Vol. 32 (2012), No. 6

the newsletter of the

Minnesota Herpetological Society

Contents Speaker: Kevin McCurley on Timber Rattlesnakes May Speaker Recap: Remarkable Reptiles

June 2012

Volume 32

Number 6

B OA R D OF DI R E C TOR S President Christopher E Smith president@mnherpsoc.com

C/O Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church Street Southeast, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455-0104

651.315.7760

Vice President Dāv Kaufman 612.669.4567 vicepresident@mnherpsoc.com Recording Secretary Ellen Heck recsecretary@mnherpsoc.com

763.593.5414

Membership Secretary Heather Clayton 612.886.7175 memsecretary@mnherpsoc.com Treasurer Nancy Haig treasurer@mnherpsoc.com

Stay informed! Join us on our forums!

And, you can still leave us a Voice Mail: 612.326.6516

June 2012

Newsletter Editor Christopher Rueber 952.594.0101 newslettereditor@mnherpsoc.com Members at Large Jeff LeClere 651.488.6388 memberatlarge4@mnherpsoc.com

Number 6

THE PURPOSE OF THE MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY IS TO • • •

763.434.8684

Volume 32

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

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

General 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.

Jacob Mee memberatlarge1@mnherpsoc.com

SUBMISSIONS TO THE NEWSLETTER

Beth Girard 612.616.8431 memberatlarge2@mnherpsoc.com

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 elec- tronic file format if possible.

See inside back cover for ad rates. Submissions may be sent to:

Peter Tornquist memberatlarge3@mnherpsoc.com

COMMITTEES Adoption Sarah Richard RealSarah@aol.com

612.781.9544

Education Jan Larson jan.skunkhollow@juno.com

507.263.4391

The Minnesota Herpetological Society -or- newslettereditor@mnherpsoc.com Attn: Newsletter Editor C/O Bell Museum of Natural History 10 Church St SE Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104

SNAKE BITE EMERGENCY

Library Nancy Haig 763.434.8684 nanchaig@citilink.com

HENNEPIN REGIONAL POISON CENTER 800-222-1222 Cover Photo Credit: Bonnie Cline About.com - Timber Rattlesnake at the Pittsburgh Zoo.

© Copyright 2012, 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

June 2012

Volume 32

Number 6

April General Meeting Presentation - Friday, June 1st - Starting at 7 P.M. University of MN - St. Paul Campus, Borlaug Hall, Room 335 Kevin McCurley will be presenting on...

Timber Rattlesnakes

By Dav Kaufman Since 2005, Kevin has observed Timber Rattlesnakes with lesions that he regards as “concerning” at first and now alarming. In the North East these seems to be an emerging trend of fungal lesions that is quickly killing many snake species such as Crotalus horridus as well as others. He has noticed this problem has been a very difficult path to get the authorities and “experts” respond to this critical problem. Kevin has struggled to bring attention to this fungal attack but recently has made some head

way and people are starting to realize that he is indeed correct and that there is a major issue in the North East (NY, MA,VT, NH, PA, CT, MD) with other areas possibly being effected. Why? Possibly climate change, a fungus species (Chrysosporium O. species Etc.) that may be “evolving” to exploit a new host.

It eats their skin, Keratin! Kevin will give a one-ofa-kind, and interesting perspective on this growing problem, and as a speacial bonus, will share some of his incredible insight into ball python breeding!

This is not going to be a talk to miss!

And, in case you missed the May meeting, here is a recap just for you!

Remarkable Reptiles

By Ellen Heck

The speaker for May was Jim Gerholdt. Jim is a founding member of MHS and has written 32 children’s books about reptiles and amphibians, does live animal demonstrations both privately and with the Science Museum and is an avid photographer. His talk was aimed at kids, but since Jim does not discriminate based on age, this covers everyone, big kids included. Jim brought a number of animals he uses in his programs.

The first animal Jim talked about although unfortunately did not have an example of was the tuatara. This remarkable animal is from the cold and windy coast of New Zealand. They can live to well over 100 years old and are still able to reproduce. Females only lay eggs every 2-3 years but the eggs take 12-15 months to hatch. Their normal body temperature is the lowest of any reptile – in the low 50’s. The first Jim saw were actually being kept in a walk-in cooler.

