Search found 71 matches

by keown
April 15th, 2014, 6:15 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Rainbow Snake
Replies: 8
Views: 3851

Re: Rainbow Snake

Great find! :thumb:
And great photos! :thumb: :thumb:
by keown
April 4th, 2014, 1:20 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Male rattlesnake combat in the wild *VIDEO*
Replies: 6
Views: 2139

Re: Male rattlesnake combat in the wild *VIDEO*

I don't have the photographer's permission to repost the photos directly on this site, but below is a link to some photos of 2 Prairie Rattlesnakes engaged in a 'combat dance': http://southwesternherp.com/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1312060469 There is also a link to a video of these same two rattlesn...
by keown
September 10th, 2013, 5:57 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Cane toads in Texas
Replies: 12
Views: 4554

Re: Cane toads in Texas

When I lived in the Rio Grande Valley back in the 70s and early 80s they were fairly abundant in Hidalgo County. I would occasionally find them in our yard and was always concerned that our dogs might take one of them on. Also frequently saw them along some of the canal banks throughout the county a...
by keown
August 22nd, 2013, 4:28 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Peeling Bark?
Replies: 29
Views: 10849

Re: Peeling Bark?

Following up on Zach's post about wrapping the tree trunks with old carpet, I thought I would add this. Back a number of years ago, I was visiting a herper friend who lived in prime Scarlet King habitat. He took me out to show me some Scarlet Kings. I though to myself that he was over confidient abo...
by keown
June 4th, 2013, 3:03 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herping the Big Sky.
Replies: 33
Views: 12660

Re: Herping the Big Sky.

Great post Dell. 8-) Oh and did I say that the photograpgy is fantastic. Makes me want to move back up in that part of the country again. The milks are always special. How many of those Tiger Salamanders did you guys find that day?

-Gerald
by keown
May 2nd, 2013, 1:29 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Lampropeltis zonata from this evening (same as CA Chapter)
Replies: 4
Views: 1816

Re: Lampropeltis zonata from this evening (same as CA Chapte

That's a real cool find Zach. 8-) Hmmm, the "zonata dance"... that must be something like the "alterna dance" that is done here in Texas.

Congrats on road cruising the zonata. :beer:
by keown
January 31st, 2013, 7:44 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Hans Koenig Died
Replies: 4
Views: 2187

Re: Hans Koenig Died

It would be great if other state wildlife law enforcement officers, who are often out in the field as part of their work, communicate some of their interesting herpetological observations like Hans did when he worked in Arizona: Mark, I agree it would be great, but you must keep in mind that Hans w...
by keown
July 23rd, 2012, 7:24 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Mediterranean Geckos in Texas
Replies: 16
Views: 4168

Re: Mediterranean Geckos in Texas

In 1958 the only documented established populations in the U.S. were in Miami, Fl, Key West, Fl, New Orleans, La and in Brownsville, Texas. There were also several documented populations in northern Mexico. By 1963 there was an established population in Corpus Christi, Tx and in 1965 I found them to...
by keown
July 17th, 2012, 7:33 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Aspidoscelis uniparens
Replies: 3
Views: 1150

Re: Aspidoscelis uniparens

Neat looking Whiptail, Terry. I wouldn't worry about those lines being erased. You can always put them back in with PhotoShop. ;)


-Gerald
by keown
June 27th, 2012, 4:06 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: I want to see anyones Copperhead pictures.
Replies: 46
Views: 16888

Re: I want to see anyones Copperhead pictures.

Agkistrodon contortrix pictigaster - Northwstern Val Verde County, Texas
Image
-Gerald
by keown
June 21st, 2012, 2:52 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Viper Day at The Texas Zoo - Rattlesnake Republic
Replies: 46
Views: 7634

Re: Viper Day at The Texas Zoo - Rattlesnake Republic

Did you SWCHR folks put your protest and withdrawal of support in writing, Gerald? I hope so, as otherwise it's too easy for them to pretend it didn't happen. And if you did, it'd be great to hear how if at all they respond to you. Gerry Gerry, It was put into an email to them. Thus far we have not...
by keown
June 20th, 2012, 3:43 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Viper Day at The Texas Zoo - Rattlesnake Republic
Replies: 46
Views: 7634

Re: Viper Day at The Texas Zoo - Rattlesnake Republic

It seems that we have got a bit off-track here by discussing zoos in general. I will say that the majority of U.S. AZA accredited zoos that I have had any dealings with have all been very much conservation oriented and interested in the scientific study of their animals, including herps. Zoos that c...
by keown
June 4th, 2012, 7:31 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: East Texas C. horridus
Replies: 8
Views: 2395

Re: East Texas C. horridus

That's a neat find, Kyle. Congratulations!

