First, I have no idea why they are there, thats why its fun to have a look. Does that make sense. I do wonder why you think I should have answers at the begining of an investigation? is that how science works? I must have missed that day, dang, I always miss the parts that would make it easier.



If they were along the creek in vines, or in a tree, there would be no need or wonder about it, now would it. But to find them(commonly)as in(very commonly) as I have mentioned the third most common snake in that area, does give one a reason to wonder. Also, the fact, there so few are found where they are suppose to occur. Then overlap, that we have found so many and not in a prejudiced matter. That is, no particular method developed for this species. By the way, there are some other fellas that have done that and find them to be the MOST common snake in the area.



I am not sure how you fellas think or why I may think a bit differently, but I already know, many reptiles have a division of labor, hmmmmmmmm I mean, division of sizes, with young ones doing one thing in a certain area, and older ones doing something slightly different, in an other area, then the breeders again doing something a bit different in a nearby area. In this way, they can utilize more resources in one area, with competing or better yet, overlaping. Is this what they are doing? could be. But I bet its more to do with this, then anything you mentioned. But then, I don't know, but some patterns are forming. Whats important about this type of information is, If the time comes we do have to protect a species, all of their normal functions must be included in whats protected. Not simply a part of what they do. At this point in time, science is still wondering about foraging and not much more. But unless a species can nest and rear young, all the foraging in the world will be of no good.



So, it is bothersome to think I am suppose to know the whys and whats, when we only recently confirmed the "is". Its also bothersome, that you think you have a need to agree with the "is" or not. After all, it "is" whether you agree or not, that goes for me too, it "is" even if I disagree.



And therein lies the point, as a researcher, I am not suppose to agree or disagree or anything, I am suppose to gather data.



And yes they are feeding, the first one we found after we decided to take this on was a roadkill(very very fresh). It contained a freshly consumed, whiptail. A burti, of sorts I believe. This snake possibly was hit by a game and fish fella we were talking to about these snakes. We talked about ah hour with this fella, then he drove down the tract, and we followed shortly, and whale er, there she was(it was a she)No other cars went by during that time period.



Consider, part of an investigation is to ask questions. Ask questions from many sources. So, in that vein, I talked to locals, forestry, game&fish, other herpers. Most all of them said, I found one or two, in my whole life and they were at this place(commonly mentioned in the books) but none had details or the snake(pics). But nearly all of them said, yup, thats where they were. In all cases, these folks had to drive right thru the area we find them to be very common. How odd.



So far, I have not seen of anyone walk out with a vinesnake that was found in the canyon bottom, yet. I am sure they are there, too. But it seems, thats the hard way to find them.



So no, I do not have answers, just lots of pics of snakes living happily where they are not suppose to live.



Personally, I do not think its marginal, or corridors or anything, we just did not understand this snake. At least the ones in this area. FR

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