iguanas were anesthetized and were neutered or spayed under the direction of Dr. Schweiss. They were then euthanized and necropsied (the term used for an autopsy on anything not human) for anatomy familiarity.

In November one large iguana went over to the CVM for a handling and basic physical exam techniques lab to about 25 eager vet students. He came home again a little more handled but no less ruffled from the experience.

For those of you not at the Dec. meeting, I showed an iguana that was brought in to the Surrender Program with a back that mimicked the "crooked little man" from Mother Goose. This iguana had been housed in a very expensive vivarium but somewhere along the line never got the light or diet to grow up correctly and ended up with a severe case of scoliosis (curvature of the spine). This iguana was euthanized and radiographed. The following Sunday, Sean Hewitt, Deb Piestrup and I opened him up to take a look at the inside. (Thank you to George Richard for running the digital and conventional

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By Dr. Janell Osborn, DVM

photography.) The iguana's spine was severely malformed, looking like a highway that I remember in the mountains near Calif. He had evidence of Aspergillosis (a fungus) of the left lung which progressed to include the entire contents of the left side of his abdomen (iguanas don't have diaphragms so what goes into the lungs often progress quite easily to the guts). He also showed signs of gout (please, no pinkies for herbivores!).

One reticulated python was euthanized due to adverse behavior - thank you to Tina Cisewski for diligently working with him in the hopes of smoothing out his attitude. Prior to euthanasia, the python was taken to St. Cloud where Dr. Vicki Kelner and I anesthetized him and performed a pseudo colostomy in practice for a blocked snake (some will eat anything). He was then necropsied and was found to have several foci (areas) of gout on/in the liver and pericardial sac (membranes around the heart). Liver and heart dysfunction can have an effect on attitude due to the inability to detoxify the blood and/or oxygenate the brain.

Iguanas continue to be brought in and I want to thank the people who have made room for "just a couple more". Dr. Barbara Ault (also a MHS member) and Dr. Lori Trist were part of a mini wet lab in neutering a large male iguana led by yours truly. Barb feels she may be able to place some of the large iguanas and preliminary studies dine by Dr. Douglas Mader show neutering the males may effectively reduce aggressiveness in the following breeding season. If neutering helps to place them, r d rather cut tltan kill. Thank you, Barb, for helping to find an alternative. By the way, the patient is doing well but since the only thing iguanas do fast is run, it will be about a month before he is able to have the stitches removed and go on to a new home.

Adieu, Dr. Jal/ell Osborn

Dr. Janell Osborn, DVM "Herpetocultural Housecalls"

(612) 599-5476

Veterinary Medicine for Reptiles and Amphibians

The Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting of the Minnesota Herpetological Society will be held March 6, 1998 at 7:00 pm in Room 335 BorJaug Hall on the University of Minnesota St. Paul Campus.

Part of the Meeting will be the election of a new Board of Directors for 1998 as determined by our Bylaws.

Membership Section 2.02 Active and Corresponding Members.

Active members shaIl be individuals who subscribe to the objectives and policies of this organization. Corresponding members shall be a corporation or organization that subscribe to the objectives and adhere to the policies of this organization.

Section 2.06 Active Member Rights. Active members shall be entitled to vote, shall be eligible to hold committee posts, and shaIl be entitled to all benefits of MHS. Active members shall be entitled to hold office provided that they are eighteen (18) years of age or older.

Elections Section 5.01 Selection of Candidates Officers and

Member-at large of the Board of Directors shall be elected from a slate of eligible candidates proposed by a nominating committee and other nomination made be made by any active member.

Section 5.02 Submission of Slate of Voters The slate of officers shaIl be submitted by the Chair of the Nomination Committee to the Recording Secretary at least thirty (30) days prior to the Annual Meeting. The Recording Secretary shaIl then prepare a ballot and distribute a ballot to every voting member at the Annual Meeting.

Section 5.03 Voting. Each active Member person shaIl be entitled to cast one vote. Any active Members may nominate one or more individuals to exercise the privileges of membership and shall have the right to change such nomination upon written notice.

