Vol. 30 (2010), No. 10

the newsletter of the

M INNESOTA H ERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

OCTOBER MEETING : Jeff Ronne — Boas, What Else?

October 2010

Volume 30

Number 10

BELL MUSEUM

B OARD

OF

OF

NATURAL HISTORY, 10 CHURCH STREET SOUTHEAST, MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55455-0104

THE MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

D IRECTORS

President Jennifer Hensley Vice President Sonja Koolmo

New Voice Mail: 612.326.6516 • MHS W EBPAGE : http://www.mnherpsoc.org

MHS G ROUP E MAIL : http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/mnherpsoc Recording Secretary Ellen Heck Membership Secretary Heather Clayton Treasurer Missy Hicks

October 2010

Volume 30

Number 10

THE PURPOSE OF THE MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY IS TO:

Newsletter Editor Sally Brewer

• Further the education of the membership and the general public in care and captive propagation of reptiles and amphibians; • Educate the members and the general public in the ecological role of reptiles and amphibians; • Promote the study and conservation of reptiles and amphibians.

Members at Large Jeff LeClere Chris Smith Matt Carter Kathy Claugherty

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

Committees Adoption Sarah Richard

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

Education Jan Larson

SUBMISSIONS TO THE NEWSLETTER

Library Nancy Haig

Ads or Notices must be submitted no later than the night of the General Meeting to be included in the next issue. Longer articles will be printed as time and space allows and should be in electronic file format if possible. See inside back cover for ad rates.

Submissions may be sent to:

Webmaster Anke Reinders

The Minnesota Herpetological Society Attn: Newsletter Editor Bell Museum of Natural History 10 Church St. SE. Minneapolis, MN 55455.0104

-or-

Sally Brewer mn.mhseditor@gmail.com

Hennepin Regional Poison Center 800-222-1222 Cover Photo: Albino Boa by Jim Gerholdt

© Copyright 2010, Minnesota Herpetological Society. Except where noted, contents may be reproduced for non-profit, non-commercial use only. All material must be reproduced without change. Proper credit will be given including the author/photographer and the Minnesota Herpetological Society Newsletter citing: volume, number and date.

The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

September 2010

Volume 30

Number 8

October Meeting – Friday, October 1, 7 P.M. Jeff Ronne – Boas, What Else? eff Ronne Sr., AKA “The Boaphile”, has been a fixture in the ReptileCommunity for twenty five years as an outspoken advocate for the properhusbandry and maintenance of Reptiles in general, and Boa Constrictors in particular. Jeff is the Boa guy who “figured it out”. Who would have thought that most of what we know about breeding South American Boa Constrictors would be figured out right here in the frozen tundra that is Minnesota!? Jeff will be speaking about... hmmm... we will just have to wait and see.

J

photo by Jim Gerholdt

November Meeting: Friday, November 5, 2010 – 2 Speakers Chris Smith: "Impacts of Woody Biomass Harvest on Amphibian Diversity and Abundance in an Aspen Dominated Ecosystem, A Progress Report" and Carol Hall (Minnesota County Biological Survey): MCBS Herp Surveys: past, present, and future

October Hands-On Events Join Us! Get to Know Other MHS Members!

LOTS OF OPPORTUNITIES COMING UP. THE REQUIREMENTS ARE EASY. You bring your own herp(s) to show and talk about to the people who stop by the table. You don’t make speeches to large audiences, you talk one-on-one to people who ask you questions about your animal. Children are invited to participate if they have an adult or older sibling with them.

Friday, Oct. 1 3:00–6:30 pm Teachers Workshop 3M on McNight Rd in St. Paul So far I am the only one signed up, it is a workshop for teachers only, very well attended. Teachers are looking for educational stuff to use in the classroom.

Saturday, Oct. 9 12 noon–3pm Sherburne Wildlife Refuge.

Great people to work with well attended, MN herps only. Nancy and Bruce Haig are in charge of this one.

Future dates March 12-13 Pet Expo MPLS Convention Center.

Saturday, Oct. 2 11:00 am–3 pm 3M Super Science Saturday 3M on McNight Rd in St. Paul For 3M employees and their families. Very well attended, lots of interest in the reptiles and again, I am the only one signed up to be there.