-Gerald Keown
by keown
May 30th, 2012, 7:54 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: R.I.P. Young Cage
Replies: 41
Views: 10020

Re: R.I.P. Young Cage

So sad to hear this. I've always had a great respect for his knowledge of herpetology and natural history in general and for his sincere interest in his fellow man. Rest in peace Young. Our condolences to his wife and son. Gerold, thanks for posting this and bringing it to our attention. -Gerald Keown
by keown
May 16th, 2012, 3:00 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: your "I wish" finds by State
Replies: 68
Views: 46362

Re: your "I wish" finds by State

Texas: Louisiana Pine Snake ( Pituophis ruthveni ) Because they have so far eluded me. Smooth Green Snake ( Opheodrys vernalis ) To prove they really do still exist in Texas. California: Baja California Rat Snake ( Bogertophis rosaliae ) To support the validity of the one known specimen from Califor...
by keown
May 6th, 2012, 1:51 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: The Best of the Best I: Rarest Book/Paper
Replies: 21
Views: 4127

Re: The Best of the Best I: Rarest Book/Paper

Rattlesnakes, 1972 2-volume set, Klauber Hylid Frogs of Middle America, 1970 2-volume set, Duellman Snakes of the Agkistrodon Complex, 1990, Gloyd & Conant the Venomous Reptiles of Latin America, 1989, Campbell & Lamar The Venomous Reptiles of the Western Hemisphere, 2004 2-volume set, Campb...
by keown
April 1st, 2012, 10:53 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: World's Largest Rattlesnake Round-up
Replies: 84
Views: 34148

Re: World's Largest Rattlesnake Round-up

Mark Brown asked me several weeks ago in this thread if the rattlesnake roundup was still being held every year in Taylor, Texas. At the time I was not sure, not having heard anything about it for a couple of years. BUT know we have an definite answer to Mark's question. Seems that it is still going...
by keown
March 10th, 2012, 5:16 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: World's Largest Rattlesnake Round-up
Replies: 84
Views: 34148

Re: World's Largest Rattlesnake Round-up

Mark,

Regarding the Taylor Round-up, I'm not sure....It has not showed up on my radar in the last few years.

-Gerald
by keown
March 10th, 2012, 3:11 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: World's Largest Rattlesnake Round-up
Replies: 84
Views: 34148

Re: World's Largest Rattlesnake Round-up

As Mark stated above, In Texas people have worked hard to get the rattlesnake round-ups shut down for years...at least as far back as the 1972 but to no avail. For the most part it is the JayCees and Coors Beer. I seem to recall that at least at one time Budwiser was also a big sponsor. I'd like to ...
by keown
March 7th, 2012, 5:37 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: AZ Mystery Snake?
Replies: 23
Views: 4166

Re: AZ Mystery Snake?

After Stohlgren found and posted that additional photo I agree...definately a southeastern Arizona splendida.

-Gerald
by keown
March 6th, 2012, 8:02 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: AZ Mystery Snake?
Replies: 23
Views: 4166

Re: AZ Mystery Snake?

I'm thinking a "misplaced"/escaped/released Pantherophis based on body and head shape.

-Gerald
by keown
February 23rd, 2012, 2:26 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: clelia or Lampropeltis?
Replies: 16
Views: 3317

Re: clelia or Lampropeltis?

Here is another vote for it being L. t. gaigeae. Hmmm... I'm still trying to find them there "ears'.


-Gerald
by keown
February 23rd, 2012, 2:07 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Caudal luring in snakes
Replies: 23
Views: 10559

Re: Caudal luring in snakes

Caudal luring is always neat to observe. Here is a link to a photograph of a Broad-banded Copperhead using caudal luring to attract birds around a natural spring in central Texas.

http://www.southwesternherp.com/photoso ... -2009.html


-Gerald
by keown
January 25th, 2012, 8:10 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Wanderlustlessness in New Mexico & Arizona
Replies: 65
Views: 15383

Re: Wanderlustlessness in New Mexico & Arizona

An excellent post York. Certainly, the best I have seen in a long while. I'd be hard pressed to try to pick out one image that I liked better than the rest. When you live in the heart of the Southwest, why would anyone want to go elsewhere?

Simply fantastic! :beer:

-Gerald
by keown
December 5th, 2011, 11:06 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Mystery snake....
Replies: 68
Views: 13513

Re: Mystery snake....

Ok, so we have all been on a wild goose chase (better make that a wild snake chase) hunt or a snipe hunt on the wrong side of the planet. :o :shock: :oops: :roll:

-Gerald
by keown
November 23rd, 2011, 8:46 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Mystery snake....
Replies: 68
Views: 13513

Re: Mystery snake....