Section 5.04 Counting the votes The Recording Secretary shall appoint a taIly committee of two (2) members who will tally the votes and sign a list of successful candidates. The Recording Secretary shaIl immediately notify all successful candidates. Candidates shall be elected by a simple majority of the baIlots cast. The baIlots shall be retained by the Recording Secretary for thirty (30 ) days for possible inspection by the Board of Directors.

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MHS Newsletter Volume 18 Number 1

March 6, 1998

Board of Directors Section 3.01 MHS Administration. MHS shall be

administered by a Board of Directors comprised of the elected officers, four active members-at­large and the immediate past president or the elected officers and five active members-at­large., all of whom are eighteen (18) years of age or older and whom shall be members of MHS in good standing. Determination will be dependent on the requirement that immediate past president be a one year term.

Officers Section 4.01 Officers. The officers of MHS shall be

President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Membership Secretary, Treasurer, and Newsletter Editor, all of whom shall be members of MHS in good standing.

Section 4.02 Term of Office. The officers and members-at-Iarge elected at the Annual Meeting of MHS as hereafter provided, shall serve for a period of one (1) year. Officers may serve only two (2) terrns consecutively. Newsletter Editor and Treasurer will have no limit to term length.

Nominations are open for the following positions:

President Vice President Recording Secretary Membership Secretary Treasurer Newsletter Editor Member-at-large (5 positions)

You must be present at the March 6, Annual Meeting in order to vote. Wear your name badge in order to receive your ballot.

If you are interested running for one of these positions or would like to nominate someone for a

position, please contact Mark Schmidtke (612 - 481 - 0127)

MHS Newsletter Volume 18 Number 1

The Year in Review 1997

Education Committee Report For Your Information .... By Sean Hewitt

1996 1997 % of Change 19%-1997

Number of Volunteers 55 46 -16% Number of Events 24 28 14% Avg. Number of Volunteers/Event 2.2 1.6 -27 Avg. Number of Hands-on/Month 2.6 3.1 16% A vg. Number of Hours/Volunteer 19 15 -21% Total Hours 1034 707 -32%

It's time to calculate all of those hundreds and hundreds of hours of hands-on time. Once again, our society has high overall volunteerism so everyone can give his or her selves a pat on the back. It is something to be very proud of. In the "Hand-ons Department", we revisited our favorites like:

University of Minnesota's Veterinary Open House (Apr 6), General Mills company picnic (Aug 12), MarketFEST (Iun 26 - Aug 7), Midwest Pet Fair (Apr 16-19) and Underwater World at Mall Of America (Oct 16 & 17), just to name a few. We also participated at some new places this year like Animal Control Symposium (Oct 9) and training (Dec 10). These two (lecture) hands-on events were exceptions for the year. Never before we have "thrown" our antmals on the floor and told the officers to "pick'em up." Speaking of lecture, we had seven "lecture" hand­ons this year and we only had one last year. I can tell this is going tu be a growing trend.

This year, I aggressively went after and accepted any hands-ons as you can tell by the chart above. A fourteen percent increase from the year before. And of course, now the bad news. In 1997, we hit a record: seven hands-ons events were canceled. 4 hand-ons were Como Zoo. 2 hand-ons were canceled because no one volunteered. An additional one was because there were two hands-on in one day (my fault). In 1996, no hand-ons were canceled. Overall hands-on total hours are down thirty-two percent. In my opinion, the following determinants for these numbers are:

1) One word ... symposium. 2) That there is a disinterest in hands-ons and! or

people are too busy. 3) That I overtaxed our society with too many

hands-ons. One note is that a year equals nine months not

twelve. Why? We usually do not have hands-on events in December, January or March. This tally only includes "my" hand-ons. It doesn't include Renaissance Festival, committee tinles, Board time or personal hand-ons.

