Vol 15 (1995), No. 11

NEWSLETTER OF THE

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

NOVEMBER 1995 BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL illSTORY

VOLUME XV 10 CHURCH STREET SOUTH EAST

NUMBER 11 MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55455-0104

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

Large pythons and constrictors Glen (Jake) Jacobsen 757-8268 730-6265 Karl Hermann Other Snakes 263-7880 John Meltzer 374-5422 John or Connie Levell 488-6388 Jeff LeClere

Terrestrial turtles and tortoises John Moriarty 647-1334 Ann Porwoll 489-7853 Glen (Jake) Jacobsen 757-8268 Aquatic Turtles Gary Ash John Levell

753-0218 374-5422 647-1334 533-7723 488-6388

Amphibians John Meltzer Greg Kvanbek

263-7880 533-7723

Lizards Nancy Haig Bill Moss

Minnesota Herps John Moriary Greg Kvanbek Jeff LeClere

434-8684 488-1383

Crocodilians Jeff Lang

Education Contact Sean Hewitt

935-5845

Adoption Contact Glen (Jake) Jacobsen

(701) 772-0227

757-8268

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

MHS VOICE MAIL PHONE NUMBER: 624 - 7065 MHS BOARD OF DIRECTORS PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT MEMBERSHIP SECRETAR Y RECORDING SECRETARY TREASURER NEWSLETTER EDITOR MEMBER-AT-LARGE MEMBER-AT -LARGE MEMBER-AT-LARGE MEMBER-AT-LARGE MEMBER-AT-LARGE

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

Bill Moss Greg Kvanbek George Richard Randy Blasus Marilyn Brooks John Levell Gary Ash Dan Bergquist Barbara Radanke James Rea Siri Rea SNAKEBITE EMERGENCY

HENNEPIN REGIONAL POISON CENTER

(612) 347-3141

MINNESOTA POISON CONTROL SYSTEM LOCAL OUT OF STATE

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

Copyright Minnesota Herpetological Society. Thc contents of this newsletter may be reproduced for inclusion in the newsletters of other herpetological societies provided that the material is reproduced without change and proper credits are given to the l\1HS Newsletter, citing, volume, number, and date.

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY Newsletter Volume XV Number 11 November 1995

CONTENTS Editorial............................... ............. ................................................

Ne\vs\ Notes, and Announcelnents..........................................................

Meeting Review by Randy Blasus..........................................................

Ecoviews Is There Enough Planet Left to Share? by Whit Gibbons..............

To Have But Not Hold by Karen Dale Dustman........................................

Some Thoughts on the Keeping of Venomous Snakes by Bill Moss.............

MHS Venomou s Rep tile Policy ..................................................... :.......

A Word from Your "Director" of Education by Sean Hewitt.........................

Calendar of Even ts..............................................................................

MHS Business ... ""'" ........... """"'"'''''''''''''''''''''' .......... """"""""'" Classified Advertisements.....................................................................

1 2 5 6 7 10 11 12 13 14 15

And ..... it Was Good!

Despite a couple of minor (yea right!) misadventures including at least a 30 minute drive the wrong direction on Interstate 90 and a rear end collision at one of Illinois' wonderful toll plazas, the 1995 Midwest Herpetological Symposium held in Rosemont, IL proved to be one of the most enjoyable events of the entire year. Having had the good fortune of attending most of these gel togethers over the years, I think I can safely say that this 11 th annual Midwest was among the finest in recent memory. Interesting, entertaining programs including Dr. Walter Auffenberg's highly educational and humorous Keynote presentation on Saw-scaled Vipers highlighted the even~ and were supplemented admirably by the captive bred only swap meet and a hospitality suite where both beer and conversation flowed freely. Perhaps best of all was Saturday evening's banquet, which featured a selection of food items that were easily the best ever enjoyed by this editor at a Midwest. Of course, the traditional and, hopefully, profitable auction was a lot of fun, and without a doubt the vast majority of art lovers in attendance proved to be Minnesotans. I even somehow managed to "steal" a piece of Don Wheeler's original artwork, always among the most highly coveted and prized auction items. All in all our hosts; the Chicago Herpetological Society, did an excellent job and everyone involved deserves our highest admiration. Being a "product" of Chicago myself this is particularly gratifying, especially considering the "Monstrosity on the Midway" sponsored by the CHS several years back (O.K. Joan, so it really wasn't that bad). As always, the MHS was extremely well represented at the event with at least 35 members in attendance, and this editor is justly proud of both of his "home" societies. Way to go Guys! Anyway, I'm already looking forward to next year's trip to St. Louis and plan on seeing you all at the 1997 Midwest Conference, right here in the Twin Cities, as well. Until JPL next time ....... "Nuff Said."

Next Newsletter Deadline: December 1, 1995 Send all submissions to: MHS Editor Bell Museum of Natural History 10 Church St. SE Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104

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MHS Newslerrer Volume XV Number 11

News, Notes, & Announcements Wood Turtle - The Banquet Treat!

Upcoming Meeting Highlights

A special treat for those attending the Holiday Banquet. An original pen and ink drawing by Siri Rea of a Wood Turtle will be raffled off. This print will be matted, framed (18"x 12"), and ready to hang on your wall. Each paid admission will receive one ticket for the raffle. This year, to increase your chances of winning, come with extra cash to the Banquet as the MHS will be selling additional raffle tickets for $1.00 each. Good luck and hope to see you there. MB

December Program:

Adventures with Bolen's Pythons Holiday Banquet Program:

New Guinea Travelogue Guest Speakers:

AI and Cindy Baldago I've always regarded Boelen's Pythons, Morelia boelelli, as one of those near mythical herps (much like the Goliath Frog and the Moloch) tbat I'll

probably never get a cbance to own. Found in the forested mountains of New Guinea, Bolen's Pythons are rarely imported, and when they are they are way expensive. However, there are a few dedicated herpers out there that are working with tbese animals, and Al and Cindy Baldago are two of them.

Actually, Al and Cindy are professional breeders of many species of herps, primarily snakes and lizards. If you were at the Midwest Herp Conference last year in Kansas City, you probably remember their excellent and very humorous slide presentation on the husbandry and breeding of Bearded Dragons. You also may have seen some of AI's slides of some of bis trips to New Guinea. As a matter of fact, as tbis is being written Al is in New Guinea, no doubt taking more photos and searcbing for Bolen's Pytbons.

The Baldagos, of course, will also be our guest speakers at the Holiday Banquet (see the announcement elsewhere in this newsletter for further Banquet infonnation). Tbey will show slides of New Guinea and will talk about not only Bolen's Pythons, but all sorts of otber wildlife as well, especially amphibians and reptiles. They will also discuss New Guinea's native people (wbo have had very little contact witb "civilization," so to speak) and the difficulties in communicating with tbem. This presentation will also feature an examination of the unique geograpbical features and lush jungles that make up New Guinea, as well as the difficulties encountered in just getting tbere.

So get ready for some herpin' adventure at . both the December general meeting of the MHS and at our annual Holiday Banquet, because that's wbat the Baldagos are going to deliver!

Greg Kvanbeek

December Meeting Location: Borlaug Hall, U of M SI. Paul Campus Time: December I, 1995 - 7:00 p.m.