Terry, it appears to be Coluber constrictor to me. But of course as others have mentioned we can't say for certain due to the quality of the image. Couple of observations though. Even though it was found on a roadway, it does not appear to have been killed by a motor vehicle. That wound looks more l...
by keown
November 9th, 2011, 4:07 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Near Fatal Timber Bite
Replies: 28
Views: 4953

Re: Near Fatal Timber Bite

Below is a link to a sobering first-person account of the first two envenomations of James Bear, a herper from Deming, New Mexico who did not survive his third bite (which involved anaphylaxis) in 2008.

http://southwesternherp.com/articles/ac ... bites.html


-Gerald
by keown
September 5th, 2011, 2:22 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: 2011 zonata pairings (discussion about GIFTED hatchlings)
Replies: 128
Views: 130734

Re: 2011 zonata pairings (discussion about GIFTED hatchlings

Justinm, I don't think it was BS. While I don't personally know Mitch, but from what I do know of him, he just does not come off like someone that would just do that for the sake of BS. I still think it was a legitimate deal and a worthwhile project and that perhaps for some reason during the proces...
by keown
September 5th, 2011, 7:22 am
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: 2011 zonata pairings (discussion about GIFTED hatchlings)
Replies: 128
Views: 130734

Re: 2011 zonata pairings (discussion about GIFTED hatchlings

Soooooo, WHEN hatchlings are ready to go I will be gifting out a ton. I WILL NOT gift a hatchling to anyone I feel will misuse the gifting and use the animal in any commercial aspect (i.e., trade, barter, are sale). This is really just a gift, and if anyone who receives an animal ever tires of it t...
by keown
August 22nd, 2011, 7:29 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Flashlight
Replies: 26
Views: 6512

Re: Flashlight

You will find a heap of in-depth reviews and posts about flashlights gpt herpers here:

http://southwesternherp.com/cgi-bin/yab ... rd=board19

Most of the flashlight reviews are by Damon Salceies. He is indeed the expert of them.

-Gerald
by keown
August 20th, 2011, 8:25 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Conversation with TPWD Game Warden Captain regarding HB1788
Replies: 58
Views: 11284

Re: Conversation with TPWD Game Warden Captain regarding HB1

Joshua, For bills in the Texas Legislature go to: http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/ . It may take you a little working with it to get it down, but once you do you master it you can find out more information and detail about any bill that was introduced into the Texas Legislature than you probably want...
by keown
August 12th, 2011, 7:26 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Where did the belief that all snakes are blind come from?
Replies: 9
Views: 1482

Re: Where did the belief that all snakes are blind come from

I have heard that same belief voiced a few times over the years but not frequently. I wonder perhaps if it might come from their misunderstanding or assumption about something they may have heard or read concerning a snake's vision being impared while it is opaque during it's shed cycle or about rat...
by keown
July 12th, 2011, 8:53 am
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: 2011 zonata pairings (discussion about GIFTED hatchlings)
Replies: 128
Views: 130734

Re: 2011 zonata pairings (discussion about GIFTED hatchlings

Not a problem. It could happen to any of us. ;) Who knows with the way taxonomy is constantly changing nowdays next week they may all actually be lumped together and be called something totally different. :roll: Pyros are an equally interesting and beautiful species within their own right. 8-) -Gerald
by keown
July 12th, 2011, 6:34 am
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: 2011 zonata pairings (discussion about GIFTED hatchlings)
Replies: 128
Views: 130734

Re: 2011 zonata pairings (discussion about GIFTED hatchlings

I have found one Zonata in the wild (Oak Creek Canyon Arizona).
Lampropeltis zonata does not occur in Arizona. Perhaps what you found in Oak Creek Canyon was an Arizona Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana).

-Gerald
by keown
June 28th, 2011, 4:41 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Conversation with TPWD Game Warden Captain regarding HB1788
Replies: 58
Views: 11284

Re: Conversation with TPWD Game Warden Captain regarding HB1

I have no intent of getting into the bulk of this discussion, but I will offer my comments on the effective date of HB 1788. Andy alluded to this in an earlier post here but I'm not sure if everyone listened. To begin with regardless of if the Governor signed the bill or just let it become law witho...
by keown
June 27th, 2011, 3:51 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: 2011 zonata pairings (discussion about GIFTED hatchlings)
Replies: 128
Views: 130734

Re: 2011 zonata pairings (discussion about GIFTED hatchlings

Mitch,

Seems like very reasonable expectations. Sue and I are certainly still interested in adopting a pair of them once they become available.

Gerald
by keown
June 26th, 2011, 5:48 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Four Corners Herping
Replies: 41
Views: 17444

Re: Four Corners Herping

Mike, looks like a great trip and some spectacular animals, not to mention the great scenery and excellent photography. I had to laugh about the street scene in Cortez....Sign says "No Bicycles or Skateboards Allowed on Sidewalk" but horses are OK. My kind of place. Were all of your herp p...
by keown
May 31st, 2011, 9:08 am
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Good herp zoos?
Replies: 11
Views: 4072

Re: Good herp zoos?

