Hi! This is in response to Thamnophile's post down below concerning the distribution of Aesculapian rat snakes and the possibility that the Romans established colonies in the northern portions of their range. I've heard of this theory for years now but can't seem to find a distribution map anywhere on the 'net. Can someone point me to a map that shows the disjunct populations?
Also...While researching this project, I discovered that a population of these snakes has established itself in Wales! (Apparently from escaped captives in the 1970's) I found a BBC article from 2006 when they finally captured the first one on film. I didn't save the link so you'll have to Google "BBC", etc. Anyone else know about this? (And where Else these snakes may have been established elsewhere in the world??)
And last of all: This photo is from an old National Geographic magazine. (1990-2004?) It relates to a religious festival somewhere in Europe with Snakes as the main event! Thats all I remember. (I lost the issue I had) Thamnophile...You may want to find this issue and check it out. At first I thought the photo had Aesculapian Snakes, but these look more like 4-Lined Rats) ???
Anyway...Keep me up-dated if you find any more info on the Romans and their escaped 'pets' ! I like the idea of it and hope someone can make a connection with this and "that good ol time religion"!!! TJ.



Southern Minnesota Biological Survey

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