October 1999 Newsletter

Upcoming Meeting Tire Vice President's Report November Program: "Herpetology: A Photographic Potpourri" Guest Speaker: Jim Gerholdt

As the old adage goes, "today we have good news and we have bad news."

First for the bad news; Dr. Robert Powell of Avila College, the scheduled speaker for November's Minnesota Herpetological Society meeting, unexpectedly has had to cancel his appearance due to totally unavoidable circumstances. Now for the good news, MHS founding member Jim Gerholdt has graciously agreed to "pitch hie and provide us a program despite what it is obviously extremely short notice.

Although most MHS members are familiar with Jim via his ever popular "The Remarkable Reptiles" presentations and many know he was our society's original and longest serving newsletter editor, quite a few probably do not realize that Jim is an accomplished photographer as well. Indeed, it is now virtually impossible to pick up a single recently released amphibian and reptile magazine without seeing at least one of Jim's photos gracing its pages.

At the upcoming meeting, jim will take us on a whirlwind herpetological tour via a selection of his more memorable and unusual pictures. Knowing his interest in everything from easily overlooked regional species to the most exotic and spectacular herpetofauna in the world including one of my personal favorites, the Aruba

THE MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

Island Rattlesnake, there can be little doubt that we'll all in for an unforgettable visual feast.

So if you want to see some remarkable photos of both common and not so common amphibians and reptiles, plan on attending this upcoming meeting. Knowing Jim's enthusiasm for the wonderful world of herpetology, I think we'll just barely miss Bob (don't worry Dr. Powell, you'll get here sooner or later) and there's no way anyone will leave disappointed.

With members as talented and dedicated as Jim Gerholdt, it is easy to see why the MHS is one of the finest herpetological groups in the country. Thanks Jim, we owe you one! - JPL

Date: November 5, 1999 Time: 7:00 PM. Location: Borlaug Hall, Room 335, U of M st. Paul Campus

Sean McKeown Fund

Thanks to some last minute additions, the MHS will be donating $390.00 to the Sean McKeown Special Fund. For those that would still like to contribute- Send your donations directly to :

Sean McKeown Special Fund Bank of America, Los Osos Branch #1710 1076 Los Osos Valley Road Los Osos, CA 93402-3237 Attn: Beverly

Cards and letters may be sent to:

1520 Sand Hill Road, #301 Palo Alto, CA 94305

Volume 19 Number 10

Thanks for the refreshments.

September's Meeting had a great surprise... someone brought refreshments to share. Thanks to Laurie Grassel for the treats. Some long term members may remember when this was the standard policy, alas we no longer have a refreshments chair to organize the drinks and goodies. Perhaps someone would like to volunteer again for this position. If you would like to try it contact Bill Moss

Want to learn about ?

A comprehensive guide to the captive care of Green Iguanas. 671 pages Normally retailing around $32.00 we will be selling them for $22.00 to the membership at the General Meetings.

If you've been wanting to adopt an Iguana but didn't know how to care for it here's a great book to get you started.

Board of Directors

President Bill Moos (651) 488-1383

Vice President John Levell (507) 467-3076

Recording Secrelary Julie Beauvais (612) 321-0058

Membership Secrelary Mark Schmidtke (651) 481-m27

Treasurer Marilyn Blasus (612) 925-4237

Newsletter Editor NancyHaig (612) 434-ll684

Past President George Richard (651)639~

~enibersat~ge

JodiAhems (612) 588-9329 Nancy Hakomaki (612) 203-5295 Gordon Merck (612) 566-2001 Janel! Osborn (651) 455-6540

Committees

Adoption Sarah Richard (651) 639~26

Education JanLarson (507) 263-4391

Northern Minnesota Jeff Korbel (218) 586-2588

Occasional Papers John Moriarty (651) 482-8109

Rodent Sales TIna. Gsewsld (612) 856-2865

He!!! Assistance

Amphibians Greg Kvanbek (651) 388-{)3()5 John Meltzer (612) 263-7880 John Moriarty (651) 482-8109

Chameleons Vern & laurie Grassel (612) 428-4625

Crocodilians JefiLang (701) 772-{J}27

lizards NancyHaig (612) 434-ll684

Big lizards, Monitors Bill Moss (651) 488-1383

Large boas, Pythons Tina Cisewski (612) 856-2865

Other snakes JefiLeOere (651) 488-6388 John Meltzer (612) 263-7880

Aquatic Turtles Gary Ash (612) 753-0218 John Levell (507) 467-3076

Terrestrial Turtles Fred Bosman (612) 476-il106 John Levell (507) 467-3076

The Minnesota Herpetological Society

Bell Museum of Natural History 10 Church Street, SE,

Minneapolis Minnesota, 55455-0104

Voice Mail: (612) 624-7065 Email: MinnHerps@aol.com

Internet http://www.onrampinc.net/mhs /

October 1999 Volume 19, Number 10

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.

