As usual (and somewhat saddening) many people have a love for reptiles, but there are few who are willing and motivated to seek them out on their (the reptile's) terms. I have tried, with little luck, to network a group of individuals who are interested in the vast fauna that the California high desert has to offer. But if you cant join em'...beat them...or something like that! I was out again this weekend searching for rattlesnakes and found this guy. It's a Long-nosed Snake (Rhinocheilus lecontei) and I found this guy rather interesting. The rostral (upper lip/jaw) scales are elongated and shovel-like in appearence. They are hard to come by except at night because they burrow and tunnel and spend their daylight hours underground. At night they come out to forrage for small mammals and birds.



I plan on posting more pics of what I capture (and release)/photo. Hopefully I can find at least one interesting reptile a week! See you at the next meeting.



Michael O'Brien

M & L Reptiles

www.mnlreptiles.com
Long-Nosed Snake

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• When all else fails, go by yourself...What I found in the high desert (Aug 23, 2003) - mnlobrien, Mon Aug 25 18:43:07 2003
• Nice longnose - SnakeBiteJunkies, Tue Aug 26 16:37:57 2003