Vol. 10 (1990), No. 9

VOLUME X

NEWSLETTER OF THE

NUMBER 9

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MI ESOT HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

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SEPTEMBER, 1990

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OCTOBER MEETING CHANGE FROM USUAL TIME AND PLACE

DATE: Friday, October 12, 1990 TIME: 7:00 PM

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PLACE: Bell Museum of Natural History University of Minnesota (See map inside)

Sixth Midwest Herpetological Conference MAIN EVENING PROGRAM: Trials and Tribulations of Writing the Third Edition of the Field Guide to Reptiles and Amplubians SPEAKER:

Joseph T. Collins, Co-author, University of Kansas

Joe Collins has spent the last five years working with Roger Conant on a completely revised edition of the Peterson Field Guides Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America. A major part of the revision is new range maps, which will astound some people when the book is published, since many of the ranges are not what you thought they were. Besides working on the Peterson Field Guide, Joe has written or co-written a number of books, including Amphibians and Reptiles in Kansas, Snakes: Ecology and Evolution, Reproductive Biology and Diseases of Captive Reptiles, and Standard Common and Current Scientific Names for North American Amphibians and Reptiles, 3rd edition.

Joe's talk will be an interesting look into the problems encountered when trying to re-write one of the best selling herp books of all times. The stories associated with this project are funny and for some persons (hopefully no one at the conference), embarrassing.

SPECIAL NOTES ABOUT MEETING Because this meeting is being held in conjunction with the Sixth Midwest Herpetological Conference there will be a few changes from the typical meeting fonnat There will be no critter of the month, adoptions, or raffle. The library will be closed. Refreshments will not be provided at the regular meeting. Instead, 1here will be a social with refreshments held after the meeting. The cost of the social is included in the registration charge for the conference. Members not planning to attend the conference are welcome to stay after the meeting for the social, however, there will be a charge of $8.00 per person. TItis charge can be paid at tIle meeting.

BEll MUSEUM OF NA11JRAL HISTORY

10 CHURCH ST. S.E.

rvUNNEAPOUS. MN 5545S-DI04

CALENDAR OF EVENTS October 12 - 14 November 3 - 4

Sixth Annual Midwest Herpetological Symposium, Minneapolis, MN Seventeenth Annual Mtg, Kansas Herpetological Society, Lawrence, KS Contact Nancy Schwarting, Malott Hall, U of KS, Lawrence 66045 November 24 Third Annual Toadally Awesome Extravaganza, Picton, Ontario, Canada Contact Tom Mason (416) 392-5972 (days) or (416) 839-6764 (nights).

February 16 - 18 Northern California Herpetological Society's Fifth Conference on Captive Propagation and Husbandry, Davis, CA, Contact Rick Staub (707) 5539739 or Gerald Merker (916) 644-6253.

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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 conselVation of reptiles and amphibians.

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MilS BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT VICE-PRESIDENT SECRETARY

TREASURER NEWSLEITER EDITOR MEMBER-AT-LARGE MEMBER-AT-LARGE MEMBER- AT-LARGE MEMBER-AT-LARGE IMMEDIATE PAST PRES.

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John Moriarty John Meltzer Dennis Daly Marilyn Brooks Jo Anne Wetherell-Moriarty Fred Bosman FredBozvay Bruce Delles Vence Jimerson Ann POlWoll

(612) 647-1334 (612) 263-7880 (612) 633~8370 (612) 533-7723 (612) 647-1334 (612) 476-0306 (612) 224-4167 (612) 420-2603 (612) 869-8547 (612) 489-7853

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Š 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 reprodur..ed without change and proper credits are given to the MRS Newsletter citing volunle number and date.

AllIS Newslelt.er, Vol. X, No.9

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A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT I would like to apologize for my yelling at the last meeting. I heard several reports that people were confused and offended by my attempts and methods of getting people to sit down, and for this I am sorry. In the future I will be using the microphone. The board members will also be assisting in getting people to order at the beginning of the meeting and after the break.

There are several ways the membership can help keep the board and myself from looking like the bad guys.

1. Stay seated during the meeting. Standing in the back or walking up the aisles is very distracting to the speaker in the front.

2. Refrain from talking during the presentations. With over 100 members at a meeting it can get very distracting. It is also impolite.

3. Keep your animals in their containers while in the room. If you want to show someone your animals or you are delivering pre-sold animals please go out into the hall.

Thanks, John

RODENT SALES CANCELLED FOR OCTOBER Because the Midwest Herpetological Conference is being held in conjunction with the MHS general meeting, there will be no rodent sales at the October meeting. Sales will reswne at the November meeting. Double orders will be accepted for that month only. To place any order call Bruce at (612) 593-0298.

SEPTEMBER PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS The speaker at the September meeting was MRS member, Larry Yank with a program entitled fI Vanishing Rain Forests - Living with the Forest". This program begin with Larry providing backgroWld infonnation to familiarize everyone with rain forests, where they occur and what makes it a "rain forest". He also told us why rain forests are important to Minnesotans. Next we were told about the tragic losses occurring due to the de-forestation of the rain forests. Larry then discussed several ways that rain forests can be used and at the same time saved.We've all heard the gloom and doom programs. This one took a positive approach to the problem by describing what is being done to preserve some of the rain forest for future generations. Larry provided a long list of references for those who want to read more on their own. Listed below are a few that he felt

were especially infonnative.