The Minnesota Herpetological Society is a non-profit tax-exempt organization. Membership is open to all individuals with an interest in amphibians and reptiles. The Minnesota HerpetolOgical Society Newsletter is published monthly to provide its members with information concerning the society's activities and a media for exchanging information" opinions and resources.

General Meetingu are held at Borlaug Hall, Room 335 on the St Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota, on the first Friday of each month (unless there is a holiday conflict). The meeting starts at 7:00 pm and lasts about three hours. Please check the MHS Voicemail for changes in schedules or cancellations.

Submissions to the Newsletter Ads or Notices must be submitted no later than the night of the General Meeting to be included in the next issue. Longer articles will be printed as time and space allows. All active members are allowed a classified ad, run free of charge as space pennits. Business cards are run for $5.00 per month. Items may be sent to: or Emailed to:

The Minnesota Herpetological Soctety Attn: Newsletter Editor Bell Museum of Natural History 10 Church St, SE Minneapolis, MN. 55455-0104

bruchaig@citiJink .com

Snakebite Emergency The Snakebite Emergency has changed

Hennepin Regional Poison Center 1 - (800) - 764 -7661

This should work for both local and out state calls

Copyright.Minnesota Herpetological Society 1999. Contents may be reproduced for non-profit use provided that all material is reproduced without change and proper credit is given authors and the M.HS Newsletter citing: volume, number and date.

MHS News/eller Volume 19 Number 10

NEWS, NOTES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Critter Of The Month

Jake Jacobsen

Sarah Richard

DeanBowman

Wood Turtles Clemmys illsculpta

"Cleo" Nile Monitor Varanus niloticus

Babies & ad. Female Star Tortoises

Geocheloue elegans

John Levell Baby Rosy Boas Lichanura trivirgata

"Dad" and baby Leopard Geckos Eublepharis macularis

Mike Howard Mangrove Monitor Varanus indicus

Black & White Tegu Tupinamms teguixill

Thanks to Raffle Donors

Shannon Bauman Notepads

John & Connie Levell

Help a Hapless Herp

Animals available at the Sept meeting:

1 Sm Nile Monitor 1 Asian Temple Turtle 7 red-eared sliders 9 Common Boas 5 Green Iguanas 1 Albino Burmese Python

The only one adopted was the

Asian Temple Turtle

Overabundant animals may be dealt with at the discretion of the adoption committee with approval of the Board. Some of the turtles and common boas will be examined at an upcoming vet lab at the U of M Veterinary School. The 5 Green Iguanas will be used as study subjects and euthanized.

If you are interested in adopting animals please contact Sarah Richard at (651) 639-6326.

"Gator Day"

Another group of "Adoption Animals" as well as some privately owned crocodilians will be heading for St Goud. The idea is to give vet students up there an experience in taking blood samples and giving exams to live subjects. Our animals will benefit from having a check-up and a small adventure. It could be sometime late October or in November. Contact Dr. Janell Osborne (320) 251-2494 for more information.

New Education Chairperson Named

Those at the September Meeting were informed that Education Chairperson Sean Hewitt had announced his retirement from that long held position. President Bill Moss asked for volunteers to fill the position. We are happy to announce that Jan Larson has stepped forward. Her appointment was approved at the Sel'tember Board Meeting.

Take the time to say­"Thanks Sean!"

As Sean might say: "It's been awesome!/I During his four years as Education chairperson Sean expanded our presentations to include: Marketfest, Petfair, Mall of America/Undersea World, and Scoutfest We~ve shown our animals at company picnicsr nature centers, schools, the Humane Society, community celebrations, the Science Museum, the Bell Museum and the Renaissance Festival. My favorite was teaching Animal Control Officers how to catch a large snake or iguana that is loose in a room full of people. That was a new definition of Hancw­On!

Sean also weathered the difficult revisions of our policies and rules conceming the MRS and public functions. Although some may feel we do not need a lot of regulations in

3

our society, we do .need to protect the MRS and ourselves against the harsh reality of liabilities in the world around us. Sean put in many hours to see that things ran smoothly, that problems did not become bigger problems and that the MRS could be proud of ali our presentations. (Sometimes Sean and Michelle Hewitt and their carload of animals were the only ones showing upfor a Hands-On. We owe them all a big thanks.)

