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Thanks for reading folks, I'm laid up with a stomach bug so I've been in and out of this thread all day. I didn't realize it would take me this long! All of the pictures in this thread were taken in our home state of New Jersey. I've had great fun so far observing and photographing these...

The black rat snake is a semi-arboreal constrictor that plays an important ecological role in rodent control. Often encountered while basking, these shiny-black beauties often strike a sense of horror in the uninitiated (based on personal observation). This is most likely because of their size...

Dekay's brown snakes are small, live-bearing snakes that are extremely tolerant of human disturbance. So much that their population densities are often highest in abandoned urban lots where foundations and abundant cover provide refuge and hibernacula. Although secretive like the ring-necked...

There are two subspecies of ring-necked snake in New Jersey, the Northern and the Southern. Both are small, secretive snakes that rely on cover and are rarely if ever seen out in the open. These snakes are egg-layers, and their preferred prey are earthworms and salamanders. The Northern...

Racers have the taxonomic name Coluber constrictor, although they are not constrictors at all. These lightning-fast, gunmetal gray snakes are highly aggressive and hypervigilant, and they are typically seen 'periscoping', suggesting that vision is an important component in their foraging. They...

Water snakes have the unfortunate distinction of being an extremely foul-tempered snake. Although these snakes can be quite attractive, they do have a habit of emitting lots of foul-smelling musk and poop while simultaneously biting with their hooked teeth if they feel threatened. They are also...

I will always have a love of garter snakes. Most likely, this comes from childhood, or even watching my sons' discovery of and interaction with these beautiful and underappreciated serpents. Their variability in both pattern and personality makes them extremely interesting to me. These...

Painted turtles are among the most common turtles in New Jersey, and are very tolerant of disturbance. Their young, like some species of frogs, can withstand freezing. These turtles also have a fascinating courtship ritual, where the female attracts the male with pheromones, and then he...

Gray treefrogs, green treefrogs, and Pine Barrens tree frogs are all in the genus Hyla. In Greek mythology, Heracles (Hercules) mentored a young boy who he loved as though he was his son. One day when the boy was grown, he and Heracles were on an island and the boy was kidnapped by water...

Wood frogs have the unique adaptation of being freeze-tolerant. When the tips of their extremities begin to freeze, their liver begins to quickly convert glycogen to glucose. The glucose fills the cells and acts as a natural antifreeze. Spring peepers, chorus frogs, and gray treefrogs are also...

Hi Folks, I wanted to share some photos that I've taken this year and last of some of the herps in our state. I'm doing a lot of studying of these species, as one day I hope to become more involved in their conservation, so I am sharing a little blurb about each one. Hope you all enjoy this...

I may be way off, but this might be happening because of the demand for snapping turtles in the Asian markets. Asian turtle populations have been decimated because of it, and now there is an increase in trapping in North America for their markets. I remember reading about this a few years ago...

I wouldn't trust 'em either. Bunch of yeehaws. Especially the ones looking around for the timbers. Worst of the bunch.

Because of those 80%, our children and grandchildren will have the pleasure of seeing wild kings, corns and pines in the Pine Barrens. Good on you folks for your vigilance.

Jeez Chris you're lucky. I've only seen one spadefoot and it was a juvie.

Dragon, I have read that wood frogs will readily adopt homemade ponds and artificial vernals. There must have been a vernal in the area somewhere for the origin of the population though. Time will tell. Al, thanks, I almost spit my coffee all over the computer screen. :D You look at their eyes...

Wood frogs are definitely more of an 'upland' frog than the other Ranids in NJ. Beside their breeding time in the vernals, I only see them away from water and typically find them under leaf litter or under logs. You must have a vernal pool nearby. Ever hear them in the spring? Also, have you...

Al and Teegate you folks are a wealth of knowledge that only a foolish person wouldn't want to learn from. When you guys talk, smart people listen. That says it all.

Ah the grammar police. They typically bring nothing substantial to a discussion, just their bitter condescension and smug haughtiness. To hell with 'em.

Dragon that is interesting that you found a red-spotted newt in South Jersey. I have read that in harsh, acidic or dryer conditions that they will skip the intermediate 'eft' stage and remain aquatic for the duration of their lives. Did you find one in the eft stage or was it aquatic?