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This coming year we already start with our foot in a hole. The Midwest Pet Fair has gone bankrupt so we (obviously) will not be having this hands-on. That will drastically cut down on the number of available hours for volunteers. Also, I have already turned down a couple hands-on in this year.

With that in the past, Minnesota Herpetological Society did a hands-on on January 10 at Phalen Center. The City of St. Paul invited us to a demolition ceremony of the strip mall. Years ago, this land used to be wetlands. Now, The City of St. Paul is taking the bold initiative and reclainring the wetland. I hope the herpetological society is invited back when the wetland is complete. I would like to thank Fred & Liz Bosman, Bruce & Nancy Haig, and Michelle Hewitt. Again, thank you very much. Thank you for showing your support in the community & environment.

Check out the Calendar of events for future "hands on" events. If anyone is interested give your Education Coordinator a call or if you are attend the next meeting find any other Board member or myself. We will be glad to help.

Thanks.SPH

Membership Report

We have 367 active members as of January 98

Since January 97, we've signed up 103 new members.

75 of our members have been active for more 10 or more years.

Of the 16 original founding members 10 are still active.

# of active members by year they joined:

99-98-5 97 -95 %-33 95-45 94-30 93-8 92-18 91-14 90-13

89-19 88-11 87 -7 86-15 85-9 84-5 83-14 82-10 81-16

by Mark Schmidtke

MHS Newsletter Volume 18 Number 1

The Year in Review 1997

Renaissance Festival Committee

Dear Herpers,

Again, 1'd like to thank all those who volunteered out at the MN Renaissance Festival (MRF) last season. Mid-America Festivals, the creators of MRF, were quite pleased with our organized efforts and enthusiasm. We had eighty MHS members rubbing elbows with royalty and rabble throughout the seven weekends. We gained a number of new members (Welcome!), and countless inquiries regarding the animals, as well as MHS ..... we are accomplishing our goals! I, for one, am quite proud with what progress was made. However, we could stand to see an additional forty to sixty people volunteering throughout this year's run (MRF is 22 acres) to be really visible. We are also looking for volunteers in the following areas:

1. Seamstresses & Tailors to work under our own Nancy Hakomaki, our "handy" interpreter. She's so multitalented.

2. Mason workers to finish rocking the chimney on cottage.

3. Garage sale-goers to keep an eye out for list of items to be posted in future newsletters.

4. Roofers & Construction workers pending favorable contract negotiations

Those wishing to volunteer these services will need to contact me (235-3964), and also look for notices in upcoming newsletters. Again, thank you everyone, for your support, enthusiasm, help in various issues, and friendship throughout the year. It truly wouldn't have happened without you.

Franke Forstner MHS Co-chair

The Newsletter Editor

I would like to take this time to thank everyone who contributed to the 1997 volume of the Minnesota Herpetological Society Newsletter. A newsletter is only as good as its contents and we were lucky to have steady contributors of major articles. Thank you to: Jeff LeClere, Rick Milas, John Levell, Roger Statz, Randy Blasus, Gary Casper, John Moriarty, Karin Rea, Torn Jessen, Sean Hewitt, Laurie Mahling, Jim Grier, Bill Moss, and Janell Osborn.

I would also like to thank the board and committee chair members for their efforts to make the deadlines and keep the newsletter timely. A special thank you to James Rea for his articles and work as Newsletter Folding Chairperson, without his effort you would not be holding this newsletter!

Thank you all. Nancy Haig 7

Distribution of the 1997 Midwest Herpetological Symposium Proceeds

$2,250 - Land Purchase - habitat protection The Nature Conservancy -Minnesota area

$1,500 - DNA Timber Rattlesnake Study- MN Dr. Dan Keyler

$1,000 - Blanding's Turtle Workshop -MN The Bell Museum

$900 - Juvenile Blanding's Turtle Study- Wis Gary Casper

$500 - Frog and Toad Tape -Identification of MN. calls The Minnesota Frog Watch

$500 - Frog and Toad Leaflet-Identification for MN. The Bell Museum

$500 - Laneboro's Living Museum of Natural History, MN. Frog Pond John Levell

$250 - Herpetological Survey, Fillmore Co. MN. John Levell

$100 - State Amphibian and Reptile Lobby The Minnesota Frog Watch

$7,500 - Proceeds from Symposium to be issued before March 1998.

