Trapped Below - How Turtles Spend Their Winter

/
Trapped Below - How Turtles Spend Their Winter

In temperate climates, many amphibians and reptiles hibernate during the cold winter months. Here in Minnesota, my current state of residence, it gets cold (mean winter temperate = 14° F / -10° C, record low = - 60° F / -51° C) - brrr. Yet, Minnesota is home 11 species of turtle (one of which is the invasive Red-eared Slider). This leaves turtles with roughly 5 - 7 months of good weather to breed, lay eggs, and feed to build up fat reserves. 

Read More

Keeping Snakes Away: Advice from a Wildlife Biologist

/
Keeping Snakes Away: Advice from a Wildlife Biologist

For many, the sight of a snake in or around the house is the stuff of nightmares. Unfortunately many companies take advantage of people's fear of snakes to sell products or services that are ineffective, and in some cases they recommend the use of products that actually increase danger to family members and pets. Learn more...

Read More

Snake Road: A Southern Illinois Reptilian Paradise

/
Snake Road: A Southern Illinois Reptilian Paradise

Each spring and fall, visitors from around the world -- literally -- seeking amphibian and reptile encounters descend on southern Illinois to partake in a twice annual migratory phenomenon. The destination, Snake Road, is nestled within the U.S. Forest Service administered Shawnee National Forest - LaRue-Pine Hills-Otter Pond Research Natural Area, and is home to just over 20 species of snake (Palis 2016).

Read More

Nothing bad about it - a visit to the North Dakota badlands

/
Nothing bad about it - a visit to the North Dakota badlands

For most, South Dakota comes to mind when discussing badlands (at least for those of us in the Midwest U.S.). South Dakota does have badlands, with over 240,000 acres protected via Badlands National Park. This is a must-visit park for anyone passing through western South Dakota, but if ever passing through western North Dakota on Interstate 94 don't miss the opportunity to checkout Theodore Roosevelt National Park (Theodore).

Read More

Sneaky Snakes: A Glimpse into the Lives of Plains Hog-nosed Snakes

/
Sneaky Snakes: A Glimpse into the Lives of Plains Hog-nosed Snakes

Plains Hog-nosed Snakes (Heterodon nasicus) are a fascinating small species of North American snake, with the largest individuals around 24 inches (60 cm) in Minnesota. But until relatively recently, very little has been known about its natural history. Believed to spend the majority of its time below ground, few areas are known where sufficient numbers can be reliably found for detailed study. 

Read More