Holiday Banquet Location: U of M SI. Paul Campus Student Union Time: December 2, 1995 - 6:30 p.m.

The December general meeting of the MHS will be held in the usual location in Borlaug Hall on the SI. Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota (see map below). In addition to the scheduled speaker, the meeting will also feature all nonnal meeting activities including; Adoptions, Library, and Critter of the Month so remember to bring your animals and (if practical) a container to display them in. The annual MHS Holiday Banquet will be held, on the Saturday following the general meeting, in the St. Paul Campus Student Union Center Dining Room (see map below) starting at 6:30 p.m. The banquet will feature the traditional "Potluck" Dinner as well as a Slide Presentation on New Guinea. In addition, a one of a kind original print

by Siri Rea will be presented to a lucky Raffle winner! Banquet tickets cost $5.00 each and can be obtained from Marilyn Blasus.

UNlVERSITYOF ....lNNESOTA~ ST. PAUL CAMPUS

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MHS Newsletter Volume XV Number 11

Thinning the Herd

1996 MHS Election

Joe Buddy Caine, 35, died in Anniston, Ala., in September, of rattlesnake bites. He was bitten while tossing the snake around in a game of catch with his friend Junior Bright, who himself was hospitalized with bites.

Once again we are looking for a few good people who would like to volunteer their time to the Society. The Election for the Board of Directors of the Minnesota HerpetologicaJ Society is scheduled for the month of March at the Annual Meeting.

Currently we need people to run for any position they feel capable of filling. SeveraJ positions are wide open as those Board Members have reached their term limit or will not be running again. These positions are as follows: President, Vice President, Recording Secretary, Membership Secretary and at least one Member路at路Large opening.

Each position has specific duties to perform.

A list of some of these duties has been included. Any further questions about these positions should be directed to a Board Member or generaJ questions brought to the attention of the Recording Secretary.

Editor's Note: The preceding news note has been reprinted from Chuck Shepard's column; News of the Weird which originally ran in the October 12, 1995 edition of the Mpls. Star Trihune. As aJways, the following commentary should have been included: Rattlesnakes 3 . Redneck Idiots 0 (the snake gets an extra point for killing one). JPL

M.H.S. Photo Contest Now is the time to start taking pictures. If you have already taken a few, then it's time to sort through them looking for that perfect photo. This contest is scheduled to take place in the month of February at the White Snake Sale. Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each category and a "Peoples Choice" will be awarded.

President: Chair monthly meetings, appoint conunittee chairpersons, focuses on long range planning and act as a public spokesman for the Society.

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

Here are the rules: 1. Prints may be entered by any current M.H.S. members.

2. A contestant may enter up to five prints.

3. All entries must be turned in at or before the January meeting or postmarked by December 31,1995, 4. Entries will be returned if accompanied by a self addressed stamped envelope.

Entries may aJso be picked up at the February meeting.

5. Prints may be 4 x 6, 5 x 7, or 8 x 10.

They should be mounted on cardboard matboard that is at least 8"x 10", but no larger then 11" x 14". Framed prints are discouraged.

6. The entrants name, address, and category needs to be on the back of every print mat.

Do not place names on the front of the prints.

Treasurer: Maintain all MHS Financial Transactions and records, purchase supplies and other Board directed expendihUes. Recording Secretary: Record the minutes of board meetings and review the monthly speaker, maintain all files pertaining to the position, Chairperson of the election committee.

Membership Secretary: Record new memberships and renewaJs or address changes, send out new member information, maintain contact with membership as Board requires.

Newsletter Editor: Edit and assemble Newsletter for printing, solicit articles or art work as needed.

Members At Large: Help in the decision making process, work on special projects, facilitate the smooth operation of the Society as required.

The two categories are: 1. Herps in a NaturaJ Setting.

2. Herps with People.

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

Who: All active members

ALL ENTRIES are eligible for the Peoples Choice Award! This is voted on by the membership at the February meeting. Prizes will be awarded to winners such as; MHS Bucks and photo related gift certificates. More details to come in a future newsletter.

3

MHS Newsletter Volume XV Number 11

Re-invest in Minnesota (RIM) and Permanent Wetland Preserves (PWP) Sign-ups Scheduled

SYMPOSIUM IN HONOR OF DR. SHERMAN A. MINTON, JR. 12-14 April 1996, Indianapolis, Indiana

Tbe Wrigbt Soil and Water Conservation DisUict (SWCD) bas scbeduled the RIM Reserve and PWP sign-up from November 6tb to November 17th, 1995.

There is approximately $2.7 million dollars of state bond funds available state-wide for RIM and PWP easement acquisition during tbis fall sign-up period. In tbe six county area which includes Wright county, there is approximately $146,000 available for easement acquisition.

There are currently 47 RIM and PWP easements in Wright County covering approximately 900 acres.

Both RIM and PWP retire land in permanent easements, which means "forever". In return the landowner receives a one time payment per acre based on average land values. In Wright County, the dollar amount varies from $500 per acre to $900 per acre of cropland.

RIM pays landowners to return certain agricultural lands back to their natural state. Priority will be given to wetlands that are drained and would be restored under RIM and highly erodable cropland next to water bodies.

PWP pays landowners to permanent protect existing farmed wetlands with up to four acres of adjacent land per wetland acre.

Under both programs Cost-Share is available for cover establishment, after acceptance into either program. The landowner cannot drain, hay, graze or crop the area. The land is not open to the public and remains private land.

For more infonnation on RIM and PWP contact the Wright SWCD office at 682-1970.

he Indiana Academy of Sciences is sponsoring a Symposium in April of 1996 in honor of Sherman A. T Minton, Jr. on the occasion of the publication of his revision of the Amphibians and Reptiles ofIndiana. The symposium will be held 12-14 April 1996 in Indianapolis at the Indiana UniversitylPurdue University Conference Center. Dr. Minton is well known for his work on venomous reptiles, the reptiles of Pakistan, the regional herpetology of the midwest, and popular books on herpetology.

The Symposium will include a Friday evening (12 April) dinner featuring Whit Gibbons as the after dinner speaker.

The morning program of the Saturday Conference (13 April) will focus on the career of Dr. Minton with talks by Carl Gans (Minton'S work on the reptiles of Pakistan), David Hardy (pitviper bites), Bernard Bechtel (abnormalities in reptiles), and Harold Voris (venomous sea snakes). The afternoon session will focus on "Hoosier Herpetology" and the publication of Minton's revision of his classic monograph on the herpetofauna of Indiana; biologists working on the amphibians and reptiles ofIndiana will present brief overviews of their research and provide a perspective on herpetological research in Indiana today. On Sunday (14 April) there will be optional field trips.

For registration information, contact: Harriet A. Rodenberg (Minton Conference), University Place, Conference Center and Hotel, 850 West Michigan Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46202-5198, USA. Tel. 317-274-5053; Fax: 317-274-3878; e-mail: hrodenbe@indycms.iupui.edu.

MHS Contributing and Sustaining Members

Editor's Note: The preceding article, author unknown, originally appeared in the October 26, 1995 issue of The Drummer, a newspaper published in Buffalo, MN. JPL

Each of the following MHS members has helped support our Society during the past year by maintaining their MHS memberships at one of our two higher membership categories; Contributing or Sustaining. These members receive nothing extra for their generous financial suppor~ other than the satisfaction of helping to sponsor MHS activities throughout the year. Each and everyone of these members deserves a sincere Thank You and this acknowledge is just a small token of our appreciation.