The first animal up was a 3-toed box turtle

aged a relatively young 31 years. Unlike Minnesota turtles, they are terrestrial and will drown if dropped into water they couldn’t walk out of. Box turtles get their name from their hinged plastern.

Several Minnesota turtles require permits to keep, including the Blandings turtle. With its high black shell, long neck and yellow chin it is a handsome and easily recognizable animal.

It also has a hinged plastern. In captivity they thrive on small mice and trout chow.

Snapping turtles are very common in Minnesota and are probably more common than people think. In fact Jim said they were probably always around when people are swimming, but generally go unnoticed unless stepped on. It can be difficult to determine the age of snapping turtles, although the young turtles tend to have rougher shells. The carapace smooths out over time, as the ridges wear down. They also tend to stink and are covered in leeches. The record in Minnesota is the famous Minnesota Fats, pulled from a river in northern Minnesota almost 25 years ago. He weighed in at a hefty 3

The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society 65 pounds and measured 4 feet nose to tail. Either he was an aged turtle or came from a gene pool that produces large animals. After being displayed at the Itasca County and State Fairs, he was released back into his river.

Minnesota has 3 native species of lizard; 2 types of skink and a race runner. Unfortunately they do not keep well in captivity, so a leopard gecko made an appearance instead. These are readily available in the pet trade, most are captive bred. They live longer than most people would expect; this one was over 20. These and the bearded dragon were recommended pets; iguanas are not.

The northern blue-tongued skink has strong jaws and sharp teeth, but seldom bites. His tongue is kool-aid blue and has a small fork on the end. In captivity they eat mice and vegetables, although apparently not lima beans. The glass lizard doesn’t have legs, but does have eyelids, ears and a shorter body than a snake.

Also, its tail can break off into a wiggling pieces which can break into smaller wiggling pieces. This is an unappetizing image for humans but will keep a hungry predator preoccupied.

The bull snake - a type of gopher snake - is a common species in Minnesota. The one Jim

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brought in was about 5 feet. They tend not to bite, although all snakes have teeth. They will commonly rattle their tails and so can be mistaken for rattlesnakes. However, they do not have rattles and their tail is pointed, which a rattlesnakes tail never is.

The western hognose, although as a species is a Minnesota native, was actually from Texas and so has the brown/tan colorization from that region. The Minnesota variety tends to be tones of gray. However, they still have the same habits of playing dead, hanging the tongue out and can even bleed from the mouth.

Jim did not bring a cobra, although he did bring several skins (he explained that they were patched together with duct tape because they were “quacking”, but I digress) The king cobra is the largest venomous snake in the world, reaching lengths of 18 feet and even an average sized specimen can kill an elephant.

The Pueblan milk snake is a coral snake mimic.

Although we have the convenient rhyme in the US describing red touch yellow, red touch black, this only holds true in North America. In South American coral snakes don’t follow rule.

The only sure way to tell is to let it bite you and if you die, it is a coral snake. However, this is

Upcoming Hands-on Event Schedule June 7th at 3-7pm MN Native Plant Sale Minnetonka June 9th at 11-2pm Plymouth Home Depot June 16th at 9-5pm Fish Fair Anoka County Fair Grounds

Looking to meet other MHS members? Help assist the society achieve it’s goals of educating the public? Or just have a good time showing off your herps?

Here’s the perfect opportunity!

July 20 and 21 Hastings Rivertown Days

Sound fun? Great! There are just a few requirements: Bring only healthy animals. Make sure you know the basics about your animal; What they eat, how long they live, adult size, cage needs. There is no size limits as long as the handler can comfortably keep control. We do not let viewers pat them on the head and do not allow them to directly hold the animal. If the animals are very young, display in a cage is recommended. Children may participate as long as they have adult supervision.

Contact: Jan Larson 4

Here’s the deal- Bring your herp(s) to one of the shows listed above, and talk about them. That’s it! You don’t have to be an expert, you’re not giving speeches. Most of the time you will find that people are more than open to hearing about our misrepresented critters.

507-263-4391

jan.skunkhollow@juno.com

The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

June 2012

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not recommended.