REFERENCES:

Tropical Rain Forests: Endangered Environment by James D. Nations, New York: Franklin Watts, 1988 Jungles edited by Edward Ayensu, New York: Crown, 1980.

In the Rain Forest: Report From a Strange, Beautiful, Imperiled World by Catherine Caufield,

New York: AlfredA. Knopf, 1985.

MHS Newsletter, Vol. X No . .9

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CRITTER OF THE MONTH The critter of the month for September was tropical herps. There were lots of tropical and not so tropical critters for display. Vence Jimerson brought a Solomon Island Prehensile Tailed Skink; Jeff Ronne .. baby Common Boa Constrictors; Bethann Lord .. Green Iguana (nicely tamed down since its adoption last month); Cliff Lindberg .. his whole collection... actually it was a Common Boa Constrictor, Carpet Python, Amethystine Python, Amazon Tree Boa; Todd ChelVeny ..

Common Boa Constrictor; Joe Matzke .. Hehneted Iguana; Bill Ness .. Cranweli Homed Frog, Common Boa Constrictor; Chase Denes .. Gray Tree Frog (from the tropical part of Minnesota); Connie Denes .. Com Snake (from the tropical part of the U.S ... Florida); Sarah Strand .. Green Iguana; Lany Yank .. White's Tree Frogs; Matt Yank .. Beta....that's right, a tropical roo; Gloria Anton .. Prehensile Tailed Skink; and John Meltzer .. Honduran Milksnake. Wow, what a list!

Thank you all for sharing them an with us. THERE WILL BE NO CRITTER OF THE MONTH AT THE OCTOBER MEEfING.

REFRESHMENTS Refreshments at the September Meeting were provided by Becky Helgeson and Ann Marie Ravnitsky. Thanks to both for the terrific treats.

Mary Ann Waldon is the refreshment chairperson. If you would like to provide refreshments for a meeting be sure to notify Mary Ann in advance. Please see her at the meeting or give her a call at (612) 699-0475.

HELP A HAPLESS HERP

Animals that were placed in new homes at the September Meeting included a Golden Tegu that went to Lynn and David De Fries, a Gulf Coast Box Turtle to Jemrifer LeClere, two Green Iguanas to Sarah Strand and Cliff lindberg, 3 Red-eared Slider Turtles to Bethann Lord, and a Bunnese Python to Drew Newman. THERE WILL BE NO ADOPTIONS AT THE ocrOBER MEETING.

RAFFLE The raffle at the September meeting garnered $53.75 for the MHS coffers. Julie Kittleson won a ernc letter opener, Laura Peterson - frog candle holder, Blair Sander - snake rummy card game, Becky Kittleson - small wooden cage, Bill Moss - large hot rock, Toni Jesmer - bag of assorted turtle medicines, and Dennis Daly - rodent exercise wheel.

Thank you to all members who donated prizes and purchased tickets. Your support helps MRS to cover operating expenses. Do you have any unwanted herp-related items? MRS is always happy to

receive donations for the raffle at the monthly meeting. Proceeds from the raffle go offset MHS operating expenses. THERE WILL BE NO RAFFLE AT THE OCTOBER MEETING. Plan to attend the auction at the Midwest Herp Symposium.

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BOARD MEETING The meeting was held on September 7 at the home of Jo Anne Wetherell and Jolm Moriarty. The meeting was called to order by John Moriarty at 7:08 PM. In attendance were Marilyn Brooks, Fred Bozvay, Dennis Daly, Greg Kvanbek, Vence and Nanette Jimerson, John Meltzer, John Moriarty, Ann POlWoll, Mary Ann Waldorf and Jo Anne Wetherell. Fred Bosman and Bruce Delles were absent The secretary's minutes from the previous meeting were not available. There were 109 people at the June general meeting.

Treasurer's Report Marilyn now has the report on a computer spreadsheet and handed out reports for both July and August. The new report shows this month, same month last year, and the year-to-date. This is very informative. One CD has been closed and the funds re-deposited in the account Tw'O CD's, for $500. each, remain. The treasury balance is $2962.39. Much of this will be used for up front costs of the Midwest Herp Conference.

President's Report Midwest Herp Conference - John reported on the registrations and exhibits for the conference.

Registrations are slow but many people from Minnesota who plan to attend had not yet registered.

John brought up the possibiliW of splitting the Secretary's position into Recording and Membership. The group thought this was a good idea. It will have to be included in the revised Constitution which will be voted on at the March meeting. Along those lines, John began a discussion about elections and possible candidates for offices. A copy of the Idaho Herp Sociew's code of ethics was distributed. A similar item should be developedfor MIlS. The board will think about this and discuss it in the future. Board member responsibilities at the general meetings were discussed.

Vice President's Report John Meltzer has a possible speaker lined up for November. He is still trying to get a speaker for the December meeting and Holiday Banquet He is open to suggestions.

Old Business T ..shirts were discussed. A new shirt will be printed up in time for sale at the Midwest Herp Conference. Ann Porwoll will take care of getting them printed.