Our current Contributing and Sustaining members are; Gloria Anton, Jim Baker, Randy & Marilyn Blasus, Fred & Liz Bosman, Scott Cords, Brnce Delles, Michael & Donna Gaunt, Bruce & Nancy Haig, Glen Jacobsen. Jan]es Jorgensen, Merle Larson, Joseph Lutz, Jim Mead, Bill Moss, Ann Porwoll, Barb Radanke. the Rea family, Uli Sacchet, Southside Fann Store, Roger Statz, Tropical Concepts, Keith Tucker, and Lawrence Weber.

November "Critter" of the Month Malt & Uli Sacchet

Fred Bosman Greg Kvanbeek Mike Schandel Jake Balmce

Pueblan Milk Snake Lamprapeitis triangulum campbelli Sawu Python Liasis mackloti savuensis Sinaloan Milk Snake Lamprapeltis triangulum sinalaae "Snow" Corn Snake Etaplle guttata guttata Everglades Rat Snake Elap/ze obsaleta rossalleni Green Iguana Iguana iguana

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MRS Newsletter Volume XV Number 11

General Meeting Review

By: Randy Blasus Recording Secretary The snakes are fed one day then checked the next and any observations are recorded on the cards at that time.

Brent Peugnet presented a very informative and well organized presentation on the conunercial captive propagation of King Snakes and Milk Snakes. Brent started to be interested in serpents, as many people have, at a young age. Pythons were the fIrst animals he kept, although, he now bas no interest in keeping them because of tbeir large size. He lost interest soon after this early experience for a period of ten years .. When he again entered into berpetoculture, it was Wllh the genus Lampropeltis. He cbose these animals because of their size and brigbt colors, and bas worked with them for about eight years.

Collection and incubation of eggs are similar to otber successful techniques. Deposition of eggs by the female is encouraged by placing a container of moist sphagnum or wood shavings in with the snake. They are then transferred to an incubator made by Brent.

The eggs are put in a moist medium such as perlite; then this container is placed in a shoebox in the incubator. Humidity is maintained in the incubator by the inclusion of an aquarium of water in the bottom of the unit. The aquarium is aerated by a remote air pump. This provides humidity and some air exchange. By checking the eggs occasionally, more fresh air is allowed to enter the incubator, and thIS also promotes a healthy gas exchange for the eggs. The humidity is kept high enough that condensation builds up on the sides of the shoebox, but not to the point that it begins to collect on the lid. In this setup the snakes hatch in sixty to sixtyfIve days at a temperature of eighty to eighty-four degrees. Brent does not hesitate to carefully remove obviously bad eggs from tbe clutch. This setup has allowed very good hatching success; basically if they are fertile, the eggs hatch. .

One of the lessons be learned from bis earlier experiences was that he no longer wanted to keep large collections in his bouse. So he approached the administration of the development wbere he resides (in Arizona), and gained permission to construct a separate building to bouse his animals. This building has two rooms, one for snakes and one for mice which he raises for sale and for feeding bis own collection. These rooms are completely separate and indi viduall y climate controlled to insure tbe health of their occupants. The snake rooms' ambient temperature is maintained at around 70 to 78 degrees Fahrenhei~ and tbis temperature is lowered to 50 or 60 degrees Fahrenheit during a three month bibernation period. Tbe rodent room bas a backup air conditioner as be considers them tbe most important feature of bis business and tbe mammals tolerate less temperature extremes tben the serpents. He maintains about one-hundred cages whicb contain one male, three females and around ten babies in eacb. Tbe rodents are cleaned with a quaternary anunonium compound and fed a conunercial diet produced by Purina 速.

Hibernation in the climate in which Brent lives poses a few problems. These are overcome by using the climate to his advantage. The nights in his home state in winter can drop the temperature down to the fIfties. At this time a large fan circulates this cool outside air into the room. During the day, the air conditioner takes over and maintains the constant cool temperature needed. Having 2 by 6 inch walls, a concrete floor and good insulation allows this system to be relatively economical in electrical costs for the area where he lives. This technique allows for a three month cool down period.

Wben it Comes to feeding the snakes, Brent believes that smaller meals are better. He also believes in letting the snakes feed as they see fIt. He used to really try hard to get reluctant babies to feed and would constantly try to get them started. Now, he generally allows the snake to determine wben it would like to feed. He has had good success in hatchling survival since beginning this tactic. The best advice he could give is just be patient and wait.

Tben, if necessary, the reluctant snake could be placed in hibernation.

Lastly, slides of several species that Brent breeds were presented along with commentary on each species shown. Several pattern or color variations of species were noted as well as one that he is currently working on. The project species mentioned was a leucistic Texas Rat Snake, Elop/ze obsoleta lindheimerii.

These leucistic animals seem to be susceptible to a genetic defect that distorts the shape of the head and causes the eyes to bulge. The snakes he hopes to present in the future (fIve to eight years) would be free of this defect. Brent also feels that the Pueblan Milk Snake, Lampropeltis trial/gulum compbelli, suffers from inbreeding and are not as good as other similar Milk Snakes. With work such as he is currently doing, Brent's business should thrive.

For his commercial breeding of large numbers of snakes, Brent now uses a plastic shoebox/sweater box setup with heat tape controlled by a rheostat. This is mucb easier to keep clean and saves more space then conventional caging systems. For the Kingsnakes, the heat tape is kept barely warm, just enough to provide a thennal gradient. Records are kept on each individual animal by having a card next t01'acb cage.

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MHS Newsletter Volwne XV Number 11

ECOVIEWS

IS THERE ENOUGH PLANET LEFT TO SHARE?

By Whit Gibbons Feminized male alligators, snakes carrying radios, and prehistoric trees have a common environmental link. All relate to the principle of sharing the planet, which seems to be getting harder and harder to do. . The alligator discovery is not new. Awhile back, male alligators in Lake Apopka, Florida, were reported to have female traits. These included reduced levels of testosterone and high levels of estrogen, the hormone that stimulates the development of female characteristics. Researchers concluded that the demasculization of male alligators was a consequence of a pesticide spill in 1980.

Endocrinologists and toxicologists are still debating about the specific chemicals and compounds responsible for the feminization of the male alligators. Did one difficult-to-pronounce chemical compound cause the production of estrogen or did another one inhibit testosterone? And how? Finding out is important for some purposes, but details matter little in one sense--chemical pollution of our rivers and lakes can cause insidious changes in the life that inhabits them. Will the next life form affected by covert chemicals be an animal you feel closer to, maybe the two-legged variety in your own home?

On a happier note, botanists in Australia have discovered two trees hitherto unknown to science. One is a conifer thought to have gone extinct 50 million years ago. The second is a flowering tree. An illustration of the tree's nut appeared in a botany book in 1870. But the drawing was of an Australian fossil estimated to be 60 million years old, from a tree species presumed to be extinct.

At least two reactions to the discovery of previously unidentified organisms are possible. One is the cynical (and arrogant) view that we need not be concerned about preserving habitats and wildlife because we have enough world left to harbor species we didn't even know existed. A second, more judicious response -- one that has the merit of benefiting humans and the natural environment -- is that we better preserve everything we can lest we lose something important that we never knew we had.

