I’d like to thank all the staff and members of this Forum for their efforts and concerns in opposition to the current Texas road cruising ban. As a Texan, I am proud to know that herpers all over share a concern and appreciation for the herps of the Lone Star State.
My son also says thanks for defending his future as a Texas herper. Here he is, illegally removing a DOR red coachwhip from the roadway.
I have also encountered several Texas herps that would like to express their thanks.
This ground snake was relieved to be rescued from the road and safely released.
This Texas banded gecko was yellow with fear from the many traffic hazards. He wanted everyone to know that he is grateful for your efforts to keep him safe.
This western hook-nose turned his nose up at the new law. He requests that you please move him to safety if you find him on the road.
Does this Texas horned lizard look angry? Maybe that is because he was killed in the new roadside sanctuary.
This gray band was upset about being endangered on the road, but very grateful to be released away from the hazards of Texas’ new wildlife sanctuary.
This trans-Pecos rat snake was delighted to be moved off the road and onto a nearby road cut.
These round-tailed horned lizards were relieved to be rescued from the shoulder of a busy intersection. They look forward to being released at their new and safer home tomorrow (100 feet of the road).
This WDB paled at the thought of being stranded on the road with no herpers to protect him while his brethren can be slaughtered by the tens of thousands with no protection from TPWD.
This reticulated gecko was relieved to make it across the road and wanted herpers to be allowed to move him to safety without fear of prosecution.
This Mojave Rattlesnake wanted to blow everyone a big kiss.
This WDB was very angry about the new law.
But his “Heart” was full of love for all the herpers across the country that are dedicated to keeping him safe.
As frustrating as this whole ordeal has been, I have high hopes that something good will come out of it. One way or another, we will prevail and restore Texas herping while protecting Texas herps. In the process, perhaps we can lay the groundwork for protecting herps and herping across American and beyond.
Things might get a little sticky.
There may be some ominous signs.
There may even be an occasional storm.
Some things might get a little twisted.
We may have a long, hard walk ahead of us.
But, if we work together, we can conquer whatever bugs us.
Eventually, the skies will clear.
And our efforts will bear fruit.
I’m starting to see signs of peace and victory already.
keep it up!,,,,,,,,thomas davis