New Business The possibility of holding a photo contest and an illustration contest was discussed. The general consensus was to not have an illustration contest There will be a photo contest Fred Bozvay volunteered to be the coordinator. The winner of the People's Choice Award may be used as the gift to sustaining and contributing members next year.

There was a complaint from a member about Adoption Conunittee members getting animals.

Committee members who have applied for an adoption animal will sit out on all adoptions at that meeting. Previously they only sat out of the decision on the animal for which they were applying.

Round Table Marilyn brought up an idea discussed at an earlier meeting about providing incentives for volunteers. There was again a mixed reaction to this. She also mentioned the Student Activities Fair to be held at the U of M on September 25. Extra newsletters will be handed out. The Student Affiliate enables us to get the meeting room and more members are needed.

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Vence had the idea of making a video tape of MHS activities. It could be shown periodically at meetings and also be available in the library. 'This would give new members a chance to see what the various activities are and hopefuny get them interested in participating in the future. Everyone thought this was a good idea. Now we need to recruit someone to coordinate this.

Fred Bozvay expressed some concerns about the State Fair Exhibit The sign giving credit to MHS was removed by the DNR when they re-did the lettering. They did not get it back up. Fred suggested that there be a sign to direct people to the information desk to obtain a brochure about .MHS. There was a discussion of the problems caused by the extreme heat through out the twelve days of the fair.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:06 PM and refreshments were sclVed.

PICNIC COLD, DAMP, BUT FUN Approximately 22 hearty souls turned out for the annual MHS Picnic at Uons Park in Plymouth on Sooday, August 19. The weather was cool and lightly raining. Never the less everyone in attendance made the best of it by cooking goodies on the grill and having 1nrtle races.

HANDS ON AT COMO ZOO MRS had 15 volunteers at Como Zoo on Sunday, September 16, for Rands On. The public was lined up at the door waiting to get in to see the animals on display and talk about them. Of course, a few people think it's a freak show, but many are truly interested in learning more about herps and that's what we're there for. The people who brought herps and worked with the public were Bruce and Nancy Haig, Jo Anne Wetherell, John Moriarty, Greg Kvanbek, Marilyn Brooks, John and Ruth Meltzer, Andrew Newman, Vence and Nanette Jimerson, Glen Jacobsen, Donna Calander, Todd Chervenky, and Julie Weitzel. On hand representing the Como Zoo Docents were Sue Blackburn and Julie Pavlak. Thanks to all who volunteered and put on a really good program. ]\1HS ~짜ewsletter, Yolo Xx No.9

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PHEEDING PHENOMENON

by Van Gooch

On August 2, as I often do, I put three mice in the cage for my 6.S ft. Common Boa Constrictor named Linus. A few minutes later I was shocked when I looked up and saw two mice hanging from his mouth. In the twenty-one years that I have had the snake, this is the frrst time I ever saw him get two mice in one s1rik.e.

I started looking for the third mouse when a by-stander noticed that there were too many legs for two mice. The third mouse was also in his mouth and was largely hidden by the coil he had wrapped around it. This boa killed three mice in one strike!

He eventually dropped all three from his perch before going back and eating them all.

ANOTHER STUPENDOUS STATE FAIR EXHIBIT The 1990 Minnesota State Fair is now history. It will probably set records for heat and humidity!

The animals, with a couple of exceptions, survived it justfme and dandy. The DNR replaced the lettering which really gave the exhibit a cheery look. Due to the hard work of MHS volunteers we had a really nice exhibit. The people who checked on animals and cleaned cages were Tony Gamble, A. Duerr, Greg Kvanbek, Marilyn Brooks, Claude Riedel, Jane Olin, John Moriarty, Todd Cherveny, Ann Marie Ravnitsky, Brett Harson, Bruce and Nancy Haig, Fred and liz Bosman, Andrew Newman, John Peterson, Jo Janssens, Bethann Lord, Fred Bozvay, Mary Ann Waldorf, and Mia Hanunerberg.

Another group deserves a lot of credit for loaning their animals to use in the display. These people and their animals are listed below.

Mark Kelly

Bullsnake

Gary Ash

Map Turtle

Jo Janssens

TIger Salamander

Bethann Lord

Leopard Frogs

Mary Ann Waldorf Western Hognose Snake

Soren Sorenson Wood Turtle

Gwenda Jorgenson Painted Turtle Spiny Softshell Turtle

John Meltzer

Eastern Milk Snake Garter Snake

CraigDikel

Bell Museum

TIger Salamander

Fox Snake Snapping Turtle

Bullfrog

Blanding's Turtle Eastman Nature Center

Black Rat Snake American Toad

Special thanks go to Marilyn Brooks for coordinating the exhibit and organizing the volunteers.

This is an important job which consists of arranging to get members to loan animals, scheduling of members to drop off and pick up animals, and scheduling of volunteers to check animals daily

during the fair. Good job, Marilyn!