In Case You Didn't Know

The Education Chairperson acts as a contact person with the outside. world. They organize our Public Education programs such as Hands­On(s), recruit MRS members to "staff' the programs and are respOnsible for all the background detalls necessary for a successful event . .

Hands-On(s) are an important function of t'le MRS. They fulfill our major goals of: educating the public to the value of reptiles and amphibians; pr<?moting the conservation and preservation of reptiles and amphibians; and infonning reptile owners of the proper care for their animals.

But the rewards are not just from entertaining and educating the public, or the monetary donations gained from photos (with a snake), or a generous listener. There is a lot to be said for learning enough about your animal in order to· share it with someone who probably wouldn't spare a moments thought to it otherwise. There is the chance to meet and learn about other MRS members and their animals and interests. Best of all by sharing a common experience, many lasting friendships have been made.

So take the time to say Jlthank you":

to Sean Hewitt for all his hard work to Michelle Hewitt for all her help

and to Jan Larson for stepping forward and volunteering. Better yet, after thanking Jan, ask her how ~ can help outi -ed.

MHS Newsletter Volume 18 Number 10

FROM OUR MEMBERS HERP SITING ON THE WEB

By Jodi Patnoe

Reptiles & Amphibians of Minnesota http:// earthvision.asu.edu/:ioe/min nesota-Herpetology /index.html

Internet Resource Guide for Zoology http:// www.york.biosis,orgizrdocs/ zoolinfo/zoolininfo.html

Wow! This site is mammothl 1his site is so big I don't even know where to begin. I definitely can not tell you everything it has to offer. 1his site is all1inks. You can find anything from Arthropods to Zoos & Wildlife Parks. Of course there are reptiles and amphibians.

1his site is wonderful! I have known about this site for quite some time now & just haven't had the time to write an article. When I first saw this site it was under heavy construction & I have gotten to watch the progression over the summer. This site was well worth the wait The photos on the site are spectacular! This site offers:

Under each animal you can find

• Status • Descriptions • Subspecies • Range • Habitat • Habits

• Food If you like Kingsnake.com make sure and check out the forum page. They have added quite a few new ones. If you do go on the forums make sure and look for postings by Wes Van Papineau. He posts newspaper articles about reptile & amphibians. Some are scientific & some are absolutely hilarious.

• • • • • • • • •

Home Amphibians Frogs & toads Salamanders Reptiles Turtles Lizards Snakes Contacts\References

• References I really like the Range descriptions. The author goes as far as to tell you which counties & sometimes the specific location in a county.

As always I am looking for new websites. Any info email me at epatnoe@isd.net Happy herpsiting

1999 'Renaissance (festival 'Book Quotes By Michelle Hewitt

As most of you know Renaissance Festival ended it's last run for the millennium with a large Huzzah! on September 26th• This run was one of our best yet And keeping with tradition, we had the infamous Book of Stupidity available to record all of the interesting "facts" the public gives us throughout the run. This article is the first of two- yes we got that many new entries. I need to remind all of you that these remarks were heard by our members and did not require any embellishments to make them candidates for entry into the book.

So, to start us off, the first entry we got for this season was early because we participated in Dress Press weekend which is where Festival wines and dines the news media for a few hours and gives them a preview of the year. After explaining to a patron the difference between a boa and python is that boas have live young, the patron remarked, "So the boa is a mammal?" (Obviously biology is not this person's strong subject).

These are a few of the snake ones that are common· Patron: What kind of snake is that? Volunteer: A Columbian Boa Constrictor. Patron: So, where is it from?

"Does that snake jump?"

(After being told the animal was a fox snake) "So, it eats foxes right?" Of course, you can not forget the typical reply to any com snake owner- "So it eats corn, right?"

"Do they eat in water?" (looking at a large Burmese python)

"Will it sting me?" (once again, looking at the Burmese python)

An all time contender for mass exodus out of the gene pool was this patron who said: "Don't handle snakes around bees. The bees will smell the snake on you and attack. I got stung a whole bunch

of times once after handling a king snake." (Now, anyone who has worked out there at all knows exactly how many bees were probably hovering around that

person's soda while they were Saying this.) (continued all p. 9)

4

The Herpin' Lifestyle

Fun Herping Perils

I'd like to dedicate this article to my friends who wear shorts when they go herping. I've learned so much from them.

Poison ivy: Initial exposure poison ivy may not produce a reaction. TItis often leads people to believe that they are immune to minimized., it at least until they try picking it by hand. It grows everywhere, but many outdoors people don't know what it looks like. In the bluff country that I frequently herp, it forms a vine on hardwood trees and reaches forty feet. My advice for avoiding it is not to swing from the vines like Tarzan.