Finally, rattlesnakes. According to Kurt Buhlmann, chair of the Legislation and Conservation Committee for Herpetological Review, the state of Virginia may have made a mistake. The issue' concerns private property rights and some people's attitudes toward snakes.

Radio-telemetry has proved to be an extremely valuable field technique for determining movement and activity patterns of many wildlife

species, including snakes. A surgically implanted transmitter allows researchers to find the snake at any time. In the city of Chesapeake, Virginia, students from two regional universities conducted a radiotelemetry study on state-endangered canebrake rattlesnakes for two years in a public park. Then the Chesapeake City Council voted unanimously to terminate the study.

The decision was based in part on an outcry by the Chesapeake Farm Bureau. Some landowners claimed that students had trespassed on private lands in search of the snakes. The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries agreed to phase out funding for the study. Proponents of the study claimed that ignorance, fears, and religious beliefs were influential in the decision, as well as land owner concerns that a protected species can cause problems by jeopardizing a person's property rights.

Who's right? The fact that some people just don't like snakes is categorically not a justifiable reason to discourage their study. Neither is ignorance or land owner paranoia. On the other hand, researchers should get permission before going onto private property, even though snakes do not recognize human boundary lines.

In any case, compromise must be reached if we are to increase our knowledge of the natural world while respecting the rights of others. It all comes back to learning to share.

Earth is a big piece of pie, and more and more people are nibbling away at it. But it's as big as it's going to get. Anything that affects one part of the globe can ultimately be assured of affecting inhabitants elsewhere -- whether they belong to our own species or to others.

Editor's Note: Dr. J. Whitfield Gibbons is professor of ecology at the University of Georgia and is the division head at the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory in Aiken, South Carolina. Probably best known for his books including; Their Blood Ruus Cold, The Life History and Ecology of the Slider Turtle and Keeping all the Pieces among others, Dr. Gibbons also writes a weekly syndicated column for the New York Times Regional News. The preceding article is one installment of this cplumn and has been provided for publication in the MHS Newsletter through the kindness of Dr. Gibbons.

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MHS Newsletter Volume XV Number 11

To Have But Not Hold By: Karen Dale Dustman It was a small entry in an otherwise innocuous catalog: a Forest Cobra for sale. "Extra mean!" it noted, presumably an added attraction.

Forget, just for a moment, Cleopatra's unfortunate encounter with the asp. Haven't you ever been intrigued -- at least a little -- by the "venomous" column in wholesalers' brochures?

There's a certain sinister charm to names like Gila Monster, Black Mamba and Puff Adder.

"Almost anyone who gets into reptiles will eventually go through a phase where they're interested in the venomous species," said one enthusiast.

"guy" thing -- machismo. But that's not as prevalent as it was 20 years ago."

Society's less savory elements also may have found a new use for venomous reptiles. "I just got back from leading a worksbop in Aspen for animal control officers on how to handle venomous species," Holmes said. "We're seeing more drug guys discovering Vipers. They seem to be replacing Rottweilers (to protect drug houses)."

Profit, as well as danger, is associated witb these unusual creatures. "There's good money in breeding," said Chris Odom, manager of Hogtown Herps in Gainesville, Florida. "It's supply and demand. A Puff Adder goes for $20 retail wbile a Gila Monster, which is protected and bard to acquire, can be a couple of grand."

Thrills, Chills and Paying Bills Just wbat would prompt a presumably level-headed individual's interest in such creatures, anyway?

"Many (venomous species) are highly specialized, bave unique bebaviors and interesting reproductive patterns," said Gaylon Holmes, legislative coordinator for the American federation of Herpetoculturists. Holmes' personal collection includes 72 venomous animals, including African Bush Vipers, Pit Vipers and Rattlesnakes.

Captive propagation for zoos can help oliset habitat loss presently occuring in the wild, Holmessaid, while the husbandry experience of private individuals can make Significant contributions to knowledge about these animals.

"Many of the refinements in zoo enclosures are thanks to work in the private sector, whicb bas lent a tremendous amount of scientific data," Holmes said. "Zoos can only work with so many species."

Venomous reptiles also play an important role in medical researcb, be said. "Tbe majority of all serologic medicine is based on (studies of) snake toxin -- cardiac, anti-coagulant, and so on. Snake venom has wonderful qualities," Holmes said.

"Researchers study how it operates in the lab and then can work on synthesis later."

Of course, some enthusiasts' interest in venomous reptiles may be less salutary. "For 90 percent of the people, they just think it's macho.

They tbink having a King Cobra makes them cool," said Bruce Delles, owner of Twin Cities Reptiles in St. Paul, Minnesota. Delles said be "went through the egomania thing" bimself a decade ago.

Bill Love, co-owner ofbreederfsupplier Glades Herp Inc. in Ft. Myers, Florida, reported that "a variety of people" are buying venomous species.

"Zoos, private displays, universities and private schools here and overseas, and a very small minority of private collectors," he said. "Researcb labs are buying a bigger cbunk all the time for venom research."

Still, Love said, "A certain percentage of people get off on tbe danger, tbe thrill. It's heavily a

Retailing Realities Fantasizing about adding a Rattlesnake or two to your inventory? Selling venomous reptiles is definitely "not for everybody," said Tim Scott, owner of Little House of Reptiles. A1thougb Scott keeps 11 venomous species on display in his Lakeland, Florida, store, he advises other retailers to "think very, very hard" before venturing into this aspect of tbe business. "It takes a lot of time working with them just to get the (Florida) permit, and you can only sell to people who have the proper permit," he said.

Scott said he keeps his venomous collection (several Cobras, Rattiesnakes and a Mamba) in individually locked, glass-fronted cages. And yes, be bas antivenin on band in the store, just in case.

In addition to obtaining a public display permit, Scott bad to post a $1,000 surety bond.

Surprisingly, obtaining liability insurance for his store was no big deal. "I guess they understand tbat it's not a real hazard if you keep (the snakes) according to the requirements of Game & Fisb," Scott said.

"Venomous reptiles are not recommended for mom-and-pop pet stores," said Lakeland, Florida, attorney Curt Harbsmeier, who also serves as vicepresident of the National Herpetological Alliance.

"They are not pets in the traditional sense."

Harbsmeier has a "medium sized" collection of between 50 and 100 venomous and nonvenomous snakes.

"I do not recommend venomous species in a retail situation," Holmes of the AFH said. "Tbe husbandry has to be just perfect. There are enough breeders out there. If a customer wants one, retaiJers can just connect them up with a reputable breeder."

Even some wholesalers get chills at tbe prospect of dealing witb tbese dangerous darlings.

"We don't handle venomous," said Howard Fluker, co-

7

MHS Newsletter Volume XV Number 11

owner of Baton Rouge-based Fluker Farms. "People try to send me samples, and you should see the big capital letters in the letters 1 send back. The

great diversity in states' attitudes toward venomous species.

"In Minnesota, for instance, there's no law against venomous snakes, although they generally don't sell them in pet stores," Levell said. "In Missouri, you're required to notify the local police and fire departments so if they come into your house, they're prepared. And you must have a supply of antivenin at the nearest hospital. (But) in Georgia, although it's illegal to own native nonvenomous snakes, a kid can go out and catch however many of the poisonous type he wants. It's crazy."