MRS Newsletter, Vol. X, iVO. 9

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A COPPERHEAD BITE -- AND THE LESSONS LEARNED

by James W. Grier, Zoology Dept., North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND 58105 Preface 1) This article is a brief discussion of an accidental bite. A more complete, detailed report is available from me on request 2) I do not advocate the casual keeping of venomous snakes. They should be kept in captivity only in secure, locked and escape-proof areas, preferably away from living quarters, and only by persons with previous, proper training, familiar with the appropriate guidelines for working with venomous snakes (e.g., see MHS Newsletter VU(6):6-7, 1987), with established emergency procedures in the event of a bite, and ready access to anti-venom for the species being held (anti-venom is very expensive and often more difficult to obtain than the snakes!). On 21 May 1990, at 1230 hours, I was bitten at the base of my thumb by a Southern Copperhead Snake (Agkistrodon contortrix contortrix) that I was in the process of euthanizing. In spite of working with venomous snakes for 28 years, nonnaUy being very careful, and never having been bitten before, I briefly let down my guard and made a careless mistake. My mind was pre-occupied with other work that I had to do after I fmished euthanizing the snake. I was not properly concentrating on what I was doing and giving full attention to the snake. In addition, I had taken my eyes off the snake's head and was not paying close enough attention to its position while concentrating on getting its body into the container. Keeping close track of the location of the head, preferably by watching it at all times, is the number one cardinal rule of working with venomous snakes. In addition to being distracted by other things on my mind, I think I was a bit complacent because the snake was "just a copperhead" (copperheads are usually considered to have the mildest venom of the North American crotalins).

The bite happened so fast that I did not see it but I felt the pin pricks of the fangs and realized what had happened. (My frrst thought was, "Oh, crap!" -1 had just made a stupid mistake and it was one of those things that, once it had happened, would not go away just because I wished it had not happened!) Aside from a scratch that one of the fangs made as it came out of my moving hand, and a period of bleeding from the plIDctures, more so from one than the other, the bite marks were not obvious and, in fact, very difficult to see. I briefly, for a few seconds, felt some anxiety and my pulse speeded up a bit. Then I regained my conlposure, stayed calm (and my pulse went back to nonnru), noted the time, and finished putting the snake in the container to euthanize it. I then followed our established procedures in the event of a bite: used a Sawyer extractor for sucking out the venom (it did not help much in this case), made sure all of the cages and snake room were secure before leaving, found a person to drive me to the local hospital emergency room, notified the hospital and our departmental office, picked up our set of emergency infonnation for the physician and supply of anti-venom, and left for the hospital. All of that took a total of 5 minutes. (I did not, incidentally, use a tourniquet, incisions, cooling, or alcohol, all of which can do more hann than good.)

The drive to the emergency room took 10 minutes, with another 5 minutes required to check in and get monitoring started. As the effects of the bite developed, particularly considering that it was fI only" a copperhead, it became clear that I had received a heavy dose of venom.

At the hospital I was seen by a toxicologist who contacted Dan Keyler in the Twin Cities. I was held under observation for about five hours, during which time my blood was sampled, blood pressure and pulse were monitored, and the progression of pain and swelling were followed. I was in good physical condition, can tolerate a fair amount of pain, and preferred not to use the antivenom unless absolutely necessary, so we decided to just ride it out unless my condition deteriorated sufficiently to WdITant the anti-venom or other medical procedures.

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The swelling moved up to the middle of my foreann and the pain became intense. It is difficult to descnoo; it is as if one were to lay the ann out on a table and have it worked over with a baseball bat. The swelling eventually seemed to stabilize, if not actually even diminish slightly; my blood parameters and vital signs appeared nonna1; I appeared to be over the worst of it; and the physician and I agreed that I could leave the hospital, although we would stay in contact by phone and I would return if things worsened. In hindsight, given the swelling and pain observed and the obvious envenomation, I probably should have stayed at the hospital for a few more hours.

I left the hospital. My wife and I went out for supper at a restaurant; then we went home, which is about 20 miles out from town in the country. I assumed that the effects of the bite were over, that they were all local, not systemic, and that I only had to wait for the swelling and pain to subside, which might take a few days. However, by around 2130 hours the swelling had resumed and was up to my elbow. Then starting a little after 2200 hours, I became nauseated, chilled, developed a headache and started into a period of vomiting, diarrhea, and violent abdominal spasms, feeling like I had been kicked in 1he stomach by a horse. That lasted for about two and a half hours. My blood pressure dropped slightly and my pulse increased, also becoming very irregular, and I sweated profusely. I considered going back to the hospital but at that point was so weak and sick that I could not even get off the toilet, let alone try to travel. I eventually improved sufficiently to make it into bed.

By the next morning my head and intestines felt better but the swelling and pain had progressed all the way up to my shoulder. That stayed mostly unchanged for the next few hours and my urine tmned a dark, reddish-orange, brown. The dark urine lasted about two days but the swelling and pain improved then disappeared almost as fast as they had come. By three days after the bite the swelling and pain were down to where I could close my hand, although it was still puffy in appearance, and I was even able to write and return to work. A week later an that remained was some slight soreness in the joint at the base of my thumb, as if I had strained it or jammed it into a hard object The skin on my right hand also started peeling, as if from a bad sunburn or like when lizards molt

I was aware from other people's experiences and the literature that the effects of envenomation often take a while to develop, but for some reason, perhaps wishful thinking, I thought that I was done with it when I left the hospital. That, plus a reinforcement of the philosophy that one can never be too careful and must remain alert 100 percent of the time when working with venomous snakes regardless of the species, were my two main lessons from this accident

A third experience which I gained from this, however, and one that I did not anticipate (but should have), involved the emotional and psychological responses from some of the other persons in my life. Those responses and having to talk about the bite aftelWards with non-snake people were in some ways almost worse than the bite. After the bite I had to become even more accountable than usual for keeping venomous snakes in captivity,; I do not mind discussing the bite with other herpetology-minded persons and it was not a real big deal with some pf the o1hers around me, including my immediate family. My own kids are interested in snakes themselves although 1hey do not work with the venomous ones. My wife does not share an interest in snakes to the same extent that I do; but she appreciates and tolerates my interest up to a point and she also is a registered nurse, so she stayed calm, handled the situation in stride during and afterwards, and actually helped considerably in fielding questions from others.

