Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So I plan on going to the NJ Pine Barrens to find northern black racers. Thing is, it's going to be in the 90s everyday next week, and next week is the only time I can go before school starts, and it's tough to find anything there when it's hot, according to others i've talked to. I was thinking my chances would be good if I got there at 7 in the morning, when it would be in the mid 70s. What do you guys think? Should I go early, or skip hunting all together?
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Scott

Reptiles
--------
1 Colombian Rainbow Boa (Rocky)
1.0 Ball Python (Sultan)
0.1 California Kingsnake (Leota)
1.0 Eastern Painted Turtle (Yugi)
0.1 Red/Gold Bearded Dragon* (Irwin, R.I.P.)

Other
-----
1.0 Betta Fish (Tyrone)
1.0 Hooded Rat* (Clubber, R.I.P.)
0.1 Albino Rat (Isis)

Scott you need to go real early or late in the evening and get you that racer, let it bite your a-- and sneak in at home and take some pics for us
Bob

Scott,
..If I was going snake hunting I would go early or late looking for anything but Blackracers. They are one of the few snakes that will be out in very hot weather.
Jeff

>>So I plan on going to the NJ Pine Barrens to find northern black racers. Thing is, it's going to be in the 90s everyday next week, and next week is the only time I can go before school starts, and it's tough to find anything there when it's hot, according to others i've talked to. I was thinking my chances would be good if I got there at 7 in the morning, when it would be in the mid 70s. What do you guys think? Should I go early, or skip hunting all together?
>>-----
>>Scott
>>
>>Reptiles
>>--------
>>1 Colombian Rainbow Boa (Rocky)
>>1.0 Ball Python (Sultan)
>>0.1 California Kingsnake (Leota)
>>1.0 Eastern Painted Turtle (Yugi)
>>0.1 Red/Gold Bearded Dragon* (Irwin, R.I.P.)
>>
>>Other
>>-----
>>1.0 Betta Fish (Tyrone)
>>1.0 Hooded Rat* (Clubber, R.I.P.)
>>0.1 Albino Rat (Isis)

...would they still be out in the morning or evening? I don't really enjoy being out in the heat of the day!
-----
Scott

Reptiles
--------
1 Colombian Rainbow Boa (Rocky)
1.0 Ball Python (Sultan)
0.1 California Kingsnake (Leota)
1.0 Eastern Painted Turtle (Yugi)
0.1 Red/Gold Bearded Dragon* (Irwin, R.I.P.)

Other
-----
1.0 Betta Fish (Tyrone)
1.0 Hooded Rat* (Clubber, R.I.P.)
0.1 Albino Rat (Isis)

....based on personal experience herping in the Pine Barrens in the middle of the day, I have never found many herps. I've only really done it twice and really looked hard, and I only came upon two snakes by pure happenstance, a ribbon snake while walking through the woods trying to find someone to get our car that sunk in the sand, and a garter snake, a large one, was in the middle of a footpath.

Also talking to people who've been there many more times, they say it's very tough finding anything on really hot days!
-----
Scott

Reptiles
--------
1 Colombian Rainbow Boa (Rocky)
1.0 Ball Python (Sultan)
0.1 California Kingsnake (Leota)
1.0 Eastern Painted Turtle (Yugi)
0.1 Red/Gold Bearded Dragon* (Irwin, R.I.P.)

Other
-----
1.0 Betta Fish (Tyrone)
1.0 Hooded Rat* (Clubber, R.I.P.)
0.1 Albino Rat (Isis)

Scott,
...I have never hunted there. If Black Racers are common there they will be moving during the heat of the day. If you can find a place with deserted farms or buildings there will be tin roof pieces and lumber to turn and that type of hunting would be better when it is cooler and comfortable. Night hunting is good during hot weather in many places but I would not expect to see a Black Racer out after dark. If I was hunting the Pine Barrens Kingsnakes and Pinesnakes would interest me infinitely more than Black Racers.
Jeff

