That Reptile Blog – Reptile, Amphibian and Exotic Pet Care and Information
Please see Part I of this article for some cobra and python escape stories set in NYC.
The “Ditmar’s Trap”
I first became aware of snake traps through The Reptiles of North America, written by legendary Bronx Zoo curator Raymond Ditmars. Mr. Ditmars recounted capturing Northern Watersnakes (Nerodia sipedon) by securing fish to strings that were anchored to stumps in likely locations…a feat I was later to repeat successfully on several occasions (snakes have trouble backing off prey once it has been swallowed, and Watersnakes are especially ravenous feeders). If you have collected Watersnakes by hand, you’ll understand the attraction of a method that spares one’s skin! Read More »
I’ve received a number of questions lately from herp enthusiasts (and “regular people”!) who have come across cold-stunned reptiles and amphibians in Florida. Cuban Knight Anoles, Green Tree Frogs and many other species have been severely impacted by the record-breaking cold weather.