Also, my present department chainnan remained fairly calm and a new, incoming department chairman was completely understanding and sympathetic (in fact, he said if he had a choice between a snakebite and a serious car accident, he would prefer to take the snakebite!). But some of the other persons around me became more upset and concerned than the situation deserved, in my opinion.

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The three most common questions that I encountered following the bite were: 1) HDid you panic?" (No; I understood the subject and was prepared in case of a bite. Otherwise, one should not be working with such animals.)

2) HDid you kill the snake?" (Yes; but only because I was already in the process of euthanizing it for other reasons in the flfSt place. I would not have killed it simply because it bit me.)

3) "Shouldn't you now stop working with venomous snakes and get rid of them?" (No; by analogy, does a school get rid of its athletic program because of a sports injury? One evaluates the incident and makes necessruy changes in procedures, if necessary, to avoid or reduce the chances of similar accidents in the future.)

Part of the interest and curiosity that is generated by snakebite, including interest among herpetolugists (and the reason I am writing this report), is simply because snakebite is so rare and there is not much experience and information concerning it However, among people who otherwise have little interest in or understanding of snakes, there is a further problem. It is simply the subject itself, snakes, the fears that many people have of them, and 1he human nature of projecting those fears onto others. As a result, many people perceive 1he risks of being bit in the fIrSt place and the seriousness of a bite when one does occur to be much greater than they actually are and out of proportion to the higher but more familiar and common risks of accidents from riding in vehicles, participating in sports and other athletic or recreational activities, particularly around water, using guns and knives, and working with power tools, electrical appliances, heavy equipment, or large mammals such as cattle, horses, and hogs. To be sure, snakebite can be very serious. There are fatalities and I do not wish to down play the seriousness of it. In fact, a desire to convey a sense of the seriousness and an attempt to reinforce the need for proper caution and care are partly responsible for my writing this report.

Regardless of how objective and informed we may be on all of this, however, other peoples' fears and problems with snakes is a fact of life and, as I discovered, one may have to deal with that phenomenon, particularly following a bite. Fortunately in my case, news about the bite did not escape to the press or otherwise spread too widely in the community; but that is a possibility following a bite that can only exacerbate the problems that some people have with snakes. Snakes get enough bad press as it is.

The bottom lines are that 1) venomous snakebite is not a pleasant experience and I do not recommend it to anybody; 2) it is important that anyone working with venomous snakes do so only under proper conditions, training, and procedures which include preparation in case of a bite; 3) venomous snakes are good at surprising a person \vhen least expected and one cannot afford to let down one's guard for an instant, regardless of the species or individual one is working with; 4) in case of obvious envenomation, it is safest to stay at the hospital for more than the initial obselVation period in case there are delayed reactions; 5) a snakebite can complicate relationships with some of the other people in one's life and require even greater accountability than usual for the keeping of such animals.

Note: In addition to a more complete report on the bite, copies of our departmental requirements for working with venomous snakes, procedures in case of a bite, infonnation package for physicians, etc., are available on request.

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1990 PHOTO CONTEST This years photo contest will be slightly different from recent years. This year there will be only prints and three categories, plus Peoples Choice Award.

The winner of this years contest may be selected as the photo to be used for the 1990-1991 con1ributing and sustaining member recognition. The only category eligible for selection is the Minnesota herp category. See rule 6 below.

Members with questions should contact Fred Bosvay at (612) 244-4167.

Rules 1. Deadline is the November Meeting (2 November 1990). Photos can be mailed to the Bell Museum address as long as they are received by the November 2. Only members of MHS may enter.

2. Photos will be returned at the December meeting. Those wishing to have their photos returned by mail must include a self address stamped envelope with adequate postage.

3. The three categories are Minnesota Herps, Reptiles, and Amphibians. The herps can be in any kind of setting or with people.

4. The prints can be color or black and white. The must be 5 x 7 or 8 x lOin size. They must be mounted or matted on mat board or stiff cardboard that is no larger than 11 x 14. No framed prints will be accepted.

5. Ribbons and/or prizes will be awarded to the fll'St, second, and third places and the People's Choice Award.

6. Persons submitting photos to the Minnesota herp category are agreeing to the possible use of their photo as the 1990-1991 con1ributing and sustaining member recognition.

The photo selected for that use will become property of MHS and the owner the photo will receive $50.00.

VOLUNTEER FOR THE MIDWEST HERP CONFERENCE Volunteers are s1ill needed to assist with committees. If you can donate an hour or two of your time contact the chairperson.