Interested, but have questions?

Contact: Jan Larson 507-263-4391 jan.skunkhollow@juno.com She is more than happy to answer all questions.

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The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

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October 2010

Volume 30

Number 10

The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

October 2010

Volume 30

Number 10

N EWS , N OTES , & A NNOUNCEMENTS MHS Elections Are Coming Up In November NOTICE OF ELECTION

The membership of the Minnesota Herpetological Society is hereby notified that the Annual Meeting, including elections for the 2011 Board of Directors, will take place November 5, 2010 at the Geneneral Membership Meeting.

Date: November 5, 2010 Time: 7:00 p.m.

Where: Room 335 Borlaug Hall U of MN St. Paul campus Who: All current MHS members in good standing

Below is a list of the board positions that you will be voting for.

If you would like to run or would like to nominate someone, please contact our Recording Secretary: Ellen Heck Lnheck@msn.com You will also be able to nominate someone at the meetings in both October and November.

POSITIONS TO BE VOTED UPON: Presiden t Vice President Recording Secretary T reasu rer Membership Secretary Newsletter Editor (4) Members at Large

The health and on-going success of any club or organization depends on members who are willing to step-up and give of their time and expertise.

REMEMBER – Even if you are not running for a position, or do not know anyone that is, please try to attend the November meeting...

YOUR VOTE COUNTS.

We’re always looking for new blood!

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The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

October 2010

Volume 30

Number 10

SEPTEMBER MEETING REVIEW: Dr. Dan Keyler–Snakebite and Captive Venomous Snakes

by Ellen Heck photos supplied by Dr. Keyler from his talk issue that MUST be considered before let alone production of obtaining an animal, particularly if the anti-venom. For examanimal is not healthy or becomes ill. ple, in Iran, is a species Anyone keeping a venomous snake called pseudocerastes should have a plan in place to deal with urarachonides. It has unusual spikes on its tail these scenarios. Cages should be 100% escape-proof and either kept locked or in that makes it look like a centipede, presumably to an escape-proof, locked room. Snakes he speaker in are deceptively strong, and can push up attract prey. So little is September was Dr known about it that there the lid on a sweater box. If a cornsnake Dan Keyler. Dan, a longdoes this it is an annoyance; if a is no common name time MHS member, is a Dan Keyler photo by Sonja Koolmo venomous snake does it lives are put at and, given where it clinical toxicologist at the Hennepin County medical Center, as well lives, there is small possibility of learning risk.

Long snake hooks are necessary, to more. as being a professor in the Department of keep distance between the handler and the In 1995 2.5 million reptiles imported Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology to the US. Of these, 2%, or about 50,000, snake. Care should be taken to keep the at the University of Minnesota. He estisnake at the far end of the hook and not were snakes. Of those, or 4,500, were mates that he has actively consulted in allow the snake to slide up the handle. venomous. These numbers are just the over 200 snakebite cases over the years.

Bare feet are STRONGLY discouraged. legitimate, recorded importations. There Prior to the 1950’s, there were very Opening cages with a snake hook is also few exotic snakebites in the USA, simply is a large black market trade in these recommended, as the snakes can rise up because there was very little importing of animals. The USA has long borders and out of a cage higher and faster than coastlines, and about 200 Fish and these animals into the country. During expected. Bare-handling a venomous Wildlife officers to patrol all of it. the 1960’s, there was an increase in the snake is basically a death-wish; no matter Sometimes they do catch people – one importation of non-native venomous how many “dry” bites a snake gives, woman was caught by “alert” agents as snakes, which resulted in an increase in sooner or later a serious bite will occur. bites. Most during this time were seen in she was smuggling 65 snakes in her bra, plus 6 lizards further down. the southeastern US. Most venomous snakes are from the Part of the reason for the imports is tropical zones in Africa, Asia, that many venomous snakes are Opening Australia and South America. The extremely beautiful snakes. Dan’s opencages with a ing slide was of a harmless looking snake captive zone is basically the USA. snake hook is These snakes can easily be purchased emerging from a hide box. It was in fact strongly at reptile shows and online. a 6’ taipan, which despite its docile recommended.