Stinging Nettle: TItis menace is usually found along stream and rivers bottoms, and some varieties are as tall as you by mid-summer. I have found that this stuff can sting right through denim jeans. Nettle seems to affect people differently. For me, the pain is intense, but brief. For others, the effects are more severe. The antidote for stinging nettle is to grab a handful of the leaves and mash them onto the affected area. Pretty macho, huh?

Chiggers: After a day of walking in grassy areas, particularly bluff prairies, you may find yourseU scratching profusely around your ankles and waist These little guys burrow into your skin in areas of tight clothing. Some people apply nail polish to the affected areas, thinking that they will cause the chiggers to suffocate. Don't waste your time. The chiggers are already dead by the time you feel the itch, which is caused by their decomposing little bodies.

Swimmer's itch: My personal favorite. You are most likely to get swimmers itch after wading or swimming in still, (occasionally clean appearing) water. Unlike chiggers, swimmer's itch is not confined to the ankles and waist, but occurs on whatever part of your body was submerged. While there seem to be different types of swimmer's itch, which vary in intensity and duration, the itching is generally nothing short of spectacular. After spending an afternoon snorkeling for mudpuppies in a cool, clear northern lake, I encountered my own worst case of swimmer's itch. The only part of me that was unaffected was the area that was covered by my mask; my body looked as though it had been through a meat grinder. The itching was, at best indescribable, and I actually had a fever for about a week. As I know of no reasonable way to avoid it (staying out of the water is not reasonable), I would recommend simply that if you get swimmer's itch.. that you wear it proudly.

Mosquitos: Mosquitos are little northwoods treats that I find more irritating than just about anything. When you are walking through the woods, they are usually tolerable. But stop to flip a rotten log. and they will swarm you, getting on your face and under your glasses, forcing you to slap yourself in the face with muddy hands, smearing your glasses, and so forth. When you are crouched low to the ground, trying to get a shot of some cool salamander <all of which seem to live in the most mosquito infested areas imagin­able), they will swarm your hands, making photography nearly impossible. Mosquitos can't be avoided, but their effects can be minimized. Do not wear repellent, as it is highly toxic to herps, especially

5

MHS Newsletter Volume 19 Number 10

By Greg Kvanbek

amphibians. Wear long pants, boots, and socks, along with a heavy flannel shirt You'll also need a headnet, tucked into your collar, which should be buttoned to the top. Latex gloves, the thin, tight fitting type, will protect your hands while allowing you to handle delicate little herps. I know this wardrobe sounds hot but just imagine how great you'Ulook

Wasps, hornets: When you find a bunch of wasps under a board or something. your best strategy is to run. This is no time for a gee-whiz­casual-stroU-away-from-this-spot sort of a walk. This is no time to act civilized. Run! The same applies if you are pulling on a stump or log and suddenly hear a "humming" sound. Don't stand around with your thumb up your uhh, nose trying to figure out where that noise is coming from. If they catch you, they will sting you repeatedly. They will crawl up your pants and down your shirt. The more times you are stung. the more sensitive you will be to future stings. However, if you do get away, and your herpin' buddy doesn't notice, he or she will probably

fall for the old "hey why don't you flip that board over there1t trick.

MHS Newsleller Volume 19 Number 10

In Search O/The Hellbender:

A Lesson in Biodiversity

From June 23 to July 1, 1999, herpetologists from across the nation and around the world gathered at Pennsylvania State University to attend the Joint meetings of the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles (SSAR), the Herpetologises League (HL), and the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists (ASIH). Several graduate students from Southeastern Louisiana University (including myself) attended these meetings. We left Louisiana two days before the meetings; the five of us would spend dose to 22 hours in a van together. No doubt this would tum into an interesting experience.

With time to kill, we scanned through Conant and Collins' field guide, to get an idea of what sort of herping we might be able to do once we arrived. As it turns out, Penn State University is snuggled within the foothills of the Appalachian mountains and the diversity of amphibians in this region is astounding. Wood turtles (Clemmys inscupta), Timber rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus), Milk snakes (Lampropeltis triangulum), and Hellbenders (Cryptobranchus alleganiensisl were on our list to find and photograph.