Committee Hospitality Friday Night Icebreaker Auction Exhibits (non-animal) Live Animals Tours

MHS Newsletter, Vol. -"Yt No.9

Chairperson AnnPorwoll FredBozvay Scott Cords John Moriarty Greg Kvanbek Cliff lindberg

Phone Number 489-7853 244-4167 757-9759 647-1334 533-7723 573-8834

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HERPFORUM Edited by Greg Kvanbek $ If you use mosquito dope (insect repellent) don't handle herps! The poison can kill them. It's especially effective on amphibians because their skin is very permeable. To be safe, don't use bug spray at aU when you go herping. If you must use the stuff, wash your hands thoroughly with soap before handling herps. Bill Ness lost two juvenile Burmese Pythons (that means they died) when he let some kids handle them. The kids were wearing mosquito dope and hadn't washed their hands.

!!Ii ''Het'' is abbreviation for heterozygous. "Bunn" is an abbreviation for Burmese Python. Bolli tenns sound equally ridiculous. "Black albino" is another perversion of genetics terminology.

Everyone knows that albinos are white. "Black albino" means anerythristic, which is the absence of red pigment. I wonder if DatWin could explain that?

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Having troubles getting your baby Caimen to eat? Try crickets. They are more lively than fmh or

mice and probably easier to swallow. I've never tried to swallow a cricket. Bethann Lord told me this. Bethann also says that you need to handle your Caimen every day in order to keep them tame.

She quit handling hers for a while and it turned ferocious. I think it now prefers fingers to crickets.

Ii! According to a study done in Florida, Isoptera (termites) account for 49% of the Six..lined Racerunner's diet For those of you who don't know, the Six-lined Racerunner is a telid lizard which is found in Minnesota. Other prey items include carabid, scarabaeid, and tenebrionid beetles, gryllid and tettigonid orthopterans (crickets and locust.s) , lepidopteron (buttertly) larvae, and 1ycosid and oxyopid spiders. They don't eat millipedes and I can certainly understand that i&I

Here are some of the questions, asked by members, for next time.

DHow do you trim the beaks and nails of box turtles?/I fI

Why do people crossbreed herps?" For example, Boa Constrictors of various unknown subspecies or Bunnese and Indian Pythons intergrades which are then sold are one or the other. What about the nut that breeds Gopher Snakes to Com Snakes? What about the guy that breeds an albino Gopher Snake to a Bullsnake so he can sell 'albino Bullsnakes'? "

I figure the answer to the last question is simply greed but if you've got a better answer or any other advise or infonnation, call me at (612) 533-7723. Win the famous contest that everyone is talking about

NEW MHS T-SHIRT The MRS board selected a new T-shirt design to celebrate our Tenth Anniversary. The drawing of Northern Minnesota Amphibians was done by Joe Matzke and is shown on the next page. The new T-shirts will have the illustration on the front and the MHS logo with a tenth year inscription on the sleeve. These T-shirts will only be available through 1991. They will go on sale beginning at the Midwest Herp Conference. The original MRS T-shirt will continue to be available.

MHS Newsletter, Vol. ..Y, No.9

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WINNING T-SHIRT DESIGN

l\.fHS Newsletter, \/01.

x: No. .9

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SIXTH ANNUAL MIDWEST HERPETOLOGICAL CONFERENCE 12, 13, 14 OCTOBER 1990 AT

J .. P. Bell Museum of Natural History

Ifs not too late to register for the conference. If you haven't registered yet and plan to attend, please get your registration in now. The registration went up $40.00 on September 15. The program includes talks and displays on the conservation, propagation, and natural history of amphibians and reptiles that are of interest to persons in the Midwest.

For questions on registering, contact John Moriarty or Marilyn Brooks.

Schedule Friday, October 2:00 to 6:00 6:00to 7:00 7:00to 9:00 9:00 to 12:00

12 Registration, exhibits, and live animals Dinner (on your own) Welcome, speaker, MHS slide show.

Ice breaker social and Museum visit.

Saturday, October 13 8:00 to 9:00 Registration and Coffee 9:00 to 11 :45 Speakers 11:45 to 1:30 Lunch (on your own), exhibits 1:30 to 4:30 Speakers . "Happy Hour" 5:30 to 7:00 7:00 to 8:00 Banquet 8: 00 to 111 Auction.

Sunday, October 14 10:00 to 12:00 12:00 to 111

Exhibits, live animals.

Tour of Bell Museum, Minnesota Zoo, and Private Collections

Exhibitors and Animal Sales MHS has arranged for a space for commercial exhibitors and live animal sales at the Ben Museum.

NO arrangements have been made with the hotel for animals and no animals are allowed in the hote1.

Auction An auction will be held after the Saturday night banquet. An exhibitors have been asked to donate an item to the auction. Some interesting things could show up for sale. Joe Collins, auctioneer extrodinaire will be conducting. Herp-related items are needed to help in this effort.

MRS Newsletter, Vol. X, No.9

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LOCATION OF MIDWEST HERP CONFERENCE The Bell Museum and the Metrodome ( University) Radisson Hotel are both off of University Ave. University Ave exits are on both I-35W and 1-94. See map for location of the Bell Museum in relation to the highways.