Bushmasters have been successfully appearance was “a bit wild”. Atheris This cobra has 2/3 of his captive-bred and are readily available chlorechis, or the western bush viper, is body length online despite getting up to 12’ and another lovely looking snake with extended having a “huge venom structure”. unusual diamond eyes and yellow and above the rim Although ductile ligation can be green markings. Bothrops moojani, the of its container. performed to disconnect the venom Brazilian lancehead, is another more sac from the fangs, this is not often commonly kept venomous snake. performed One problem of keeping the rarer The housing of venomous snakes is an species is that little is known about them,

Disclaimer: MHS does not promote the keeping of venomous animals, and the information in this article should not be taken as such.

T

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The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

Ample space around the cage to work in is also a good idea. Dan related how he and a colleague were trying to tube a 12’ cobra in a 15’ square room using the tube core from a roll of carpet. The animal went into the tube but then came

Agkistrodon acutus (hundred pace snake) and the effects of a bite from that snake.

October 2010

mation. This is important, as some snakebites require very specific antivenom for that particular snake to be effective.

Dan has himself been consulted on 285 snakebites. Of these, 218 were from

Naja kaouthia suphanensis (Suphan cobra) Naja species are some of the most commonly kept venomous species – and the most deadly.

Bothrops atrox (common lancehead) and the B. atrox bite effects

straight out the other end. They had a bit of “fun” avoiding the snake while the owner kept repeating that it was “just a big baby”.

Outside distractions should be kept to a minimum; one experienced handler was bitten when his dog rushed intot he room just as the snake was being taken out of its cage.

There is little consistency in the laws regarding the keeping of venomous snakes from state to state, or even within a state. Unfortunately, there is also skepticism on the part of amateur keepers regarding the competency of medical personnel to deal with snakebite. This causes a number of bite victims to delay seeking treatment. However, over the last few years, an index has been developed that lists available anti-venom and where it is being stored, as well as contact infor-

native species, mainly from rattlesnakes.

40 were from exotic species (if you are doing the math and wondering, the rest were non-venomous). Some of the exotics were from bothrups, a group noted for bad attitudes, resulting in 2 fatalities. There are 2 aspects to a snakebite; the specific affect of the poison on the system, and the trauma of the bite wound itself.

15 of the 40 were from various species of cobra. Being a large and striking-looking snake, it is one of the more commonly exotic venomous species.

Breeding color morphs is becoming common in the reptile trade. These are

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Number 10

elapids, related to the coral snake. Their venom has a neurological affect, causing weakness and dizziness that starts “at the top”, with drooling and loss of muscle control in the head. This paralysis descends until it reaches the heart and lungs, causing breathing to stop and generally resulting in death. On average, this takes about 4 hours.

Bites on the fingers and hands are the most common, generally as a result of poor aim when feeding. Even if the effects of the venom are neutralized, local tissue damage can still result in massive infection and/or amputation.

With the cobras, the specific anti-venom must be administered as even one that is “close” may have no effect.

One of the more unusual calls Dan has received came as he was about to leave and coach a girl’s softball game.

His daughter answered the phone, and within moments had a very peculiar expression on her face. When Dan asked who it was, she replied “the White House”. Not quite believing her, Dan took the phone. Yes, it really was the White House calling. Apparently, the crown prince of Saudi Arabia was visiting and scheduled to participate in a backcountry ride. They wanted to have a supply of anti-venom on hand in case he fell off his horse and landed on a rattlesnake. As it was not prime snakebite season in Minnesota at the time, they had been told to call Dan. He said he had to go but would get back to

continued on page 8

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The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

October 2010

Volume 30

Number 10

MHS Grants in Herpetological Conservation and Research The Minnesota Herpetological Society (MHS) has consistently supported individuals, groups, and projects through grants. Each request is carefully reviewed by the Board of Directors and is judged for fit with the Societies mission and goals as well as alignment with the MHS budget. Grants are given for supplies, technical support, matching funds (for a portion of a larger project), and other uses. MHS gives priority to requests for local and regional herpetological projects.