Baby rattlesnakes, when they hatch, do not have a rattle. It usually takes 2 sheds before Minnesota currently lists two venomous snakes, they get their first. Adult snakes average 8-9 the Massasauga and the timber rattlesnake. Jim rattles in their tails, although one specimen brought one in, a relative youngster of 17 years. was found with 16. This animal probably had The snakes use their venom for killing food a good food supply and few enemies. Even if rather than for defense, so approximately 30% the snake losses its entire rattle, or because of a of bites are dry bites where no venom is inject- birth defect is born without one, the snake will ed. It is not uncommon for a fang to break off have a blunt rather than pointed tail. in the prey, which the snake passes and eventually excretes.

Jim’s website is http://www.remarkablereptiles. com.

Board Minutes for April 14th, 2012 Board Present: Chris Smith, Ellen Heck, Nancy Haig, Heather Clayton, Chris Rueber, Beth Girard, Jeff LeClere, Peter Törnquist Board Absent: Dav Kaufman The meeting was called to order at 6:14pm.

Ellen read the minutes, one correction was made. Motion to accept the minutes as corrected: Chris R; 2nd: Heather. Motion passed.

“MHS does not accept venomous animals from the public” instead. The policy would read 1.5.1 MHS does not accept venomous animals from the public 1.5.2 Venomous animals received will not be place at the general meeting.

White Snake Sale There were about a dozen volunteers. Heather will compile a list of the donors.

ZooMed would like to receive a newsletter and have a link to their site on our sponsor page. For the next sale, a list of winners should be posted between rounds.

About 9 people paid with SquareUp. Old Business Venomous Policy: After discussion, it was decided to change Adoption Policy 1.5 to remove 1.5.2 and include 5

The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

June 2012

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Number 6

Treasurer’s Report for April 2012

(April Board Meeting Minutes Continued)

Prepared by Nancy Haig

New Business MAL Positions: There has been no response from Jessie Payne. Motion to appoint Jacob Mee as a member-at-large: Heather; 2nd: Beth. Motion passed.

June Board Meeting: Chris S, Dav and Jeff will be absent. Depending on what outstanding business there is, the meeting may be postponed, done as a conference call or skipped altogether.

Bulk Mail Permit: Since the White Pages will be published online and the newsletter count is below 200, the bulk mail permit will not be renewed.

Computer Batteries: Both MHS computers need new batteries. Motion to approve up to $60 for a pair of batteries: Nancy; 2nd: Heather. Ellen will find and purchase the batteries.

Motion to adjourn: Ellen; 2nd: Heather.

Meeting adjourned 9:16 pm

Beginning Balance

$13,713.30

Income: Membership $230.00 Raffle

$0.00 Adoption

$45.00 Rodent Sales $620.00 Hands-On Donations $0.00 White Snake Sale

$1,446.75

Total Income $2,341.75 Expense: Newsletter

Postage

White Snake Sale Rodent Cost

Volunteer Awards

$180.70 $67.95 $308.11 $342.50 $203.54

Total Expense

$1,102.80

Cash Increase/Decrease

+$1,238.95

Ending Balance

$14,952.25

Placement of cash holdings

Checking Account TCF/Paypal

Paypal

Cash on hand

$14,952.25 $1,272.46 $249.02 $175.00

Total $16,648.73

May Adoption Report

Posted by Sarah Richard, Edited by Chris Rueber A Ball Python, a Bearded Dragon, a Brazilian Rainbow Boa, two Iguanas, a Red-eared Slider, an American Alligator Currently in foster care there are three Green Iguanas, two Common Boas, an Everglades Rat Snake, a Burmese Python, three Bearded Dragons, two Ball Pythons, a Corn Snake, and a Veiled Chameleon (with special needs).

6

Minnesota Herpetological Society Membership Application New

Name

Renewal

Address

Membership #

City, State, Zip Phone Email List in MHS Directory? Yes No Contact information only? Yes No

Type

Herp related interests

Check #

Active Memberships: Sustainin ($60/year) Contributing ($40/year) Basic ($20/year) Printed Newsletter ($5/year plus membership) 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, C/O BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455 Please allow 6-8 weeks for processing.