>>....based on personal experience herping in the Pine Barrens in the middle of the day, I have never found many herps. I've only really done it twice and really looked hard, and I only came upon two snakes by pure happenstance, a ribbon snake while walking through the woods trying to find someone to get our car that sunk in the sand, and a garter snake, a large one, was in the middle of a footpath.
>>
>>Also talking to people who've been there many more times, they say it's very tough finding anything on really hot days!
>>-----
>>Scott
>>
>>Reptiles
>>--------
>>1 Colombian Rainbow Boa (Rocky)
>>1.0 Ball Python (Sultan)
>>0.1 California Kingsnake (Leota)
>>1.0 Eastern Painted Turtle (Yugi)
>>0.1 Red/Gold Bearded Dragon* (Irwin, R.I.P.)
>>
>>Other
>>-----
>>1.0 Betta Fish (Tyrone)
>>1.0 Hooded Rat* (Clubber, R.I.P.)
>>0.1 Albino Rat (Isis)

snake species, especially racers like Jeff stated. I have also found many eastern milk snakes under same exact type of AC. ( artificial cover ).

Black racers can be found throughout the day regardless of temps, best bet is to find one of the many trash piles around most parts of pine barrens and look under stuff. I have caught many under tarps as well, as a matter a fact that is where I found that box turtle, under a tarp while hunting for black racers in old bridge township NJ.

All, but one, of the MANY black racers I caught that was not utilizing or relating to AC, were captured at the edge(s) of a field, next to wooded areas that also provide cover.

I am quite sure they thermoregulate a lot and being diurnal are sun loving super metabolizing machines. Active forages have a home range that they live in and do not travel much on any given day out of that range.

They are more active then most snakes and probably have larger home ranges then most lye and wait predators.

The one, I caught in the middle of a field, on a hot summer day. This snake also did not use the flight behavior typical of the species. They do exhibit both fight and flight behavior. This 5.5 foot snake stood it's ground, VERY IMPRESSIVE SIGHT TO BEHOLD. I have not seen anything quite like it but that one time.

They are one of my favorite reptiles that are indigenous to New Jersey.

I have to agree with Jeff because, his experiences with this species matches my field observations.

Definitely an under rated snake. If you get one, they get VERY NICE looking after some quality feeding and some proper cage husbandry.

The draw back to this species is that they crap a lot and be forewarned they are also ophiophagus ( snake eaters ).

Good luck hunting! Also check areas closely associated with water. Most of the racers I have caught where not to far from some type of permanent water source.

Once again that tin roof rippled AC is some of the best for racers, also car hoods, doors, ect...

a small taste of the pine lands animal diversity:

Internet images from google.com

Avian vertebrata I call The Red Headed Pinocchio.

orchids

some Anurans....

-----
Thanks,

Frank Roberts
Roberts' Realm Of Reptile Research

...I guess I'll still go in the morning. maybe around 7 or 8. does that sound fine?
-----
Scott

Reptiles
--------
1 Colombian Rainbow Boa (Rocky)
1.0 Ball Python (Sultan)
0.1 California Kingsnake (Leota)
1.0 Eastern Painted Turtle (Yugi)
0.1 Red/Gold Bearded Dragon* (Irwin, R.I.P.)

Other
-----
1.0 Betta Fish (Tyrone)
1.0 Hooded Rat* (Clubber, R.I.P.)
0.1 Albino Rat (Isis)

guess your there now, good luck!!!
-----
Thanks,

Frank Roberts
Roberts' Realm Of Reptile Research

you still have time to give me advice lol
-----
Scott

Reptiles
--------
1 Colombian Rainbow Boa (Rocky)
1.0 Ball Python (Sultan)
0.1 California Kingsnake (Leota)
1.0 Eastern Painted Turtle (Yugi)
0.1 Red/Gold Bearded Dragon* (Irwin, R.I.P.)

Other
-----
1.0 Betta Fish (Tyrone)
1.0 Hooded Rat* (Clubber, R.I.P.)
0.1 Albino Rat (Isis)

many reptile species there including the one you seek.....