States also may distinguish between native and non-native venomous species. In California, for instance, native Rattlesnakes may not be sold in pet stores (or elsewhere), but "individuals may collect up to two native rattlers per species for their own collection," said Phil Nelms of the California Department of Fish & Game. Non-native poisonous reptiles, however, "may not be sold or possessed in California. " Retailers inquiring into requirements for the sale and keeping of venomous snakes and reptiles should not stop their investigation at the state level, Nelms said. "Local sity or county ordinances, particularly those prohibiting 'dangerous' animals, may also apply," he said.

liability ...... It

Retailers wbo sell or display venomous species should "place them in a high-traffic area of the store, in securely locked cages where the animals cannot get out and tbe public cannot get in," Harbsmeier said.

"Actually, as long as retailers have secure cages and liability insurance, 1 don't see it as a real problem," he said. "But as the old adage goes, if sometbing can bappen, it will. Venomous reptiles are not for every pet store, tbat's for sure."

Obtaining adequate liability insurance is anotber concern. ''I'm certain insurance (for venomous snakes on tbe premises) is expensive to get," Harbsmeier said. "People just don't understand them.1!

Tbe liability potential is an issue retailers must corne to tenns with. uIfs seriously dangerous," said Odum of Hogtown Herps. "We have about 150 (venomous animals) rigbt now, not including Scorpions, wbich will kill you worse than the Cobras,lI

Delles, wbo carries more than 300 herps but no venomous species in his store, is disapproving of the concept: "I don't sell them, although it's not illegal to do so in the state of Minnesota. But people have different ideas of what is and isn't dangerous."

For customers wbo ask for venomous varieties, Delles bas two stock answers: "I tell them there's a large risk, and there's better profit potential from nonvenomous. Also, if a buyer doesn't take precautions, it just makes for more anti-reptile legislation."

Upon reflection, Delles added a third reason he doesn't carry venomous species inb his inventory: "If I or my employees make a mistake, we don't wind up dead or in the hospitaI." Still, Delles admits he would love to own a couple of venomous species: a Gaboon Viper and a Rhino Viper. "They have neat markings; tbey're my favorites," he said. "I may love to bave them, but it wouldn't be for display. It's a personal interest in the animal, rather than 'It's cooL'"

Ouch Just how bad is -- well, a "deadly" bite?

"People generally don't die anymore from the bites," said AFH's Holmes. "The biggest concern is reducing tissue and nerve damage."

"Each bite is unique," Holmes said. Up to 30 percent of bites are "dry" bites containing little or no venom. "Thc snake has total control over whether to venomate and how much to venomate," he said.

The worst bites typically occur with caged animals, Holmes said, whcre the human is invading tbe animal's territory and has decreased its escape space.

Legal Nuts and Bolts Still contemplating expanding your reptile department with venomous varieties? Before you purchase extrasecure cages, Harbsmeier and others recommend a thorough review of both state and local laws. Not only do retailers need to know which species are legal to sell and what pennits may apply, they need to know what infonnation to provide to customers.

Author John Levell, whose newly published book A Field Guide to Reptiles and tlze Law sununarizes the complex maze of state and federal laws affecting reptiles and amphibians, points out the

8

MRS Newsletter Volume XV Number 11 Timely treatment with antivenin will usually stave off major disaster. But it must be the proper antivenin for the species. And the next issue will be whether your heart can stand the shock when you get the bill.

"The most popular antivenin is the one for North American species -- Rattlers and Copperheads -called a polyvalent," Holmes said. "It generally will be available at a good hospital or zoo but can be very expensive. Even a small bite will be at least $500, and it goes up from there."

Another antivenin type, used for Coral Snake and Cobra bites, is much less common -- and even more expensive, according to Holmes. Some particularly rare antivenins, such as the Taipan antivenin from Australia, can cost as much as $1,000 for one vial, Harbsmeier said.

More typically, "a bite from an Eastern Diamondback Rattler can take 30 to 40 vials, at $100 per vial," Harbsmeier said.

"A cheap bite's going to cost you 10 G's in the hospital, if you get lucky," author John Levell said. "I just heard of a fellow who was bitten by a King Cobra in Florida. He is a well-respected and very experienced handler. It's taken almost 60 vials (of antivenin) at $125 a vial."

And if that prospect isn't discouraging enough, here's another cheery thought. "Remember, it's not a question of if you get bit; it's a question of when," Levell said.

Altbough Holmes does not recommend

TIMBER RATTLESNAKE LIMITED EDITION PRINT

By Dan Keyler This original pen & ink drawing is limited to an edition of 141 signed and numbered prints.

Prints cost $15.00 each and can be personalized upon request. Anyone interested in purcbasing a print should contact the artist at MHS meetings or by calling (612) 374-8760 (w) or (612) 9332055. Proceeds will be used to further Timber Rattlesnake research in Minnesota. Order soon they won't last long.

venomous species to lithe average person, he is also II

WE HAVE A GREAT SELECTION OF CAPTIVE BRED HERPS.

opposed to any outright prohibition. "I'm sort of caught between a rock and a hard place," he said.

His suggestion to keep such potentially dangerous animals in the right hands: "A good (stiff) permi fee might help. If there is enough of an investment in a permit, it Wters out the kids and tbe thrill seekers."

Levell said be doesn't think these animals should be banned. "Venomous snakes are interesting, deserve to be worked with and conserved. But accidents happen. That's why they call them accidents. " "You want my honest opinion?" Levell added, pausing for a moment. "There are 2,700 species of snakes, about 600 of which are venomous.

If you can't find something to suit you among the 2,100 that are left, there's something wrong."

CALL FORA COMPLETE LISTING!