Grants are competitive and the amount will vary by project. A minimum of $3,000 is dispersed annually.

Please include the following materials with your request: 1. Completed MHS Grants in Herpetological Conservation and Research Cover Page. (http://www.bellmuseum.org/herpetology/pdfdocs/mhsgrants.pdf) 2. Grant Proposal – 3 page limit, not including references, graphs, or figures.

Please use 10 point font or greater.

3. Budget – Include total budget, amount requested from other sources, and amount requested from MHS (not to exceed $1,500). Please discuss the status of your project if full funding is not available.

Are there contingency plans if you get only partial funding?

4. Permit and animal care protocol information. Include information about any necessary permits, received or requested,

and animal care protocols required by your institution.

5. A current CV or resumé.

Grant requests are considered twice each year. Grant proposals must be emailed by December 1st (for February fund dispersal) and May 1st (for July fund dispersal).

All applicants will be sent results of their request by email.

Email requests to: John Moriarty, Grant Chair frogs@umn.edu Following the fulfillment of the project, MHS requests a short (1–2 page) report detailing the project’s status and outcome.

This report may be published in the monthly newsletter. MHS appreciates reprints of any published material that results from funded projects.

Dr. Dan Keyler–continued them. In the end, he agreed to let them have the anti-venom provided they paid for it. They did, paying with a White House Visa.

There is some controversy regarding what to do when bitten, but the melodramatic cutting of the wound to suck the poison is generally not recommended, as the cutting frequently causes more damage than the bite. An extactor can be used and may have some positive effect, providing the seal it tight. It is important to correctly identify the animal that caused the bite, taking a picture if possible to show emergency doctors can make all the difference.

If you are determined to deal with venomous snakes, Dan had the following advice:

Know the local and regional laws.

Not seeking medical help because you

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are keeping something you don’t want known is asking for, well, death.

Respect people who fear them. This is true for all pets, but especially for venomous snakes.

Know

if appropriate anti venom is readily available. Anti-venom is produced by injecting an animal, such as a horse, with venom to induce the production of anti-bodies. The antibodies are then extracted from the blood serum (no, the animal is not killed during the process). It is a laborious and lengthy process, and so it is not done for all snake species. Also, zoos, which generally stock it, are under no legal obligation to part with it.

Provide

appropriate housing. The easiest way to survive a snakebite is to not get bitten, and proper housing will help minimize the chances.

Do not bare-handle the animal. This is unfortunately not as much of a nobrainer as one might think. And contrary to what people seem to think, more bites do not equal immunity. On the contrary, it tends to increase sensitivity to the venom, making the person literally a ticking timebomb.

Have a plan in place to deal with a bite when (not if) it happens. The last thing you want to be doing after being bitten by a venomous snake is to waste time Googling the nearest poison center.

It should also be noted that bites from a venomous snake being kept as a pet are generally not covered by insurance. The average stay is 3-4 days at a cost of $100,000-$120,000. Although some polices will cover cold-blooded animals, stupidity never is.

The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

October 2010

Volume 30

Number 10

Minnesota Herpetological Society Board Minutes for August 7, 2010 The meeting was called to order at 6:18pm RenFest Committee MAF requested a list of all possible volunteers. Since this could encompass all members and we don’t publish our member list, it was decided to submit a list of the volunteers from last year, as well as the names of new people who we know want to volunteer. The campsite has been obtained, Mark Schmidtke has donated a tent and Jacob Mee volunteered to police it.

Symposium Committee The 6 speakers have been booked, with Barney Oldfield as the keynote speaker. Dan will get one more.

The budget was gone through and a price list roughed out. The graphics and publicity committees have met, although all they need to produce for this year is a flyer to hand out at the 2010 symposium. Heather and Mark will start making contact with

vendors. Volunteers will be solicited in the November newsletter, to avoid confusion with this year’s symposium.

OLD BUSINESS Sign language: Several feelers have gone out, but there are no responses yet.

Pamphlets: Ellen will get them to the printer. 500 of each will be printed. Most will be reserved for hands-on and new member packets.

Sheets can be sent to the DNR building at the state fair, with some pamphlets.