Hellbenders are one of the most unique amphibians in the United States. They belong to the Family Cryptobranchidae, which includes some of the largest amphibians in the world. For example, the only living relatives of the hellbender are two species of giant salamanders, which occurs in China and Japan. The Japanese giant salamander (Andrias japonicas) is truly a giant, reaching a maximum of 5 feet in total length. The hellbender, in contrast most commonly reaches 15 to 20 inches, occasionally approaching two feet or larger. They are generally a brown to reddish brown color and may have darker spots as

well. Smith (1961) adequately described the hellbender as, " ... ugly in appearance and unpleasant to handle because of their extreme sliminess. II Indeed, they are slimy, which not only makes them hard to handle, but is also noxious to predators. Their skin is modified into a series of folds that run lengthwise down the body, which increases surface area for respiration.

The hellbender is a resident of fast flowing, cool mountain streams and rivers .. At night, they forage for crawfish.- minnows and aquatic insects (Johnson, 1987). Most studies have found hellbenders to have a home range of 33 to 65 feet (Petranka, 1998). In a West Virginia population, the adults were found to move an average of 65 feet but may range as far as 230 feet over the period of nine months (Humphries, 1999).

Most of the year, hellbenders are solitary, and defend home rocks against conspecifics. However, during their fall breeding season, hellbenders may aggregate in a group of up to 12 individuals (petranka, 1998). A male will hollow out a nest on the downstream side ora rock and a female is coaxed into the chamber. Mating takes place over 2-3 days and the eggs are fertilized extemally. Afterwards, the male may guard the nest against conspecifics (Mount, 1975). The larvae metamorphose at the age of two and mature at 6-8 years of age. Hellbenders are believed to live up to 25-30 years in the wild; a record of 29 years was set by a captive individual (petranka, 1998).

Knowing that we were heading to cryptobranchus country, we planned to set aside a day to hunt these beasts. The day of the hellbender hunt our group of graduate students and two graduate students from Australia gathered at the hotel, anxious to get started. We had selected a site that was known to contain hellbenders and we were off.

6

By Noah Anderson

The first site was downstream of a dam. At fhis location, the stream was about knee-deep, fast flOWing and relatively cool. Large, flat rocks were present, and we paired off, systematically flipping each rock we thought was appropriate. All the rocks were covered with a thick layer of brown algae. After a few slips leading to a couple of soaking people, the only biological find was a mad tom catfish.

From there, we traveled upstream and found another seemingly appropriate site. An encouraging sign at fhis site was the lack of algae. As before, we paired off and began flipping. Unfortunately, we found that this section of the stream was silted in, and had covered many of the roclcs. Even walking through these areas caused the silt to cloud the water, making it hard to see the bottom. In these areas, vegetation was growing as well (Potomogeton sp.). This time our efforts were rewarded with several suckers (a type of bottom dwelling fish; Family Catostomidae) and one newt (Notophthalmus viridescens). Still no hellbenders.

We regrouped and decided that if we were to find hellbenders, we would have to travel upstream of the dam. Unfortunately, the stream was altered for many miles upstream of the dam. Only a warm, silty river was present at these sites, we presumed that any hellbenders left or died at the time the darn was built and the rocks they lived under were buried under several feet of muck.

We drove until we found a section that looked like it contained the correct microhabitat. The differences between this site and the two downstream sites became apparent almost immediately. The streambed was composed of fine sand and gravel. Large, flat rocks were present as well. The water was much cooler, and after flipping a few small TaCks, we found that there were

In Search O/The Hellbender:

crawfish (Procambarus sp.) everywhere. We also fOlmd some daces and darters, which inhabit cool fast flowing streams; another good sign.

We continued until the sound of flowing water was interrupted by the shout of "Hellbender!" We all stopped. Then all at once, we all ran over to the spot where a hellbender had been sited. Unfortunately, our rushing had stirred up a cloud of sUt Slowly, the silt began to wash away and an outline could be made out A hellbender. After about 5 minutes of hollering, grabbing, slipping, and laughing, we finally had our first hellbender finnly restrained within a T-shirt Cheers erupted from all. We spent the next half-hour examining and photographing the animal in a shallow pool of water. This mad scene would be repeated several more times that afternoon. We found that herping for hellbenders is a two person job; one to flip the rock and grab the hellbender from the water, and a second to have their T-shirt open for the catch!

I'

I I ..•.

.-::.:'.

Shelley LeTendre 612-943·4011

Call For An Appointment

That evening. it was apparent what was going on. Unknowingly, we had selected a site that proved to be an interesting natural experiment. The stream was divided into an upstream and downstream section by a dam. We knew the effects that dams can have on streams. Generally, dams change the temperature, the rate of flow of the stream, and reduce flooding. Alterations in the flow rate lead to increased siltation. Silt covers the rocks that hellbenders live under and reduces the oxygen load of the water. Algae. and aquatic plants begin to grow in these altered areas, benefiting from the increased nub'ient load and sediment dropped on the riverbed. Fish such as catfish and suckers are able to tolerate these changes while crawfish, stream fish such as darters, . and amphibians like hellbenders (which require cool water with high oxygen loads) are not able to survive under such conditions.