I have not been there in several years now, but the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Tx. did have an exceptional herp display.
http://www.gpz.org/herpetarium/index.htm

-Gerald
by keown
May 31st, 2011, 8:58 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Theme post: herps eating in the wild
Replies: 101
Views: 52597

Re: Theme post: herps eating in the wild

Here is another of a Western Coachwhip up in a tree with a rabbit. Photo taken by Bert Wycoff in Terrell County, Texas.

Image

-Gerald
by keown
May 30th, 2011, 5:01 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Fire and herping?
Replies: 12
Views: 2459

Re: Fire and herping?

Paul, Here is a link to a helpful site provided by the forest service that will allow you to stay up to date with what is going on with your local wildfires. This link is for the Pitt Road Wildfire just south of Amarillo but you can search for and locate all of them from this site. http://www.inciwe...
by keown
May 6th, 2011, 8:17 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Head lamp suggestions?
Replies: 26
Views: 3909

Re: Head lamp suggestions?

The Fenix HP10 is reviewed by New Mexico herper/flashlight reviewer Damon Salceies:

Damon knows his stuff when it comes to lights. Here is the link:

http://southwesternherp.com/cgi-bin/yab ... 1257008063

-Gerald
by keown
May 1st, 2011, 6:02 am
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: Worst Disaster Ever...
Replies: 12
Views: 5300

Re: Worst Disaster Ever...

Joshua, Sorry to hear about your disaster. I feel for you and I can relate to it. A few years ago when I was still living up in Wyoming, we finished out our basement to provide additional living and office space....including a herp room. Normally without any heat the basement maintained a pretty con...
by keown
April 22nd, 2011, 8:34 pm
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: 2011 zonata pairings (discussion about GIFTED hatchlings)
Replies: 128
Views: 130734

Re: 2011 zonata pairings (discussion about GIFTED hatchlings

Mitch, Rick,Scott & Dan,

Very well done video. :thumb: Excellent discussion. Thanks guys for taking the time and effort to produce that and share it with us. :beer:

-Gerald
by keown
April 15th, 2011, 8:07 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Anyone know what this book is?
Replies: 30
Views: 5076

Re: Anyone know what this book is?

I got an email from them a couple of months ago wanting to do a link exchange for their Hog-nose Snake Care book. Looked their stuff over and I was not impressed at all. If you look at their links page about 99% of those links are to their own books. If you look at the books I get the impression tha...
by keown
April 5th, 2011, 7:00 am
Forum: Herpetoculture Forum
Topic: 2011 zonata pairings (discussion about GIFTED hatchlings)
Replies: 128
Views: 130734

Re: 2011 zonata pairings (discussion about GIFTED hatchlings

Mitch, What a great looking assortment of zonata . I have worked with them on and off over the past 50 years but I don't think I have ever seen such a large and varied assortment as those you have posted. I think you may be on to something by gifting out large numbers of them to responsible people w...
by keown
April 3rd, 2011, 6:45 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: What type of flashlights are you guys/gals using?
Replies: 37
Views: 7008

Re: What type of flashlights are you guys/gals using?

Check out Damon Salceies' review of the Thrunite Catapult here: http://southwesternherp.com/cgi-bin/yab ... 1263490646

Damon reviews a number of herping lights here: http://southwesternherp.com/cgi-bin/yab ... rd=board19
by keown
March 31st, 2011, 8:32 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Game 9-What is it?
Replies: 27
Views: 3743

Re: Game 9-What is it?

San Diego, California back in Klauber's time.

-Gerald
by keown
March 31st, 2011, 2:53 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Game 7-Where da heck is Dat?
Replies: 27
Views: 4544

Re: Game 7-Where da heck is Dat?

Somewhere in Kansas? I think I have seen a photo of that same rock posted somewhere. Did you have Chad with you when you found that rock?

-Gerald
by keown
March 31st, 2011, 2:48 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Game #4 Where is THIS...GAME OVER
Replies: 28
Views: 3457

Re: Game #4 Where is THIS...GAME OVER

Dell, I've actually been thru that burg on a herping detour while I was living up in Wyoming. I wasn't sure if it in Phillipsburg, Ks. or Norton, Kansas so I just guessed Phillipsburg. I guess it's hard to forget a place with a name like that....sort of like another I establishment I remember called...
by keown
March 31st, 2011, 2:27 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Game #4 Where is THIS...GAME OVER
Replies: 28
Views: 3457

Re: Game #4 Where is THIS...GAME OVER

Phillips County, Kansas.

-Gerald