There were many worthwhile projects and organizations that responded to our invitation for funding. Randy Blasus compiled an outstanding review of each request and the Board of Directors voted in favor of the above disbursements.

As part of our ongoing purpose to promote the study and conservation of reptiles and amphibians we will continue to review requests for funding and offer the support of our organization. We will be publishing more detailed explanations concerning the chosen projects. Those projects that did not get immediate ftmding may be better served by direct donations from the membership or future fund drives by the society. A brief review of those projects and contact addresses will be printed in future newsletters.

The tremendous participation of the membership at the Midwest Symposium and the generous contributions of vendors as well as the ongoing fund raising throughout the year has made these contributions possible. Remember this at the White Snake Sale, have fun and enjoy knowing your purchases are going to good causes.

MHS Newsletter Volume 18 Number 1

State Amphibian and Reptile Information By John Moriarty

STATE AMPHIBIAN

NORTHERN LEOPARD FROG (Rana pipiens)

The Northern Leopard Frog is the best known frog in Minnesota. It is found in every county of the State. They are the best studied frog in the State with over 150 publications dealing with Northern Leopard Frogs. Major researchers of Northern Leopard Frogs include Professors Robert McKinnell, David Merrill and David Hoppe of the University of Minnesota.

Northern Leopard Frogs have two spot pattern variations. The Burnsi phase is spotless and the Kandiyohi phase has extra black between the spots. Both of the phases were described from Minnesota in the 1920's. Northern Leopard Frogs are the most economically important Minnesota frog in both the bait trade and biological supply business.

Northern Leopard Frogs play an important role in the ecosystem as a major predator on many species of Invertebrates, including pest species, such as grasshoppers. They are also a prey item for many wildlife species, including walleye, northern pike, largemouth bass, raccoon, mink, and herons.

Additional information on the Northern Leopard Frog can be found in Amphibians and Reptiles Native to Minnesota by Barney Oldfield and John Moriarty (1994, Univ. of MiImesota Press).

Designating Northern Leopard Frogs as state amphibian will increase public awareness towards frogs and Otl,er amphibians. This will show Minnesota's commitment to the protection of its envrrorunent.

State amphibian designation will also help in promoting education to children on the needs and importance of amphibians. This will aid iIl the protection of amphibians and their habitats.

For more information contact Minnesota Frog Watch at 1 (800) 888-2182 or (612) 523-2812. http://cgee.hamline.edu/frogs.

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STATE REPTILE

BLANDING'S TURTLE (Emydoidea blandingii)

The Department of Natural Resources list Blanding's Turtle as a Threatened species in Minnesota. They have been reported from over half the counties in Minnesota. The larger populations are in central and southeast Minnesota.

Minnesota has the largest population of these turtles. Minnesota has protected populations at four major areas ( Camp Ripley, Sherburne NWR, Carlos Avery WMA, Weaver Dunes SNAjMcCarthy Lake WMA).

The oldest Blanding's Turtle, at 75+ years, is from Pine County. The largest Blanding's at over eleven inches is from Camp Ripley. The only reported albino for the species is from Washington County. The highest known density of Blanding's is found in Wabasha County.

Blanding's Turtles have been widely studied in Minnesota, . including a recent $100,000.00 study at Camp Ripley.

Blanding's Turtles are a symbol of healtlly large ecosystems. They need large areas of land without fragmentation due to roads, housing or agriculture.

Additional information on the Blanding's Turtle can be found in Amphibians and Reptiles Native to Minnesota by Barney Oldfield and John Moriarty (1994, Univ. of Minnesota Press).

Designating Blanding's Turtles as state reptile will increase public awareness of turtles and other reptiles. TIris will also show Minnesota's commitment to the protection of its environment.