I have personally seen racers, pines ,and hog nose snakes at this particular Wild Life management area. Hunt near and around any permanent bodies of water.

DIRECTIONS: From northern New Jersey, take the New Jersey Turnpike to Exit 7A, I-195. Drive east about 2 miles on I-95 to Exit 8, Route 539. Take Route 539 south for about 10 miles to Colliers Mills Road. Turn left onto this road and go 1 mile to the entrance to the Colliers Mills WMA.

From southern New Jersey, take the Garden State parkway to Route 539. Continue north for about 32 miles.

HABITAT: Over 12,000 acres of typical Pine Barrens habitat, dominated by Pitch Pine and Scrub Oak. Atlantic White Cedar is also present at wetter areas.

Links of interest....

South Jersey

Half way decent PDF file about NJ snakes....

NJ Snakes

Good link for NJ Pinelands.

-----
Thanks,

Frank Roberts
Roberts' Realm Of Reptile Research

...I tried mapquest and found Colliers Mills Wildlife Management.

Is that the place?

If not, I need info about where it's located, the name of the park, city, zipcode, all that good stuff.
-----
Scott

Reptiles
--------
1 Colombian Rainbow Boa (Rocky)
1.0 Ball Python (Sultan)
0.1 California Kingsnake (Leota)
1.0 Eastern Painted Turtle (Yugi)
0.1 Red/Gold Bearded Dragon* (Irwin, R.I.P.)

Other
-----
1.0 Betta Fish (Tyrone)
1.0 Hooded Rat* (Clubber, R.I.P.)
0.1 Albino Rat (Isis)

Scott,
..I have never been there but that is the place. I would look for signs of any old foundations at the mill site or in the surrounding area. They would be ideal habitat for snakes. If you get really lucky you may find pieces of old tin roofing to look under. Snakes are protected on WMAs. I used to hunt them anyway. If you see a Ranger make sure you are not carrying a snake LOL.
Jeff

>>...I tried mapquest and found Colliers Mills Wildlife Management.
>>
>>Is that the place?
>>
>>If not, I need info about where it's located, the name of the park, city, zipcode, all that good stuff.
>>-----
>>Scott
>>
>>Reptiles
>>--------
>>1 Colombian Rainbow Boa (Rocky)
>>1.0 Ball Python (Sultan)
>>0.1 California Kingsnake (Leota)
>>1.0 Eastern Painted Turtle (Yugi)
>>0.1 Red/Gold Bearded Dragon* (Irwin, R.I.P.)
>>
>>Other
>>-----
>>1.0 Betta Fish (Tyrone)
>>1.0 Hooded Rat* (Clubber, R.I.P.)
>>0.1 Albino Rat (Isis)

>>Scott,
>>..I have never been there but that is the place. I would look for signs of any old foundations at the mill site or in the surrounding area. They would be ideal habitat for snakes. If you get really lucky you may find pieces of old tin roofing to look under. Snakes are protected on WMAs. I used to hunt them anyway. If you see a Ranger make sure you are not carrying a snake LOL.
>>Jeff
>>
>>>>...I tried mapquest and found Colliers Mills Wildlife Management.
>>>>
>>>>Is that the place?
>>>>
>>>>If not, I need info about where it's located, the name of the park, city, zipcode, all that good stuff.
>>>>-----
>>>>Scott
>>>>
>>>>Reptiles
>>>>--------
>>>>1 Colombian Rainbow Boa (Rocky)
>>>>1.0 Ball Python (Sultan)
>>>>0.1 California Kingsnake (Leota)
>>>>1.0 Eastern Painted Turtle (Yugi)
>>>>0.1 Red/Gold Bearded Dragon* (Irwin, R.I.P.)
>>>>
>>>>Other
>>>>-----
>>>>1.0 Betta Fish (Tyrone)
>>>>1.0 Hooded Rat* (Clubber, R.I.P.)
>>>>0.1 Albino Rat (Isis)
-----
Thanks,

Frank Roberts
Roberts' Realm Of Reptile Research

Yes that is the place, I took the time to compile some nice racer images, enjoy Scott............

