Vol. 32 (2012), No. 7

the newsletter of the

Minnesota Herpetological Society

Contents Speaker: Christopher A. Brochu on the Fossil History of Crocodilians May Speaker Recap: Rattlesnakes in New England

July 2012

Volume 32

Number 7

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

July 2012

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

Number 7

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

July 2012

Volume 32

Number 7

April General Meeting Presentation - Friday, July 13st - Starting at 7 P.M. University of MN - St. Paul Campus, Borlaug Hall, Room 335 Christopher A. Brochu will be presenting on...

The Fossil History of Crocodilians And, in case you missed the June general meeting, here is a recap just for you!

Rattlesnakes in New England

By Ellen Heck

The speaker for June was Kevin McCurley, speaking about rattlesnakes in New England and the threat they are currently encountering. He has also written several books on ball pythons as well as breeding them, as well as reticulated pythons and albino water monitors.

New England has populations of several venomous snakes, including timber rattlers and copperheads. They face the same threats as most wildlife from the encroachment of people – loss of habitat and being killed out of hand because most people view them as a threat. However, Kevin showed several shots of him free-handling rattlesnakes (not something he does a lot and NOT something that is recommended) to demonstrate that as long as you don’t “push their buttons” they will not overreact by biting. Kevin feels he can read the signs of an animal’s behavior and gauge its mood, although he points out the Steve Irwin could as well and it works until it doesn’t. However, he says that they tend to be as interested in him as he is in them.

Ironically, one of the problems facing the snakes is the human race’s ability to control forest fires.

Normally, these will burn through an area, clear-

ing out brush and smaller trees. This is important, as like most snakes, they need places to bask. Kevin spends time clearing trees around prime den sites, to provide basking areas. The burned areas also tend to have more rodent activity, which in turn attracts snakes.

Rattlesnakes in New Hampshire tend to be melanistic, although some show bits of yellow. Kevin has also seen several piebald specimens.

Unfortunately, these have fallen victim to what appears to be a fungus infecting the snakes. This fungus, a chrysosporium, has been seen in pygmy rattlesnakes in Florida as well as eastern massasauga in southern Illinois. It is first noticeable in their faces and eyes as necrotic tissue. The fungus attacks keratin, which snakes of course are covered with. Their skin and scales literally rot off. As it progresses, the eyes are affected, then internal organs. The snake may also develop granulomatous dermatitis. Secondary bacterial infections, such as pneumonia, occur as the snake’s immune system weakens.

The snakes shed almost constantly in an effort shed the infection. As they lose their eyesight, they also tend to exhibit neurotic behavior. One specimen panicked and went off a cliff. A snake may be able to survive several years; others, particularly the young, succumb within weeks. The snakes tend to bask excessively, which is a prob-

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The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society lem if the snake in question is a gravid female.

It prevents the eggs from developing correctly, resulting in slugs. Not just rattlesnakes are affected; the fungus has also been found in rat, water and milk snakes as well.

It appears to affect the snakes while they are hibernating. Kevin has observed snakes entering dens in the fall in perfect health and emerging in the spring covered with sores. The immune system of a hibernating snake is non-existent, which may be a factor. The fungus may die off at about 37 °F but since most dens remain in the 40’s, it is attacking the snakes the whole time. Kevin is currently tracking 2 females, both infected with the fungus, who cannot be allowed to hibernate. If they start, they are in danger of dying. They were released in the spring with radio tracking devices. They will be collected in the fall, to prevent their hibernating.

July 2012

Volume 32

Number 7

Unfortunately, acceptance of the problem and its possible causes has been slow. Although the snakes are being studied, there is a tendency to observe, rather than to preserve, the animals.

Their condition has been dismissed as rodent or bird bites, frostbite or other injury. With cases being reported in more and more states however agencies are slowly recognizing the problem.

Since it seems to be spread by sites rather than from snake to snake, one step would be to fumigate the dens after the snakes have emerged.

This would allow the sites to be treated and aired before the snakes return in the fall to hibernate.

This can also be done to dens that are now empty, in the hope that with captive breeding, snakes can be reintroduced to the sites. Providing den sites and re-establishing their habitat needs to be done as well.

Newenglandreptile.com/ nerd

Some of the snakes appear to be infected with beauveria bassiana, a naturally occurring fungus that has been modified to be used as an insecticide. Unfortunately part of its modification makes it resistant to UV radiation and tolerant of a wider temperature range.

As the Board Meeting was postponed until July, there are no meeting minutes.

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The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

July 2012

Volume 32

Number 7

Minnesota Herpetological Society – 2011 Volunteer Awards Stats: 118 volunteers donated 4,352 hours of time!

85 individuals donated ≼ 10 hours of time!

We would thank to thank ALL of those that volunteered in 2011!

A special thank you and gift goes to those donating 10 or more hours of time (listed to the right)! If you have not already done so, please pickup your volunteer award at the general meeting.

Sincerely, MHS Board of Directors

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The Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society

July 2012

Volume 32

Number 7

Treasurer’s Report for May 2012

Upcoming Hands-on Event Schedule 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!

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.

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.

July 20 and 21 Hastings Rivertown Days

Contact: Jan Larson 507-263-4391 jan.skunkhollow@juno.com

Prepared by Nancy Haig

Beginning Balance

$14,952.25

Income: Membership

Raffle

Adoption

Rodent Sales

Hands-On Donations

$295.00 $57.75 $105.00 $416.00 $10.00

Total Income $883.75 Expense: Newsletter

$261.35 Program

$50.00 Adopt/Vet $180.00 Rodent Cost

$568.35

Total Expense

$1,059.70

Cash Increase/Decrease

-$175.95

Ending Balance

$14,776.30

Placement of cash holdings

Checking Account $14,776.30 TCF/Paypal $811.37 Paypal $102.28

Cash on hand $175.00

Total $15,864.95

June Adoption Report

Posted by Sarah Richard, Edited by Chris Rueber

Two Red-Eared Sliders, two 3-toed Box Turtles, a Russian Tortoise, a Tiger Salamander, a Savannah Monitor, a Leopard Gecko, four Bearded Dragons, a Ratsnake, twp Common Boas, a Albino Burmese Python (6’), a Cornsnake, two Ball Pythons

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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 - July 13th - 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