For more information contact Minnesota Frog Watch at 1 (800) 888-2182 or (612) 523-2812. http:! j cgee.hamline.eduj frogs.

MHS Newsletter Volume 18 Number 1

State Amphibian and Reptile Information By John Moriarty

Other State Amphibians and Reptiles

State Amphibian Reptile

Alabama Alabama Red Bellied Turtle

California Desert Tortoise

Florida Alligator

Kansas Tiger Salamander Ornate Box Turtle

Louisiana Alligator

Maryland Diamond-back Terrapin

Michigan Painted Turtle

Nevada Desert Tortoise

New Hampshire Newt

North Carolina Eastern Box Turtle

Ohio Black Racer

South Carolina Loggerhead Sea Turtle

Tennessee Cave Salamander Eastern Box Turtle

Texas Horned Lizard

For more information concerning lobbying for a State Amphibian and Reptile contact:

John J.Moriarty Minnesota Frog Watch 3800 Co. Rd. 24 Maple Plain, MN 55359 USA (612) 476-4663 (612) 476-1514 fax frogs@tc.umn.edu

9

How you can help in the getting the State Amphibian and Reptile named.

1. Write or call your state representative, senator, and the governor. If you do not know who your

legislators are you can call the legislature at 296-2146 or 1-800-657-3550 or on the web at

www.house.leg.state.mn.us www.senate.leg.state.mn.us

Their mailing addresses:,

Representatives: Rep., ____ _ State Capital

Senators:

Governor:

75 Constitution Ave. S!. Paul, MN 55155

Sen.,--::c---:---:--__ State Capital 75 Constitution Ave. S!. Paul, MN 55155

Gov. Carlson State Capitol 75 Constitution Ave. St. Paul, MN 55155

2.Have your children write letters or send drawings of Blanding's Turtles and Northern Leopard Frogs to the same people.

3. Have your children get their class to write letters or send drawings to the Governor.

When you write your letters you can include some of the information on the reference sheets for the Blanding's Turtle and Northern Leopard Frog.

Include your own personal reasons. The letters do not have to be technical, but they should be origInal. Forms letters do not work.

HOW TO GET YOUR SCHOOL INVOLVED

Write or call your state representative, senator, and the governor. Drawings of Northern Leopard Frogs or Blanding's Turtles could be sent by students to the legislatures. A large drawing could be sent by a class. If you do not know who your legislators are see instructions above.

The process of naming a State Amphibian and Reptile can be used by a class to :

1. Increase their awareness of amphibians and reptiles and their habitats.

2. Increase their awareness of other conservation issues

3. Show how participatory government works and the power of grass roots lobbying

4. Show how a bill becomes law

MHS Newsletter Volume 18 Number 1

Salmonella Poster I Dr. James Grier, from the Zoology Department of North Dakota State University, Fargo. NO., included this notice in an article published in the Bulletin of the Chicago Herpetological Society Vo1.28, number 3, March 1993. He has kindly given permission for it to be copied and used where ever it may be needed.

NOTICE: SALMONELLA BACTERIA IN REPTILES

Reptiles, just like people and other animals, carry a wide variety of bacteria. These bacteria may include some in the Salmonella group. Under some circumstances at least some types of bacteria in this group can cause the disease known as salmonellosis. But we do not believe that most of the strains commonly found in reptiles pose a significant health risk either to the reptiles the~mselves or to otherwise normal and healthy persons who come into contact with them.

As precautions, however, we advise the following:

1. ALL PERSONS TOUCHING OR HANDLING SNAKES OR OTHER REPTILES OR MATERIALS THAT HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH THESE ANIMALS SHOULD WASH THEIR HANDS CAREFULLY AFTERWARDS.

2. YOUNG CHILDREN (UNDER 5 YEARS OF AGE) SHOULD BE SUPERVISED IN THEIR CONTACT WITH THE ANIMALS AND WITH REGARD TO SUBSEQUENT HYGIENE.