The best thing about that place is the diversity of wildlife in general. I recommend a fishing rod ( w/ fishing licence )as well.

If you snake hunt by permanent bodies of water, you will not look like a snake hunter, but you will appear to be a fisherman, not to mention the exceptional pickerel fishing in it's acidic waters.

Look for permanent bodies of water with woods / fields / and or farmland nearby

Here is a GREAT, link for a few bodies of water in the Colliers Mill Wildlife Management Area.

Images Scott will enjoy and that also made me realize I have too much time on my hands.

Meaning ?

think about it...

but since they are one of my favorite colubrids indigenous to the state of New Jersey, I enjoyed compiling the images...

they are much more interesting than most snakes....I think they are truly impressive in the wild, especially if they stand up to you and not flee ( which is the most common response ). This behavior is almost always associated with cornering them and or surprising them. ( not easy )

Next pic is kewl.........

in shed.....

another feeding on frog pic.....

various images....

Juveniles & sub adults...

a few closely related species....

Buttermilk Racer ( Coluber constrictor anthicus ) very nice racer :

Blue Racer

Red Racer ( Masticophis flagellum piceus is technically a Red Coachwhip )

Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer ( Coluber constrictor flaviventris )

juvie....

Western Yellow-bellied Racer ( Coluber constrictor mormon )

a juvie...

Black-masked Racer Adult & a Juevinele ( Coluber constrictor latrunculus )

Southern Black Racer ( Coluber constrictor priapus )

There are several more ...

-----
Thanks,

Frank Roberts
Roberts' Realm Of Reptile Research

....the only other true racer(off the top of my head) that you seem to be missing is the brown chin.....
-----
Scott

Reptiles
--------
1 Colombian Rainbow Boa (Rocky)
1.0 Ball Python (Sultan)
0.1 California Kingsnake (Leota)
1.0 Eastern Painted Turtle (Yugi)
0.1 Red/Gold Bearded Dragon* (Irwin, R.I.P.)

Other
-----
1.0 Betta Fish (Tyrone)
1.0 Hooded Rat* (Clubber, R.I.P.)
0.1 Albino Rat (Isis)

Coluber algirus
Coluber atayevi
Coluber bholanathi
Coluber brevis
Coluber caspius
Coluber constrictor
Coluber cypriensis
Coluber dorri
Coluber elegantissimus
Coluber florulentus
Coluber gemonensis
Coluber gracilis
Coluber gyarosensis
Coluber hippocrepis
Coluber insulanus
Coluber jugularis
Coluber karelini
Coluber largeni
Coluber manseri
Coluber messanai
Coluber mormon
Coluber najadum
Coluber nummifer
Coluber ravergieri
Coluber rhodorhachis
Coluber rogersi
Coluber rubriceps
Coluber schmidti
Coluber schmidtleri
Coluber scortecci
Coluber sinai
Coluber smithi
Coluber socotrae
Coluber somalicus
Coluber spinalis
Coluber taylori
Coluber thomasi
Coluber variabilis
Coluber ventromaculatus
Coluber viridiflavus (western whip snake)
Coluber vittacaudatus
Coluber zebrinus

Coluber
Genus Coluber

-----
Thanks,

Frank Roberts
Roberts' Realm Of Reptile Research

....I'm sure many of those are European/South American species!

I was thinking you had mostly all the North American ones mnus the brown chin!
-----
Scott

Reptiles
--------
1 Colombian Rainbow Boa (Rocky)
1.0 Ball Python (Sultan)
0.1 California Kingsnake (Leota)
1.0 Eastern Painted Turtle (Yugi)
0.1 Red/Gold Bearded Dragon* (Irwin, R.I.P.)

Other
-----
1.0 Betta Fish (Tyrone)
1.0 Hooded Rat* (Clubber, R.I.P.)
0.1 Albino Rat (Isis)

not sure, but I catagorize Coluber and Masticophis as being synomonous. Also I was refering to, all racers and whipsnakes on the global level. So you are correct in what you said.
-----
Thanks,

Frank Roberts
Roberts' Realm Of Reptile Research

I did not realixe some where on a temporary directory, that changes picsperiodicaly.