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MHS Newsletter, 'Vol. X lVo. 9

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MHS AT THB MOVIBS MHS will be putting together a video on how to get involved in the society. We are looking for members with video cameras and someone with editing capabilities who are willing to assist.

Footage is needed of MHS members at various functions, such as the monthly meeting, Como Zoo Hands On, newsletter folding, the annual picnic, the Midwest Conferences, etc.

Anyone interested in assisting with this project should contact a board member.

MHS STUDENT CHAPTER MHS has a University of Minnesota Srudent Chapter. The student chapter acts as a liaison with other University organizations. They will also assist in room scheduling. Greg K vanbek is currently the President Student members need to be identified so that the Student Chapter will be continue to be recognized by the University of Minnesota. Any MRS members who are also s1ndents at 1he University should contact Greg or an MHS board member. We also need new student members. If you have a U of M student friend who might be interested in joining MHS bring him or her along to a meeting.

FROM THB EDITOR THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT MHS is a member driven organization. We remind you of this every month when we request for members to vohmteer for various activities. Our newsletter is a perfect example of member support. There are many people who make contributions in various ways to get the newsletter out to their fellow members every month. Del Jones prints mailing labels and delivers them. John Moriarty has helped with typing and deliveries to the printer. Bruce Delles lets us use his shop every month to assemble the newsletter. Marilyn Brooks coordinates the assembly volunteers as well as picks up the newsletter from the printer and gets the needed supplies.

A large group of people have volunteered to assemble the newsletter over the last few months. By doing this ourselves we save a fair amount of money and we have a really fun unofficial MRS meeting. Thanks go to Gloria Anton, Chris Anton, Fred and Liz Bosman, Fred Bozvay, Sally Brewer, Marilyn Brooks, Lynne Cason, Scott and Cheryl Cords, Bruce and Nancy Haig, David Juberian, Greg Kvanbek, Bill Moss, James, Karin, Josie, and Sirl Rea, Bill Sander, Soren Sorenson, and Mary Ann Waldon.

If you'd like to volunteer with the newsletter folding please contact Marilyn Brooks or sign up at the monthly mee1ing. If you're interested in submitting a drawing, cartoon, or article to the newsletter please contact me - Jo Anne Wetherell-Moriarty - or see me at a meeting. I am still looking for someone to write a summary of the monthly program.

Thanks, J.A.

MHS Newsletter, \t70 1..Y, No . .9

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MHS NEW MEMBERS AND CHANGES Please add this infonna1ion to your MHS White Pages.

Robin Allegra 2357 Carter Avenue St. Paul, MN 55108 (612) 644-3367

Julie Allen 3030 Holly Lane Plymouth, MN 55447 (612) 476-0078

Randy Blasus 531 Penn Avenue N Nfinneapolis,MN 55405

Chris Bracci 8943 80th Street S Cottage Grove, MN 55016 (612) 459-2725

Todd ChelVeny 1911 11th Avenue S Nfinneapolis,MN 55404 (612) 871-9376

Graham Clark 384 Laurel Avenue st. Paul, MN 55102 (612) 228-0681

Dianne Erickson

Cooper Finseth

16313 Northwood Road NW Prior Lake, MN 55372 (612) 447-5554

375 Goodrich Avenue st. Paul, MN 55102-2703 (612) 292-0036

Lewis Oerendasy 11-15 45th Avenue 4-J Long Island City, NY 11101 (719) 784-4112

Jeffrey Heupel

Hoosier Herpetolgical Society John & Sue Jenkins P.O. Box 40544 2953 Kentucky Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46240-0544 Crystal, MN 55428

Box 119 Welcome, MN 56181 (507) 728-8872 Tom Jessen 507 S. Broad, Apt B Mankato, MN 56001 (507) 345-3620

Noelle Johnson 74838thAvenue Anoka, MN 55303 (612) 422-6702

David Juberian 195 Oneida #4 St. Paul, MN 55102 (612) 227 ..7900

Cristopher Noble RR 1, Box 55 Arco, MN 56113 (507) 487-5768

Ann Marie Ravnitsky 8580 Magnolia Trail #220 Eden Prairie, MN 55344 (612) 942.. 0850

Dennis Roilier 1533 Lois Drive Shoreview, MN 55126 (612) 780-8720

5723 Villa Drive Shoreview, MN 55126-8544 (612) 780.. 8959

Uli Sacchet 8071 Hidden Circle Chanhassan, MN 55317 (612) 937-2371

Michelle S1i1linger 2949 Aquila Avenue N Crystal, MN 55427 (612) 544.. 4387

Linda Stroeing 195 Oneida #4 st. Paul, MN 55102 (612) 227-7900

Libby Ungar 375 Goodrich Avenue 5t. Paul, MN 55102-2703 (612) 292-0036

Julie Weitzel

Bruce Rorem

MHS Newsletter, Vol. ..-Y, No.9

191111th Avenue S 55404 (612) 871-9376

Nfinneapolis,~

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~ II HERP ASSISTANCE PEOPLE II II Do you ever have a question about one of your herps and wonder who might be able to provide an II answer? Most people who keep pets of any kind have been in this situation at one time or another.