On the way back to Louisiana, my mind drifted back to the day on the river looking for hellbenders. One can read about how we alter the landscape, and for the most part, you believe it But it really opens your eyes when you experience these changes first hand, even when they seem relatively benign. I feel fortunate to have the time to get out and search for these elusive creatures. You know, Smith was partly right about hellbenders . They would never win a beauty contest (even among other salamanders!), but I found it a wonderful experience to catch them.

7

MHS Newsletter Volume 19 Number 10

By Noah Anderson

LITERATURE CITED

Johnson, T.R 1987. The amphibians and reptiles of Missouri. Missouri Dept of Conservation. Jackson, MO.

Humphries, J. and T. K. Pauley. 1999. Life history and demography of the eastern hellbender (Cryptobranchus a. aUeganiensis) in a mountain stream in eastern West Virginia. SSAR/HL/ ASIH joint meetings abstract.

Mount R. H. 1975. The reptiles and amphibians of Alabama. Auburn UniverSity, Auburn, Alabama

Petranka, J.W. 1998. Salamanders of the United States and Canada. Smithsonian Institution press. Washington.

Smith, P.W. 1%1. The amphibians and reptiles of Illinois. Illinois Natural History Survey Bulletin 28(1).

Contributed by Noah Anderson.

Heather C Matson C-eao Breeder & Photogr2prer

612871.7334 Em211 gedo@:J:2d-hoie.com

243BGr2nd Ave #207 Mlnne.apohs, Mm=ta

~

MHS Newsleller Volume 19 Number 10

Herps in the News

Cold-Blooded MISCONCEPTIONS

For some reason, many are brought up with a fear of snakes, frogs, lizards and basically any slithering species we dread to encounter. Well oddly enough, much of what we believe, is not true. A wonderful group of individuals who grew up fascinated with these creatures, have de­voted much of their time and energy into educating the public in order to show us how these misunderstood creatures can be loved.

The Minnesota Herpetological Society (MHS) is a non-profit organization, made up of over 350 members that have been promoting the conservation of amphibians and reptiles since 1981. They are involved in activities such as surveying geographical locations, frog and turtle watches and educating nature societies! businesses and organizations, such as the Boy Scouts. They often work with the DNR and are responsible for putting up Frog and Turtle Crossing signs as well as adding a few of these disappearing species to the Endangered Species list Money is raised annually and donated to grant programs for conservation efforts.

MHS became involved with the Minnesota Renaissance Festival more than 11 years ago and has expanded over the years. They now have a dedicated location, the Como Cottage, near the Pavilion. There are approximately 20 core members, many of whom participate each weekeod to answer questions and take care of the animals

President Bill Moss, and other members are a source of great information. Any questions you have, they will be more than happy to answer. And, let me tell you ... the information provided was impressive! After receiving the facts, one may poSSibly become intrigued with these slithering. scaly frieods. Stop by and find a new friend you thought you'd never go near!

This article, reprinted from the Privy Council, Vol.29 issue 3 Weekend of August 28 & 29, 1999, a newsletter of the MN Renaissance FesHval, was submitted by Bill Moss. ThaI's Tina (Rat Girl) Cisewski taking her Bunnese Python for a stroll, er, CTwl. -ed,

Here'. a list of some interesting fact. about the animals at Como Cottage.

• The majority of the animals in Como Cottage are rescued pets that have been turned in and are now owned by the members of MHS.

• The variety of snakes range from about seven inches, one centimeter thick to 15 feet long and 100 Ibs. as seen in this Monty Python (see photo). Albino pythons are specially breed and often nicknamed /I designer pythons."

• There are more than 20 species in Como Cottage including: alligators, snakes tortoises, iguanas and morel

• Snakes are fed rodents and the largest snake eats one 'lb. Rabbit every 4 weeks.

• The largest alligator is 6 feet long, weighs 85 Ibs. and eats one lb. beef and 3 rats per week:.

• More than 90% of snakes are Nor venomous!