3. ANYONE WHO IS SICK OR HAS A WEAKENED IMMUNE SYSTEM­PARTICULARL Y PERSONS WITH HIVIAIDS-SHOULD NOT TOUCH OR HANDLE SNAKES, OTHER REPTILES, AMPHIBIANS, OR MATERIALS THAT HAVE BEEN IN CONTACT WITH THESE ANIMALS.

10

MHS Newsletter Volwne 18 Nwnber 1

M.H.S. Business

January Board of Directors Meeting By Bruce Haig, Recording Secretary

Treasurer's Report of December 1997 Prepared by Marilyn Brooks Blasus

The MHS Board of Directors met January 10 1998 at the U of M Student Union. A quorwn was present.

The options for donating the proceeds from the Thirteenth Annual Midwest Herpetological Symposiwn were selected. These are listed elsewhere in this newsletter.

Nancy Haig has prepared a summary of MHS policies that have been previously passed by the MHS board of directors. This was discussed, amended and added to with the objective of adopting the finished product as the comprehensive list of current policies. The board got through about half of it in January and the rest will be covered at the February board meeting. .

Mark Schmidtke volunteered to be the nomination committee chairperson for the board elections coming up in March. All members that are interested in running for any office should contact him.

It was decided to purchase a new saddle stapler to replace the ones which have been worn out in the process of producing the newsletter.

Presented and accepted: Recording Secretary Report and Treasurers Report.

Beginning checkbook balance:

Income: Membership: Raffle Sales Rodent Sales Donations Fines Others(h.banquet)

Total income:

Expense: Newsletter Mise. prt./post. Program Library Supplies Refreshments Sales costs Donation Other (bqt,midw, ck)

Total Expense: Net income/ (loss)

Ending checkbook balance:

495.00 31.12

0.00 299.50 25.00

2.00 245.00

310.00 0.00

85.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

621.97

Funds allocated to unpaid expenses Funds available

MHS Coming Events

Note Later Dates for January Meetings

17,007.63

1097.62

1,016.97 80.65

17,088.28 7,500.00 9,588.28

February 6, 1998 MHS General Meeting, White Snake Sale and Photo Contest, 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M, st. Paul Campus, 7:00p.m.

February 7, 1998 MHS Board of Directors Meeting. U of M Student Union, st. Paul Campus 7:00 p. m.

March 6, 1998 MHS Annual Meeting and General Elections

Hands On

Contact Sean Hewitt (612) 935-5845 for further information of Hands On events.

11

MHS Newsletter Volume 18 Number 1

Classified Advertisements 1.0.0 = male, 0.1.0 = female, 0.0.1 = unsexed, cb = captive bred, obo= or best offer

For Sale: Classified ads are free to the membership. Deadline is the night of the general meeting to be included in the next newsletter. Contact Nancy Haig 434-8684 to leave ad or mail to: rvtHS Editor, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St., SE, Mimleapolis, MN, 55455

Don't know what to do with that Christmas money you got?- Get a snake! '97 baby red & black cornsnakes '97 baby Pueblan milksnakes '97 baby nigriteus - very little white 2 yr. old pueblan milksnake 3 yr. old nigriteus (Mexican Black Kingsnake) Adult pair of Sinaloan Milksnakes Call Ann 489-7853

0.1.0 Bearded Dragon: June '95 hatch, very healthy, good temperment. $150 or offer. 1.0.0 Girdled Lizard: unknown age, nice small display lizard. $15. Michael 754-8241

0.0.4 Bullsnakes, Pituopitis lIlelanoleucus, cb Sept 3, 1997, feeding on pinkies. $20.00 each. Contact Gordon Merck (612) 531-8256

(Cl1alllaeleo calyptrahIS), Veiled Chameleons, hatched Oct. 97,- Males & Females, very heaIthy- Guaranted. $40.00 each. Contact Vern 428-4625

Jackson Chameleon (ClUlllleleo jacksonii) Captive bred Male, 2 month old $60.00 Call Vern 428 -4625

Brazilian Rainbow Boas, Epicrates c. cencllria, born 21 November 1997, well-started. $200. Steph Porter (612) 690-2589

2 yr. old Red-foot tortoise $1501 (obo) 1.1 adult snow corns $200. 1.1 adult ghost corns $200. Call to see what other phases of corns I got for sale, top. Call 1- 800- 627-3529 and have them ask for Marty at (507) 334-0463.