II A group of MHS members has volunteered to provide assistance. Listed below are the people and II their specialties. Please be reasonable about 1he time of day and how frequently you call.l

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II I II

III II

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Large pythons and constrictors

Other

Glen (Jake) Jacobsen 757-8268 JackWalsh, Jr. (715) 822-8726

Del Jones 938 8555 John Meltzer 263-7880

Amphibians

Nancy Haig 789-4637 Barney Oldfield 1-923-4856

John Meltzer 263-7880 Greg Kvanbek 533-7723

Terrestrial turtles and tortoises John Moriarty 647-1334 Ann POlWoll 489-7853

II II I

M

Lizards

~ II II II II I II

I

III

II II

I I

Aqua.tic Turtles Barney Oldfield 1-923-4856

Dennis Daly 633-8370

II

II

II II

Minnesota Herps

I

Greg Kvanbek 533-7723 John Moriarty 647-1334

II

II

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II SNAKEBITE EMERGENCY correction

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II Minnesota Regional Poison Center 221-2113 (out-state 1-800-222-1222) I II

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Hennepin Regional Poison Center (612) 347-3141

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1.0.0

= male;

0.1.0

= female;

0.0.1 = unknown

MHS DELI: The deli will be CLOSED at the October meeting due to the Midwest

Herp Conference. Double orders will be accepted for the November meeting . Just please your order as usual with Broce.

Order frozen rats and rat pups no later than 7:00 PM the Monday before the meeting (or Saturday if Monday is a holiday). can Bruce at (612) 593-0298 to place an order.

Limit: 3 dozen pups or 6 adult rats.

Fresh frozen rats - $2.00 each Fresh frozen rat pups - $6.00 per dozen FOR SALE: 1.1 Western Banded Geckoes (Coleonyx variegatus), proven breeders, $30./pair. . 1.1 Red Milk Snakes (Lampropeltis t. syspila), female c.h. '88, male wild caught '86, both pinky feeders, $ 75./pr. 0.0.2 Spotted Turtles (Clemmys guttata), zoo hatched '88, $50. ea.

Delivery to meeting available. Dennis Daly: (612) 633-8370 Leave message on machine.

FOR SALE: Four aquariums with tops, 33 thru 42 gallons, almost new, $33. - 42. 48 x 48 x 24 plywood cage, $40. Contact Sue at (612) 591-0772.

FOR SALE: 1.0 anerythristic Corn Snake, hatched 7/90, feeding well, $20. Contact Becky Helgesen (evenings) at (612) 699-8031.

FOR SALE: 0.0.16 Black Rat Snakes, c.h. 8/90, feeding on pinkies, $15. ea. ContactD.K. Compton at (612) 872-7266 days or weekends.

FOR SALE: Savanna Monitor, 2 yrs. old, $70. Contact James Dorfler at (612) 483-2119.

FOR SALE: 2.0 Okeetee Com Snakes, nice, 3 ft., $35. ea.; 1.0 Gold Marine Toad, 6 in., $10.; 4.20 Okeetee X Red Albino Corn Snake babies, $15. ea.; 0.0.10 Okeetee Corn Snakes, $15. ea. Contact David Wiener at (612) 444-9775.

WANTED: Contributions to Herp Forum. Hints, advice, questions, news, ideas, and far-out philosophies are all welcome. The best contribution wins a t-shirt. Just ask me about it.

Greg Kvanbek, (612) 533-7723.

INSTRUCTIONS: Ads are run as a free service to paid members. Paid ads from non-members are not accepted. Ads for venomous species, illegal species, or sick animals will not be run.

MHS takes no responsibility for legality or health of any animal advertised here. Ads may be run for three consecutive nlonths at which time ads may be re-submitted. The editor reserves 1he right to omit ads when space is limited so as to allow all members a chance to advertise. Size of ads is limited to 4 typed lines or 1 standard size business card.

Deadline. for all newsletter items is the 15th of the month. Send all newsletter items to : ATIN: Newsletter Editor, Minnesota Herpetological Society, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church st. S.E., Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104.

MRS NeHfsietter. Vol. X, No.9

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MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY BBLL MUSBUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH STREBT S.B.• MINNBAPOLIS» MN 55455-0104

RECYCLED PAPER Conserving OUr Resoorces

MEMBERSHIP AND T-SHIRT ORDER FORM MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY NAMB(S) ADDRBSS CITY _________________________________

PHONB ________________________

STATE _ __

ZIP CODE _ _ _ _ __

LIST IN MHS DIRECTORY? YBS__

NO_ _

HERP-RBLATBD INTERBSTS TYPB OF MEMBBRSHIP?

NBW__

RENBWBL_ _

.~_ •••.• $50.00

_ _ FAMILY •...•.•. $12.50

_ _ CONTRIBUTING ..... $25.00

_ _ INDIVIDUAL..•. $ 10.00

_ _ SUSTAINING

OFFICIAL MUS T-SHIRT - $7.00 includes postage (indicate how many of each) Adult:

small ___

medium_ _.

largc__

x-largc_ _

Kids: 6-8._ _,

10-12___

Plea.<;e enclose payment. MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Minnesota Herpetological Society. Membership is for 12 months from date of joining. A membership card will be sent by return mail. A receipt will be sent only on request. MAIL TO: Minne..sota Herpetological Society, Bell Museum of Natural Hi..,tory, 10 Church st. S.E., Minneapolis, JvIN 55455-0104