Rodents! Order online!

Did you know you can order online? By phone?

See below!

MICE

Pinkies Fuzzies Hoppers Weanlings Adults Jumbo Adult

RATS

Small Adults Med Adults Large Adults Jumbo

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

WEIGHT 50-60 grams 125-150 grams 200-240 grams 250-350 grams

PRICE

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

PRICE

$18 / dz $24 / dz $30 / dz $36 / dz

For pick-up at monthly meetings only. Orders may be placed the following ways 1. At the meeting for the following Month 2. Online at http://mnherpsoc.com/content/rodent-orders 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.

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 three (3) consecutive months, after which time they may be resubmitted.

Submissions: All advertisements should be submitted to the MHS Membership Secretary at the general meeting or mailed to: Minnesota Herpetological Society, C/O 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.

Advertising Costs Size

Business Card Sized 1/4 Page 1/2 Page Full Page

Cost

$5/month or $55/year* $10/month or $110/year* $20/month or $220/year* $40/month or $440/year*

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY C/O BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH ST SE MINNNEAPOLIS, MN 55455-0104

Next Meeting:

Friday - June 1st - 7:00 pm Room 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M St. Paul Campus

MHS Voice Mail: 612.326.6516 MHS Web Page: www.mnherpsoc.com

This newsletter is printed on recycled paper

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park – MHS Survey

Table of Contents:

What you need to know: Rules How to survey: Survey procedures What to bring: Recommended Equipment Services provided: Supplies What’s found in the county: Species List About the Park: Park Information How to get there: Directions, Access

June 8 – 10, 2012 Objective: Search for amphibians and reptiles in the State Park using non-lethal methods to provide a comprehensive list of species, number of specimens, and locations for the State Park (MNDNR) and to provide a venue for Minnesota Herpetological Society members to volunteer and participate in a field herpetology event.

Basic Rules: The rules for participating MHS members will be enforced by the Survey Coordinators or attending MHS Board Members.

Violations of the rules may lead to a member’s expulsion from the park survey. This is a MHS sanctioned event in special cooperation with the MNDNR. The event is only open during the above time period and no further privileges are inferred to any participant or MHS member outside of this venue.

-Must be an active member of MHS to participate -All amphibians and reptiles found are to remain within the park boundaries* -Animals should be released at site of capture after documentation*

-Don’t pick up or disturb any nesting herps -Don’t wander off to survey without the permission of the Survey Coordinators -All material moved during searches shall be replaced

TURTLE SPECIAL TREATMENT: Some surveys fall within turtle nesting season. All turtle nesting behavior should be noted (i.e. documented) but nesting turtles should not be picked up. However, photo documentation is encouraged. *EXCEPTIONS: Animals (other than noted above) may be captured and brought to group meetings for photo sessions and any extraordinary find shall be held and brought to the attention of the park personnel (i.e. new county records or listed species, etc.).

Survey Procedures: Survey methods will primarily be visual search and search and seizure. Visual searching is self explanatory and includes animals that cannot be captured, i.e. basking turtles observed with binoculars, animals that elude capture, but are positively identified, and nesting animals. Search and seizure methods may be used for all amphibians and reptiles except nesting animals. When performing the latter method, all material disturbed in the process (i.e. leaf litter, logs, etc.) must be replaced in the exact location found as they are used by many other species. Turtle traps and aquatic funnel traps may be set. Anuran calling should also be noted.

Any animals captured shall be kept in a low stress manner. Snakes and turtles can be bagged. However, snakes, turtles and amphibians cannot be held together unless in separate containers within a bag. Bagging animals separately by size class would also be preferable to prevent injury or consumption. Amphibians maintained separately are to be held in moistened containers or ventilated and moistened plastic or cloth bags. Containers will be provided by MHS for those in need; participants are encouraged to bring bags.

After animals are documented, either on site or at group meetings, the animals are to be released at the site of capture and under any cover that they were utilizing, if possible*. Only designated persons will perform documentation. All specimens seen or captured must be reported to a designated documenter.