8

3'estL1I<IL 'Book Quotes ... . continued

"Do you know how these pythons sting people?" (not the same person previously mentioned)

This is a person I had to deal with-Patron: Do you know why this is a boa and not a

python? Volunteer: No, why? (sarcastically) Patron: Because it does not have circles on it. Volunteer: Not all boas have circles on them, and

really that is not the true ... Patron: All of the boas I have seen have circles on

them. Volunteer: That may be, but even the most ... Patron: I understand that, but I am still correct

ALL of the boas I have seen have circles. (So, how do you argue that? You do not)

"Look at the huge com snake!" (looking at a 10' Burmese python)

Patron: I saw this 45 foot Burmese python constricting around a person on "Wild Things" the other night

Volunteer: That's larger than the record? Patron: It's got to be real, it was on TV. Volunteer. I'm not so sure that was not

sensationalized just a bit Patron: No, really, it attacked this man and it took

1000 people to get the snake uncurled off of him. (She obviously saw a different episode than the one I saw).

Then there was this contender for immediate gene pool withdrawal:

I like to "power feed" my Burmese pythons about 50 pounds of meat each month. I got my female to breeding size in 2 years. Her first clutch was 32 eggs. Her second clutch bound her up. When I opened her up, there were 54 eggs inside her .. I lost a lot of money that day.

"The snake is looking for insects when it sticks out its tongue." (looking at a 14' Burmese python- that's one BIG insec~)

Patron: My boa constrictor is going through a mid­life crisis.

Volunteer: Why do you say that? Patron: It is really mean and always strikes at me

when I go into it's cage. Volunteer: Do you handle it often? Patron: No, oniy when I am trying to feed it

That's all for now. The next article will be on the rest of the creatures we have out there. For all of you who took the time to come out and help and listen to remarks like these, Thank You! You all deserve it Remarks such as these prove why we need to continue our public education programs. Renaissance Festival is an opportunity that allows many many people a chance to see and touch reptiles for the first time. Let's keep up the good work. We have a hard job ahead of us from the looks of things.

9

Treasurer's Report of September 1999 Prepared by Marilyn Brooks Blasus

Beginning checkbook balance: Income:

Membership: Library Fines Raffle Sales Rodent Sales Donations Adoption/placement Misc. (nItr ads) Mise ( Renfest refnd) Misc. (McKeown fund)

Total income:

Expense: Newsletter Misc. prt/post. Program Library Supplies Refreshments Sales costs Misc. (McKeown fund) Misc. (renfest)

Total Expense: Net income/ (loss)

Ending checkbook balance: Funds allocated to unpaid expenses

(grants) (other)

Funds available

175.00 0.00

62.25 127.00 545.00 250.00 90.00 40.00 95.14

240.00

264.00 97.00

315.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

516.05 390.00

95.14

13,805.51

1,624.39

1.6n17 (52.80)

13,752.71

1,775.00 654.44

11,323.27

MHS Coming Events October 15-17, 1999 _15th Annual Midwest

Herpetological Symposium - Iowa Herpetological Society, Des MOines, Iowa. Call Ed Twedt (515) 292-3074 or Tom Weidner (515) 2760 3059 for more information

November 1, 1999 MHS General Meeting. 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M, Sl Paul Campus, 7:00p.m

November 6, 1999 Board of Directors Meeting 6:00pm U of M Student Union

Hands-On(s) No Hands-On(s) are scheduled at this time. Contact Ian Larson (507) 263-4391 for more

information

MHS Newsletter Volume 19 Number 10

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS I Clusified ads are free to the membership. Deadline is the night of the general meeting to be included in the next new$letter. Mail to; MHS Editor, Bell MUS'eum ofNalural History. 10 CllUffh St., SE, Minneapolis, MN, 5S155 1.0.0= male, 0.1.0 = kma1e, 0.0.1'''' unsexed, cb=capth'(' bred, obo '" or bestofter, +~ time; run. (ads are run only 3x ~s requested to continue.)

For Sale: Geckos .. Gonuirosaurns Lichlenfedleri breeding pair $300. 0.2 Giant Day Geckos, 0.1 Golden Gecko, Various size and sex Leopard and Panther Geckos $20. and up. Large Lizard ... 0.1 B&W Te!\", dog tame, 3 'h ft long 2 'h yrs old w / 4'wide x 3' deep x 2 'h ' cage $275. Heather C. Matson (612) 871-7334 +

0.0.4 P.M. Grandis Babies cb 8/99 $20. Each Call Craig (612) 368-%89 +

Veiled Chameleons, babies $40., Adult Breeders $50., Screen cage setups $75. Call Vern (612) 428-4625 ++

Yearling Carpet Python, excellent colors, good feed response, $150. obo. Jake (507) 433-3006 ++

1.0.0 cb Florida Keys Cornsnake, Exceptional specimen, $80. Contact Richard or Liam Bonk (612) 727-3562 ++