JOHN & RUTH MELTZER

(612) 263-7880

~~~lt!r~,!~!-,E

ยง

ERICTIiISS (612) 470-5008 FAX (612) 470-5013

Editor's Note: The preceding article (reprinted here with permission) originally appeared in the Sept.

1995 edition of Pet Prodnct News, a professional trade publication for the pet industry. The article's author, Karen Dale Dustman, is an Attorney and Freelance Writer based in Frazier Park, CA.

464 Seoond Street. Excelsior. MN 55331

000000000000000000000000000000000000000000

9

lviRS Newsletter Volume XV Number 11

From the President

Some Thoughts on the Keeping of Venomous Reptiles

By Bill Moss the exaggerations and stereotypes that are so often disseminated by the various popular media sources.

To their credit, these administrators have listened to us with open minds and modifted their original "ban all reptiles" proposals into ordinances that we can live with. When someone is bitten by a venomous snake in one of these communities, even though the keeping of venomous snakes is illegal, public pressure will probably cause these laws to be reevaluated. This time they will not be so willing to work with us.

In the last ycar or two there has been a marked increase in the number of our members keeping venomous species of snakes in their collections. The majority of the people who have recently started keeping these animals are relatively inexperienced keepers with, in my opinion, questionable motivations. This really concerns me a lot. I am concerned about the safety of these people. I am concerned for the reputation of the Minnesota Herpetological Society and I am concerned for the rights of all of us to continue to keep reptiles and amphibians in our private collections due to increasing political pressures. to regulate exotic animals. This will undoubtedly happen when someone is bitten.

I am not going try to tell you not to keep. venomous snakes. Instead, I do want you to evaluate your own objectives for making this decision. Educate yourself thoroughly, talk to people who have kept the species you are interested in. Find out how the animal behaves on a hook - some do not hang well from a hook and some will climb straight up it. Think about the possible ramiftcations if the snake gets loose, even if it's no fault of your own, it could be from stonny weather or another natural disaster. Put yourself in your next door neighbors' position in the event of an escape. Are you prepared to go around your neighborhood telling people that one of your venomous snakes escaped and you think it may have left the house? You should be, it would be your responsibility. What if it has not left the house, but you don't know where it is? Now what are you going to do? What are you going to do if the animal has problems - stuck in a shed, mouth rot, injuries, Sickness, etc.? Are you prepared to deal with it at this level or are you going to let it go untreated?

You better be able to come up with answers to all of these questions and have a plan of action if the worse happens. Virtually everyone who has kept venomous species for a long time have one thing to say in common regarding bites and other accidents - "it's not a question of IF - it's a question of WHEN." Thiuk about it.

In a recent conversation with one of our newer members who had recently acquired a venomous snake, I asked him if he knew what type of antivenin was appropriate - he did not. I asked him if he knew where the nearest source for antivenin was - he did not. I asked him why he wanted to keep venomous animals in his collection - my interpretation of his lengthy explanation was 'because it's (the animal) beautiful and "really cool." I believe this attitude, as well as lack of knowledge, to be prevalent among many of the people keeping venomous species. This not only concerns me - it scares me.

Within the last year, I have learned of two cases of local people (luckily, not MHS members) doing some mcredibly stupid things involving venomous snakes. The ftrst one is about a local pet shop - one that really doesn't even deal much in reptiles, having a young guy corne up to the counter carrying a wood cage with a sliding glass door. He asked the clerk if he could identify the animal inside as he had just purchased (or traded for) it from an acquaintance (as it turned out, an ex-MHS member). The snake turned out to be a young Rhino Viper! The second one was a young man who mail ordered a Spitting Cobra.

When questioned, he said spitting venom was a myth. He had never heard of a hook as a handling device. He also said that he intended to clean the cage at night while the snake was sleeping. Fortunately, one of our members convinced this person to dispose of the animal before someone got hurt. This guy is marrIed with a child in the house!

If you have a venomous reptile that you want to get rid of, the MHS has the resources to ftnd a safe place for them. Contact the Adoption Chairperson - Glen Jacobsen, or myself. Please do not let venomous snakes circulate around, simply because you have an investment you want to recoup.

Finally, Snakebite Emergency numbers are always listed on the inside front cover of our newsletter. If you have friends who keep venomous snakes but are not in the society, please get a copy of these numbers to them. Keep the numbers by your phone at all times. 000000000000000000000000000000000

In the past year the MHS has negotiated regulations with administrators from two different cities in the metro area. I know where these people are coming . from. I know that for the most part, they are not knowledgeable about reptiles. They tend to believe

10

MHS Newsletter Volume XV Number 11

Minnesota Herpetological Society Venomous Reptile Policy The Minnesota Herpetological Society does not encourage, recommend, nor promote the keeping of any species of venomous reptile by the public.

Persons who feel a need to keep venomous reptiles should seriously consider their decision. The Minnesota Herpetological Society strongly encourages these people to consider the following suggestions prior to obtaining any venomous reptiles.

1. Learn about the care and husbandry techniques needed to

provide a healthy and secure environment for the animals.

2.

Establish a protocol for feeding and cleaning of the animals, so as to reduce risks of bites to themselves and others.

3. Establish a protocol for first-aid in case of a bite from the venomous reptile.

4. Never keep a venomous reptile that does not have a local source for antivenin.

5.

Never provide untrained persons or minors with venomous reptiles.

6.

Never allow minors to keep venomous reptiles.

7. Always remember that there is a risk of serious injury or death from working with venomous reptiles.

Editor's Note: The Minnesota Herpetological Society adopted the preceding official policy on venomous reptiles in 1990. As the general MHS principals regarding this policy remain unchanged, it has been reprinted here as a service to our membership. In addition to the above points of protocol, please remember that; 1. Emercency Phone Numbers Should be Prominently Displayed and Readily Available, 2. Never Work with Venomous Animals While Alone, and 3. Alcohol and Venomous Snakes Do Not Mix! JPL

11

MRS Newsletter Volume XV Number 11

A Word from Your "Director" of Education

by Sean Hewitt especially Patty Diamond, Cara Helinske and Sasha (the pink-haired photographer). I would also like to thank Channel II for covering the event (even though we ended up on their editing room floor), the Minnesota Zoo for showing their animals 3 times (once with a chinchilla), and MHS members Diana & Chris Miller, and Michelle Stephan. Also a BIG thanks is due Merle, Jan, Beau and Derek Larson for taking over on Friday, when we went to Chicago for the Midwest. By the way, the construction we passed on the way in was for Mall of Ainerica's new upcoming attraction -Underwater World!

On Sunday, October 29,1995 MHS did it's yearly commitment- the Bell Museum Halloween Haunts Program. So what two things do the following have in common: A Stygian witch, a mad, mad, scientist, a frog, Satan, a lost herper, a graduate, a Grateful Dead fan, Mr. Griswold (from National Lampoon's Vacation), a belly dancer and a Sheik.