12

Frozen Rabbits - all sizes. Prices very reasonable­pinkies to adults. Jim Daluge (612) 295-2818

English Spot Dutch

Jim's Rabbit Shack Where Spots Are Tops

Polish

Wanted:

JIM DALUGE 8700 Jaber Ave. N.E. Monticello, MN 55362

(612) 295·2818

Renaissance Festival Goers

If you want your own costume for Renaissance Festival, contact Michelle Hewitt (935 -5845).

Orders taken from now until June. Need to provide all the materials or reimburse me for them. Mostly peasant. Fee based on order, costume quality.

MRS Rodent Sales Mice

Pinkies Fuzzies Hoppers Adults

$6.00 dozen $6.00 dozen $7.50 dozen $9.00 dozen

Rats Small Pups $10.00 dozen Large Pups $15.00 dozen Adults $12.00 six

$24.00 dozen

For pick up at monthly meetings only. Orders must be placed at least one week in advance of date of meeting at which the frozen rodents are to be delivered. Place orders with Tina (Rat Girl) Cisewski at (612) 856-2865 ..

All proceeds go toward the operating costs of the society. The MHS is a completely volunteer run, non~profit

organization.

Advertising Policies MHS Meeting Location MHS Ad Policy: The MHS assumes NO RESPONSIBILITY regarding the health or legality of any animal, or the quality or legality of any product or service advertised in the MHS Newsletter. Any ad may be rejected at the discretion of the Newsletter Editor. Due to space limitations, tmpaid and complimentary advertisements are subject to occasional omission.

Classified Ads: All active members are allowed a classified ad, run free of charge as space permits. Ads may be run (3) consecutive months, after which time they may be resubmitted. Corresponding members are allowed a complimentary business card advertisement monthly as space permits.

Display Ad Rates: Ad Size per Month % page $10.00 J.2 page $20.00

full page $40.00 Business card advertisements may be purchased at $5.00 per ad, per month.

Submissions: All advertisements should be submitted to the MHS Editor, Ben Museum of Natural History, 10 Church SI. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Deadline is the night of the General Meeting for inclusion in the next newsletter. Make checks payable to: Minnesota Herpetological Society

New Renewal Membershi #

fo Snelling--3'P-

Meetings are the 1" Friday of the month.

..... N

Rm. 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M St. Paul Campus Start time: 7:00 p.m. MHS Voicemail: (612) 624 - 7065 Internet: http://www.onrampinc.netlmhs/

Membershi lication

T e Check #

Name ______________________________________ __

Address _______________________________________ _

City ________________________ State Zip ______ _

Phone __________________________ .email List in MHS Directory? __ Yes __ No

Herp related interests ________________________________________________________________ _

Active Memberships: ____ Sustaining ($60/yr) ___ Contributing ($30/yr) ___ Basic ($15/yr)

Corresponding Memberships: ___ Gold Commercial ($1 OO/yr 2 full pg. ads) ___ Bronze Commercial ($50/yr2 1/4pg ads)

___ Silver Commercial ($75/yr 2 1/2 pg. ads) ___ Basic Commercial ($25/yr 2 Bus cards)

Required check inf. Drivers Lic # State DOB _______ _ Please enclose the proper payment with your application. MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY. Membership is for 12 months from the date of approval, a receipt will be sent only upon request. MAIL TO: Minnesota Herpetological Society, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Please allow 6 - 8 weeks for processing.

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH STREET SE,

MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55455-0104

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

... ~.~

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