Recommended Equipment: (Remember to pack for a variety of weather conditions) - Clothing – Long pants, multiple sets of clothes to change into when the survey is over. Insect proof clothing, rain gear, hat - Footwear – Rubber boots, hip waders, extra shoes to change into - Items – Flashlight, sunscreen, bug retardant,

binoculars, camera (and film, if needed) - Food and Drinks – Come with snacks, lunch and fluids. If you are staying overnight (or later into Saturday night) bring something to cook over the campfire. MHS does provide some fluids, snacks, and lunches.

- Camping Gear - For those staying overnight

What MHS will provide: Group campsite. We will have firewood for the group campground. Do not bring in firewood! Some snack food, lunches, and drinks. Park maps. Documentation sheets. Traps. Necessary permits.

Amphibians and Reptiles recorded in Mille Lacs County: (old) indicates the record was secured before 1960 Blue-spotted Salamander Eastern Newt Boreal Chorus Frog Snapping Turtle Redbelly Snake

Tiger Salamander Four-toed Salamander American Toad Cope’s GrayTreefrog Green Frog Mink Frog Painted Turtle Blanding’s Turtle Plains Garter Snake (sighting)

Red-backed Salamander Mudpuppy (sighting) Eastern Gray Treefrog Spring Peeper Northern Leopard Frog Wood Frog Bullsnake Brown Snake (old) Common Garter Snake

Mille Lacs Kathio State Park Information: Park Description: Mille Lacs Kathio's 9,000 years of human history and archaeological significance has made it a National Historic Landmark.

You can learn about its rich history and all of Kathio's other treasures at the Visitor Center. Climb the 100 foot observation/fire tower and look across the majesty of Mille Lacs Lake. Take part in Mille Lacs Kathio State Park's extensive interpretive/nature programs or get out by yourself and hike on the park's varied trail system. Kathio has a wonderful swimming beach plus canoes or rowboats you can rent for a trip on the historic Rum River and Ogechie and Shakopee lakes. In the winter, visitors can cross-country ski on trails described as the best in Minnesota or take the family sledding on our popular sliding hill. The river, lakes, and park trails offer visitors excellent opportunities to watch waterfowl, bald eagles, osprey, beaver, loons, deer, coyotes, and many others. Search online for more information about the park.

Park facilities: Water: Water will be turned on for the season on April 27, 2012 weather permitting. Drinking Water: Water in the park's campground day-use areas will be turned on for the season April 27, 2012 weather permitting. Bathroom Facilities: Modern bathroom facilities in the campground will open April 27, 2012 weather permitting. Showers: The shower building will open April 27, 2012 weather permitting. Campgrounds: Camping is available year-round. Kathio has several types of camping, including electric, non-electric, rustic, walk-in, camper cabins, backpack, horse and primitive group sites. The park's five heated Camper Cabins are available for use year-round. Electric Sites: Kathio has 22 electric sites. Three of these sites are pull through and two are wheelchair accessible.

Nearby facilities: Onamia is less than one half mile east of the park.

CAUTION: This time of the year, bugs will be out in plenty including flies, mosquitoes, ticks (including deer ticks, of which some carry Lyme’s Disease). So prepare with adequate clothing and repellant. However, make sure that all repellant is removed from your hands before handling any animal or use latex gloves when applying repellant.

Directions to Mille Lacs Kathio State Park: Roughly 1 1/2 hours north of the Twin Cities. From the Twin Cities, take Hwy 169 north past Onamia to Mille Lacs Lake.

Turn left onto Shakopee Lake Road/CR 26 which will take you to the park entrance.

Entering the Park Arrangements will be made with the state park for entering and camping. Day passes will be paid or reimbursed by MHS. Stop at the office first, then proceed to the group camp. We have the group camp from Friday night through Sunday. Some surveying is done on Friday evening. The main survey is on Saturday. Some surveying takes place on Sunday and usually ends by early afternoon on Sunday. Arrive or leave anytime you choose, but check in/out at the group camp so we can record your hours accurately. We begin surveys at 9am on Saturday and Sunday mornings, so it is best to arrive before then. Park opens at 8:00am and closes at 10:00pm. Please contact Jeff LeClere, Survey Coordinator, at 651-488-6388 or email Reptilia74@aol.com with any questions.