Well ftrst let me set the stage ... decorate the Bell Museum's unlit halls with cobwebs .... add hourly plays and skits for the kids ... a guitarist with scary theme music ...pumpkin carving ... as well as costumed children, adults, and Bell Museum volunteers. Now add some snakes and lizards and you have a very interesting atmosphere for educating the public. On this day the fun started at I p.m. and went to 4 p.m.

An easy, 3 hour Hands-On. The sunny Sunday did hinder many people from coming to the Bell Museum, but a fair amount of kids did come by. It was a relaxing day and, as always, we all had a fun time talking to everyone. MHS will be doing this next year, so let's see you there.

And to answer the earlier question, Connie Levell, Chase Delles, Kathy & Dave Boron, Randy & Marilyn BIasus, Fred Bosman (straining his imagination), Gordon Merck, Michelle Stephan and myself, respectfully, are all obviously MHS members, and all, I believe, had a good time.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all the above members for being there.

Thanks also goes to Chris Goodwin for helping me set up the event and for his patience and to Channel 5 and Channel 9 for covering the event. Thanks to Michael & Donna Gaunt, Siri Rea, George Germann and Dav Kaufman for calling back and telling me they were unable to make it. I really appreciate that gesture, as I'd rather you show up unexpectedly instead of being a no show.

One final note; Gordon Merck deserves a special Thank You for doing a solo Hands-Ons on Sunday, October 21. Once again, Thanks to everyone who participates in our Hands-On events, I really appreciate your investment of time.

On Thursday, October 19 and Friday, October 20, 1995 the Minnesota Herpetological Society did a Hands-On at Mall of America!!!!(yahoo!) We were at the Lego Imagination Center, to be exact. After been told by a dozen people that you'll never do a Hands-On in a mall this late in.the year, especially the Mall of America, this was a bonus for myself as Education Chairman and for the MHS. The event started at 10 a.m., but set-up was at 9 a.mand the event ended at 5 p.m.

When Michelle and I arrived at the surprisingly busy mall, I asked one of Lego's employees if and where I could borrow a cart, as I had numerous boxes of animals, tee-shirts, and other education "stuff' to move and I really didn't want to trek it half way across the mall. They said sure and that they'd meet me on the other side of the mall (because that's were the secret entrance is). When we located the secret entrance, we loaded our boxes on a cart and the Lego employee guided us through the service entrance which leads to a labyrinth of hallways behind all the stores. We then entered the service elevator and went down to the sub-basement.

As I'm an Architectural buff this was really cool for me. We walked passed hundreds of employees, the offiCIal MOA employee lounge and even some construction, then exited some doors and "poof' we ended up by Lego. Very, very cool.

When Michelle and I finally got to Lego Land everyone was waiting so we started to set-up the MHS display as well as our animals, and before I knew it, it was time to start. Parents and kids of all ages walked by in droves all morning and before I could blink it was already noon. We knew the time because of Lego's large centerpiece clock. After hearing the clock's hourly chime for eight hours some of us found it a little annoying.

Lego has two entrances and two exits, but they had closed one of the exits and pOSitioned MHS by the remaining open one so that the people would funnel through to the snake-building and play area.

"It was like a good day at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival" said Michelle Stephan. Indeed it was. With an exciting and fun atmosphere, and with parents and children asking if they could pet our "poisonous" reptiles, it was obvious our work is far from over.

The afternoon went by just as fast as the morning, and Cara Helinske at Lego estimated that approximately 3,000 (minimum) people had gone by during the course of the day. Without a doubt, a very impressive number. Merle Larson tells me that Friday was even busier! I have also been told that this is a yearly event, so lets' do this again next year (except maybe a week earlier).

I would like to extend mv thanks to Sharon Foster and the Lego Imagination Center employees,

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12

MHS Newsletter Volume XV Number II

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Dec. 1, 1995 MHS General Meeting - Hunting Pythons in New Guinea. Speaker: Al & Cindy Baldago.

Borlaug Hall (see map page 1), U ofM, St. Paul Campus. 7:00 pm.

Dec. 2, 1995 Annual MHS Holiday "Pot Luck" Banquet and New Guinea Travelogue by Al & Cindy Baldago.

University of MN St. Paul Campus Student Union Center - Terrace Cafe. 6:30 - 10:30 p.m. Cost $5.00 per person. For more info see insert in this month's MHS newsletter or call: Marilyn Brooks (612) 9254237 . .Jan. 5, 1995 MHS General Meeting - Speaker: John Tester. Borlaug Hall (see map page I), U of M, St. Paul Campus. 7:00 pm.

Feb. 2, 1995 MHS ANNUAL WHITE SNAKE SALE. Borlaug Hall (see map page I), U of M, St. Paul Campus. 7:00 pm.

Apr. 12·14, 1996 Amphibians and Reptiles of Indiana: A Symposium in Honor Of Dr. Sherman A. Minton, Jr. Indianapolis, IN. For more info Contact: Harriet A. Rodenberg, University Place Conference Center and Hotel, 850 Michigan St., Indianapolis, IN 46202-5198 (317) 274-5053.

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

July 13.14, 1996 International Reptile Breeder's Convention. San Diego Concourse Plaza Hall, San Diego, CA. For more info Contact: Ray Busby (800) 497·3550.

Aug. 17.18, 1995 National Reptile Breeder's Expo. Radisson Twin Towers Hotel & Convention Center, Orlando, FL. For more info Contact: Wayne Hill, P.O. Box 3277, Winter Haven, F133885 (813) 2942235.

Sept. 14·15. 1996 Mid-Atlantic Reptile Show. Maryland State Fairgrounds, Baltimore, MD. For more info Contact: Tim Hoen, Maryland Herp. Soc., 2643 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218·4590 (410) 235·6116.

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

November Refreshments For btinging refreshments to the previous MHS mecting the society says Thanks for the cookies to: Dick "Cookie Man" Palmatier Once again, Dick Saves the Day as without his cookies we would have had nothing to eat. Thanks Dick! As always, we need as many people as possible to donate items ill order to keep the refreshments successful. Call (612) 869-8547.

Nanette Jimerson - Refreshment Chairperson.

13

MHS Newsletter Vaill/ne XV Number J J

Treasurer's Report

Board Meeting Highlights

By Randy Blasus, Recording Secretary

Prepared by Marilyn Brooks, MHS Treasurer

The monthly meeting of the MRS Board of Directors was conducted on November 4th at Dan Bergquist's bome. A quorum was present. The board took the following action: It was decided that extra raffle tickets would be sold for the door prize that is given away the Holiday Banquet. Ticket bolders would need to be present to win.

Tbe Voice mail system has been modified to make it easier for the Board to monitor messages.

Discussed were: how t-shirt sales are doing; our Midwestern Symposium; progress on the White Pages; White Snake Sale and Pboto Contest; tbe lack of Rats for the rodent sales and MRS entering pages in the World Wide Web. Presented and accepted were: Treasurer's Report, Membership Report and Board Meeting Minutes.

Beginning Checkbook Balance:

$2,238.06

Income: Membership Raffle Sales Donation Library Fines Other Total Income:

445.00 72.50 354.50 72.27 2.00 2.00 947.77

Expense: 725.00

Newsletter Misc PrintIPost Program Library Books Supplies Refreshments Other Totai Expense:

324.00

27.43 51.66 1,128.09

For Sale or Petting Zoos

Parties or Promotions ANIMALS OF WALTON'S HOLLOW Exotic & Farm Animals Bill & Jean Walton 5425 Peterson Road White Bear Lake, MN 55127-6713 (612)426-8163

