That Reptile Blog » Snakes

People as Python Prey – Giant Snakes Attack 150, Kill 6 in Philippines

findiviglio — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 15:47:56 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. The subject of giant constrictor attacks upon people always brings out wild claims. While working with Green Anacondas in Venezuela, I tried to track down 2 reports of human predation, but was unable to prove or disprove either. I recall reading several well-authenticated accounts in old issues of Herpetologica, and sadly, More >

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People as Python Prey – Giant Snakes Attack 150, Kill 6 in Philippines

The Corn Snake and its Relatives – Natural History and Captive Care

findiviglio — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:13:25 +0000

Also known as the Red Rat Snake, the Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttata), is one of North America’s most beautifully-patterned reptiles, and the world’s most popular serpent pet. Corn Snakes figured prominently in the development of American snake-keeping, and their history is tied up with the legendary Carl Kauffeld and his famous collecting site, Okeetee, South More >

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The Corn Snake and its Relatives – Natural History and Captive Care

Venomous Snakebite – a New Study, and my own Experiences

findiviglio — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:34:46 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. As a career herpetologist, I’ve had several opportunities to study venomous snakes in the field, and have spoken with many people who live in areas where they are common. My experiences led me to believe that venomous snakebite is a far more serious problem than is typically reported. Recently, two important More >

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Venomous Snakebite – a New Study, and my own Experiences

Newly Discovered Black and Yellow Viper is Already Endangered

findiviglio — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 16:04:32 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. A remote, mountainous forest in southwestern Tanzania is the only place where Matilda’s Horned Viper (Atheris matildae) resides. Described as a new species in the December, 2011 issue of Zootaxa, the boldly-colored, arboreal snake seems limited to 100 square miles of somewhat degraded habitat. Natural History Named for the daughter of More >

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Newly Discovered Black and Yellow Viper is Already Endangered

Green Tree Python Care & Natural History

findiviglio — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 16:09:33 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. The Green Tree Python tops the “must have” list of many snake-enthusiasts…and with good reason. Few snakes can match their gorgeous coloration, and an arboreal lifestyle adds an interesting twist to typical python care. Being moderately-sized, they are easier to accommodate than larger pythons, and captive breeding and life-spans of 20+ More >

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Green Tree Python Care & Natural History

Captive Care of the World’s Largest Snake – Keeping the Green Anaconda

findiviglio — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:08:11 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. For a snake enthusiast such as I, not much can top the thrill of working with Green Anacondas (Eunectes murinus), in the wild and breeding them in captivity. I consider myself very fortunate, and realize that the childhood dream I was able to live is not available to most people. So More >

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Captive Care of the World’s Largest Snake – Keeping the Green Anaconda

The Natural History of the World’s Rarest Viper, the Aruba Island Rattlesnake

findiviglio — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 14:55:56 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Occasionally I like to highlight animals that, while not suitable as pets, are none-the-less of great interest to reptile enthusiasts. The Aruba Island Rattlesnake, Crotalus unicolor, native to a place known more for its resorts than for reptiles, is one such beast…from diet to range to appearance, it is most unique. More >

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The Natural History of the World’s Rarest Viper, the Aruba Island Rattlesnake

New Test for Cryptosporidiosis, an Incurable Disease of Snakes and Lizards

findiviglio — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:38:49 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. A decade or so ago, Cryptosporidiosis became recognized as a major concern in captive snake and lizard collections. Caused by a one-celled parasite known as Cryptosporidium varanii, the disease remains incurable to this day. At the Bronx Zoo, where I worked at the time, tests showed that many snakes already in More >

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New Test for Cryptosporidiosis, an Incurable Disease of Snakes and Lizards

The Best Snake Pets – 5 Top Choices for Snake Keepers

findiviglio — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:04:54 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Snake enthusiasts are faced with an embarrassment of riches these days…with so many interesting and formerly rare species being bred, choosing a pet can be very difficult. Today I’d like to spotlight several species that are hardy enough for beginners yet so interesting that they are also favored by specialists and More >

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The Best Snake Pets – 5 Top Choices for Snake Keepers

Burmese Pythons in the Wild – the Natural History of a Giant Snake

findiviglio — Thu, 27 Oct 2011 13:23:52 +0000

Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. The Burmese or Asian Rock Python, Python molurus bivittatus (or Python bivittatus, see below) is one the world’s longest snakes, and vies with the Green Anaconda for the title of heaviest. Florida’s introduced Burmese Pythons are often in the news these days for causing ecological havoc and occasional human fatalities. However, not More >

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Burmese Pythons in the Wild – the Natural History of a Giant Snake