1.3 CB 89 Hog Island Boas, SeaTs strain, proven breeders, $1000; 1.2 CB 89 Brazilian Rainbow Boas, proven breeders $500; 1.3 CB 97 Brazilian Rainbow Boas, unre.lated litter picks, $500; 1.1 CB 98 Dunieril's Boas, unrelated litter picks, $700; 1.1 CB 97 Dumeril's Boas, $700; 1.2 CB 96 Jungle. Carpet Pythons, exceptional, $1,000; CB hypomelanistic Fox Snakes, Ivory with light beige pattern, $500. Ea. Mark Wendling, (319) 857-4787 (Iowa) +++

3- Central American Banded Geckos $25.00 each; 20+ asst color & pattern phases Leopard Gecko. $10.00 to $75.00 '99 hatchlings; *- patternless Leopard Geckos $25.00 each. Call Jodi L. Aherns at Ground Gecko Freak (612) 588-9329 +++

Frozen Rabbits - all sizes. Prices very reasonable- pinkies to adults. Jim DaIuge (612) 295-2818

Proud Member M.H.S. G.G.A. I.G.S.

JODI I.. AHf'RNS Ground Gecko freak

African Fat- Tailed Gecko Leucislic Leopard Gecko 5 Other Morphs of Leopards Hamonola Horrida

2946 Thomas Al'e. N. Mpls., MN 55411

612-588-9329

10

Wanted: All the shed snake skins in the world. Needed for giveaways at educational programs contact Bob Duerr 541-0362

Information Request: Please send the following: 1. A complete inventory of all reptiles and amphibians living in your collection as of January 1. Include numbers of maJes, females or unknown sex. 2. A list of all species bred during the previous year. Bare minimum would be to mark the species bred and indicate if they laid eggs or gave live birth. If possible include more detailed notes of a paragraph or more. 3. List of all species, living or dead which you may believe may be record length. 4. Be sure to list your name, address and telephone number, fax as you want them listed. Please be higible. Anonymous submissions will be considered, try to at least list your name and state. 5. If you know of a person keeping reptiles and amphibians in captivity that has not responded please encourage them to do so. All collectors should respond~ Send to Frank L. Slavens, PO Box 30744, Seattie, Washington, 98103, or Fax 206 546 2912

rFJj." ,l. ;; I.·.····: .. -: .. English Spot Dutch

Jim's Rabbit Shack "Where Spots Are Tops"

JIM DALUGE (612) 295-2818

8700 Jaber Ave. NE Monticello, MN 55362

Advertising Policies 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, unpaid and complimentary advertisements are subject to occasional omission.

Classified Ads: All active members are allowed a ciassified 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. Due to Federal restrictions on Non-profit mailing permits, we are not allowed to run ads for traveL credit or insurance agencies.

Display Ad Rates: Ad Size per Month 1/, page $10.00 'h 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 St. 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 #

MRS Rodent Sales

Mice Pinkies Fuzzies Hoppers Adults

Rats Sm. Pups LgPups Juvn Rats. Adults

$7.00 dozen $7.00 dozen $8.00 dozen $10.00 dozen

$12.00 dz. $18.oodz. $24.oodz. $15.00 six $3O.oodz.

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 MUS is a completely volunteer run, non-profit organization.

Membership A licatlon

T Check #

Name __ ~ ____________________________________________________________________ __

AddreM ______________________________________________________________________ __

City ______________________ State Zip _______ _

Phone _____________ .email List in MHS Directory? ___ Yes ___ No

Herp related interests _________________________________ _

Active Memberships: ___ Sustaining ($60Iyr) __ Contributing ($30Iyr) __ BaSiC ($15Iyr)

Corresponding Memberships: ___ Gold Commercial ($100/yr 2 full pg. ads) ____ Silver Commercial ($75/yr 2 1/2 pg.

ads) ____ Bronze Commercial ($50Iyr 2 1/4pg ads) ____ Basic Commercial ($25Iyr 2 Bus cards)

Required check info Drivers Lie # 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.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA- ST. PAUL CAMPUS

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i LARPENTEUR 10 Snefling--'J>.

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MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH STREET SE MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55455-0104

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

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+

Next Meeting:

November 5, 1999

Rm. 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M St. Paul Campus

Start time: 7:00 p.m.

MHS Voicemail: (612) 624 - 7065

Internet: http://www.omampinc.net/mhs/

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+

Non-Profit Rate U.S. Postage

PAID Mpls. MN

Pennit No. 2275

POSTMASTER: DATED MATERIAL