Archiving: Matt will check in to using a scanner at his place of work to do the archiving. He will test the process and send the resultant file to the board.

St Croix County: They are interested in several things – advice on handling and keeping animals, help in

ADOPTION REPORT

There were 33 animals up foradoption: Tree Frog Bearded Dragon (3) Leopard Gecko Savannah Monitor

Spiny tailed Iguana Crested Gecko (2) Red Eared Sliders (8) Slider?

African Sideneck Peninsula Cooter

Just a reminder to all about the adoptions. In order to adopt a critter you must be a member of the society AND attend meetings. We place everything at the meeting so it follows that you must be present to take it home. We do ask for a $5 donation to adopt as

case of emergency to collect pets and a place to store them. MHS could help with the first two. A list of volunteers could be compiled who could help, depending on species. Their coordinator has our contact information and will get back to us.

Website: The mockups sent in by the candidates were reviewed. After discussion, a hand count was made to determine which proposal to pursue.

After discussion, motion to make Anne-Marie an offer: Matt; 2nd: Jeff.

Motion passed Motion to move the MHS web-site from the Bell Museum server to another with more capabilities: Ellen; 2nd: Missy. Motion passed.

A committee will be formed to determine the content of the pages, particularly the home page.

Motion to Adjourn: Ellen; 2nd: Matt.

Meeting adjourned 9:50pm

September 2010 Sarah Richard, Adoption Chair Minnesota Herpetological Society www.RealSarah@aol.com 612-781-9544

Painted Turtle (2) Razor Back Garter Snake Ball Python Boas (4) Burmese Python

well as a current membership. We accept adoption requests /forms during the first half of the meeting, make the decisions as to who the lucky new owners will be during break, and distribute them to said owners during the last half of the meeting.

Spotted Python Corn Snake King Snake

We do not take requests or saves.

Sarah will be happy to answer any and all questions to the best of her knowledge about the animals AT THE MEETING. She will be glad to direct you to the proper person to answer other questions at the meeting.

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Minnesota Herpetological Society Membership Application New

Name

Renewal

Address

Membership#

City, State, Zip,

Type

Phone

Check #

Herp related interests

Active Memberships:

Sustaining ($60/year)

Email

Contributing ($40/year)

List in MHS Directory?

Yes

No

Basic ($20/year)

Corresponding Memberships: Commercial ($25/year, 2 business card ads/year) Required check info. Drivers Lic #

State

DOB

Please enclose the proper payment with your application. MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY. Membership is for 12 months from the date of approval, a receipt will be sent only upon request.

MAIL TO: Minnesota Herpetological Society, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455.

Please allow 6-8 weeks for processing.

Rodents! New sizes!

Order your MHS Rodents today! Ordering by phone?

See new phone# below.

MICE

WEIG HT(grams)

PRICE

Pinkies Fuzzies Hoppers Weanlings* Adult Jumbo Adult

2-3 grams 5-7 grams 8-11 grams 12-15 grams 25-30 grams 45+ grams

$7 / dz $7 / dz $8 / dz $9 / dz $10 / dz $14 / dz

RATS Weanlings Small Adult Med. Adults Large Adult Jumbo

WEIG HT(grams)

PRICE

40-45 grams 50-60 grams 125-150 grams 200-240 grams 250-350 grams

$17 $18 $24 $30 $36

/ / / / /

dz dz dz dz dz

*Weanlings(Small mice)only while supplies last* For pick-up at monthly meetings only. Orders may be placed the following ways: 1. at the meeting for the following month 2. emailing your request to: rodentorders@yahoo.com 3. calling the MHS voicemail: 612.326.6516 Orders MUST be placed 10 DAYS IN ADVANCE of the date of meeting in order to guarantee availability.

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

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

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

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

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Minneapolis, MN Permit No. 2275

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Next Meeting: Friday–October 1, 2010–7:00 pm Room 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M St. Paul Campus Parking generally available after 6 p.m.

Please park in the pay parking lot.

Parking in outside ring is by contract only.

MHS Voice Mail: 612.326.6516

MHS Web Page: Lower Buford Circle

www.mnherpsoc.org

This newsletter is printed on recycled paper.

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