Net Income/Loss:

(180.32)

Ending Checkbook Balance:

2,057.74

Dedicated Funds: Funds Available:

222.28 1,835.46

Conservation Fund Balance

92.28

October Raffle Donors Marilyn Blasus Karin Rea Twin Cities Reptiles Connie & John Levell The Jimersons

SECORD'S EXOTIC ANIMAL HOUSE BILLY SECORD - (612)920-1987 LARGEST PRODUCER OR SMALL EXOTIC MAMMALS IN MINNESOTA I

Reptile Ornament Poster Assorted "Goodies" Cage Carpet & Ranunock Balloons & Frog Magnet

Revenue generated by raffle ticket sales help finance a variety of society functions, including the MHS Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Fund.

Congratulations to all the winners, and thanks to everyone who donated items and/or purchased raffle tickets.

HEDGEHOGS, DUPRAS IS, ZEBRA MICE, PYGMY MICE, GIANT AFRICAN POUCHED RATS JIRDS MOUSE LEMURS, BRUSH·TAILED KANG;\ROOS AND MUCH, MUCH MORE! • U's.D.A LICENSED'

Thank You

* Thank

You

* Thank

You

A very large debt of gratitude is owed to MRS members Michael and Donna Gannt for the donation of a computer, monitor, and keyboard to the society for the use of the Newsletter Editor. In comparison to the "Dinosaur" used previously, this new computer (a 286) seems like a Cadillac. It is JPL most sincerely appreciated. Thanks Guys!

14

MRS Newsletter Volume XV Number 11

Classified Ads 1.0.0 = male. 0.1.0 = female, 0.0.1 = un sexed c.b. =captive bred, o.b.o. =or best offer

For Sale

Wanted

2.3 Spotted Pythons, AllIaresia maelilosa, C.B. 7/95 $95 . $125 ea. 2.2 Bay of LA Rosy Boas, Liehanura t. saslowi, CB 9/95, excellent feeders $95 - $125 ea. 1.1 Mexican Rosy Boas, Lichanura t. trivirgata, CB 9/95 $75 ea. 5.4 Kenyan Sand Boas, Eryx c. loveridgi, CB 9/95, from bright orange parents, $50 - $75 ea. Will also trade for Aesculapian Rat Snakes, Elap/ze IOl1gissima, or Pueblan Milks, Lampropeltis t. campbelli. Uli Sacchet (612) 937-5838.

Wanted: Any Day Geckos (Phelsuma). Call dean R. Montour (612) 257-2462 .

Herp related news clippings, original articles, artwork, cartoons, etc. for publication in the MHS Newsletter.

Authors and artists will receive compensation in the form of volunteer hrs, good towards one "priceless" MHS coffee mug. Send submissions to: MN Herp. Soc.! Editor, cia Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104.

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

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

Miscellaneous

Surinam "True" Red-tailed Boa. Gentle, hand raised, domestic c.b. Great Disposition! Unsexed 5.5 ft. $550 with cage. Call Lome Greenen (612) 486-2944

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

Fax: (206) 546-2912.

Mice and Rats. Call Little Critters (612) 421-0097 HERP CLASSIFIED (formerly Fauna Classifieds).

Monthly classified for herpetofauna, food, supplies, literature, societies, much more .... Excellent information source, worldwide circulation, pub!, since 1983. Send .32 stamp for sample. $14/year, $2612 years, 1st class.

MCNisa. Great Valley Serpentarium, 2379 Maggio Circle, Unit C Lodi, CA 95240, (209) 369-7737, Fax (209) 369-7737.

SEA TURTLE SURVIVAL LEAGUE, announces its' line of eco-promoting sea turtle merchandise, for a free catalog write: Sea Turtle Survival League, P.O. Box 2866, Gainesville, FL 32602-2866 or call (800) 6787853.

1995 HERPETOLOGICAL DIRECTORY. Valuable info source containing private & commercial breeders, wholesalers, foreign exporters, US/foreign societies, food sources, supplies, publications, more ..... $15. MCNisa.

Great Valley Serpentarium, 2379 Maggio Circle, Unit C Lodi, CA 95240, (209) 369-7737, Fax (209) 369-7737.

95 Hatchlings Albino N. Pines $95, Hetero N. Pines $45, Corns $15, Fox Snakes $15, W. Hognose $35. Surplus Stock 1.1 Cape Baja Gophers $165 pr., 0.1 Albino Speckled King $50, 1.0 Leucistic Texas Rat $75, 1.1 Corns (Proven Breeders) $85 pr., 1.0 Albino patternless Yellow Rat $50. Asst. Aquariums and accessories $5 $40. Dav (612) 550-9855.

Will find or provide "homes" for any and all unwanted venomous snakes and crocodilians. For more info contact: The Exotic Dead Corner (612) 545-5127. â&#x20AC;˘ Reptiles' Amphibians -Invertebrates' Small Mammals. Fish. Birds' Complete Line of Cages, Food, Books & Supplies for ALL Animals

Aii&

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

REPTILES

2363 University Ave. W., St. Paul, MN 55114 (612) 647- 4479

15

MRS Newsletter Volume XV Number 11

MHS Rodent Sales

MHS Merchandise

Mice: pinkies S6.00 dozen fuzzies S6.00dozen adults 59.00 dozen

MHS offers an assortment of herp related sales items including; books. magazines. posters. t路shirts. notecards. buttons. stickers. decals. and patches.

Look for the merchandise sales area at the far right side of the meeting room. Transactions can be handled before the meeting, during the break. or after the meeting as time permits. Selected items also available for purchase by mail order (see below).

Rats:

pups adults

S10.00 dozen S12.00 six 524.00 dozen

For pickup at monthly meetings only. Orders must be placed at least one week in advance of date of meeting at which frozen rodents are to be delivered.

Place orders witil Terry Scheiber (612) 440-7482.

MRS Painted Turtle Logo (blue on white)

ANIMALIA EXOTICA, INC Breeder Owned & Operated

Handfed Bob; Birds Reptiles. Other Exotics 882路0337

stickers, decals, and patches $1.50 eacil postpaid

1939 W. Burnsville A<wy Burnsville. MN 55337

Treefrog Notecards

(above design on light green stock) $3.00 per package postpaid

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

to f(Ihance Ih! li1e span of your anlmaIS and promotes 000d color

~afkllflcr~~Ie'.'eIs.

Our AQuatI垄Turtkl met Is d!$lgned spoecifi垄ally for an aQuatic situation and

leatuf" a IonQ float time, EXCellMrt

accepl3bil~ and balanCed nutrttion fO( optimum Oicwth.

16

CLASSIFIED AD INSTRUCTIONS: Ads are lUn as a free service to paid members.

MHS takes NO responsibility for legality or health of animal advertised here. Ads may be lUn for three consecutive months at which time ads may be re-submitted. The editor reserves the right to omit ads when space is limited so as to allow all members a chance to advertise. Size of ad is limited to four (4) typed lines or one (1) standard size business card. DEADLINE for all newsletter items is one week before the general meeting.

NON MEMBER & EXPANDED SIZE ADS: Line ads:$.l0 per word.

Business Cards: $5.00 per month.

One month only Three or more months Quarter page ads: $10.00 per month $7.50 per month Half page ads: $20.00 per month $15.00 per month Full page ads: $40.00 per month $25.00 per month

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

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

MEMBERSHIP AND T-SHIRT ORDER FORM MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY NAME(S) ________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS._________________________________________ _________________________ CITY _________________________ PHONE _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __

STATE _ _ __

ZIP CODE

LIST IN MHS DIRECTORY?

YES

NO ____

DATEOFBIRTH ____________

DRIVER LIC #

HERPRELATEDINTERESTS: ______________________________________________________

TYFEOFMEMBERSHIP? MEMBERSHIP LEVEL?

NEW ____ RENEWAL ____ ____SUSTAINING ..... $60.00

-.----INSTITUTION .... $25.00

____CONTRIBUTING ..... $30.00

_--"BASIC .... $15.00

Are you cUlTently (or will be) a University of Minnesota student? _ _ (check if yes) HOW DID YOU HEAR OF MHS? _______________________________________________________

NewDesign Bull Snal<e T-Shirts ($14.00 each includes postage) SMALL___

Indicate how many of each size

MEDIUM___

LARGE___

X-LARGE___ XX-LARGE ___

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

MINNESOTA

Non-Prolit Rate U. S. Postage

PAID

HERPETOLOGICAL

Mpls.MN Pennit No. 2275

SOCIETY BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH STREET S. E. MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55455-0104

ADDRESS CORRECTlON REQUESTED

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+ DELIVER BY NOVEMBER 22, 1995