Thanks for the compliment on the post
-----
Thanks,

Frank Roberts
Roberts' Realm Of Reptile Research

Frank,
....I caught a Racer in Panama that was colored like the Western Yellow Bellied Racer. It was definitely a Coluber constrictor. I caught it out in the heat of the day sunning along a trail and it was fast and bitey. Any idea what subspecies it might have been?
Jeff

>>Yes that is the place, I took the time to compile some nice racer images, enjoy Scott............
>>
>>The best thing about that place is the diversity of wildlife in general. I recommend a fishing rod ( w/ fishing licence )as well.
>>
>>If you snake hunt by permanent bodies of water, you will not look like a snake hunter, but you will appear to be a fisherman, not to mention the exceptional pickerel fishing in it's acidic waters.
>>
>>Look for permanent bodies of water with woods / fields / and or farmland nearby
>>
>>Here is a GREAT, link for a few bodies of water in the Colliers Mill Wildlife Management Area.
>>
>>Images Scott will enjoy and that also made me realize I have too much time on my hands.
>>
>>Meaning ?
>>
>>think about it...
>>
>>but since they are one of my favorite colubrids indigenous to the state of New Jersey, I enjoyed compiling the images...
>>
>>they are much more interesting than most snakes....I think they are truly impressive in the wild, especially if they stand up to you and not flee ( which is the most common response ). This behavior is almost always associated with cornering them and or surprising them. ( not easy )
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>Next pic is kewl.........
>>
>>
>>
>>in shed.....
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>another feeding on frog pic.....
>>
>>
>>
>>various images....
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
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>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
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>>
>>
>>
>>
>>Juveniles & sub adults...
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>a few closely related species....
>>
>>Buttermilk Racer ( Coluber constrictor anthicus ) very nice racer :
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>Blue Racer
>>
>>
>>
>>Red Racer ( Masticophis flagellum piceus is technically a Red Coachwhip )
>>
>>
>>
>>Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer ( Coluber constrictor flaviventris )
>>
>>
>>
>>juvie....
>>
>>
>>
>>Western Yellow-bellied Racer ( Coluber constrictor mormon )
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>a juvie...
>>
>>
>>
>>Black-masked Racer Adult & a Juevinele ( Coluber constrictor latrunculus )
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>Southern Black Racer ( Coluber constrictor priapus )
>>
>>
>>
>>There are several more ...
>>
>>-----
>>Thanks,
>>
>>Frank Roberts
>>Roberts' Realm Of Reptile Research
>>

I have found black racers under cover on cooler days. I have also found some sitting in the middle of a sandy road at 1-2 in the afternoon, like Jeff said. Keep an eye out for snake tracks in the sand. Especially the ones that cross over tire tracks that you know are fresh. We have found some snakes by following the tracks into the woods and just looking around.

Make sure you check local laws. I have heard that there are some people that are in and around the pine barrons that act kinda like game wardens. Checking to see what you are doing. I have even heard of these people giving herpers a hard time. If you make some good finds, remember not to post the exact place you have your finds. This can help keep poachers out of that exact spot. Ticks are really bad there, or so I'm told
Best luck to you.
Rob
-----
For Sale cheap: One (1) 6' 19 yr old male. Does no house work. Has no job and will complain. Constantly.
0.1 Brazilian Rainbow Boa-Ziggy
1.0 Creamscicle motley corn--Cozmo
0.1 Creamscicle corn--Wanda
0.0.1 Normal corn
0.1 Black Pine - Spazz
1.0 Eastern King-Ozy
1.0 Bearded Dragon - Gomer

do you live in NJ i live near there!

>>do you live in NJ i live near there!

No, but I did stay in a Holiday Inn Express there once! Actually I live in Fla. I have read herpin posts from people that herp in the pine barrons. That's the only way I know about the "citizens game wardens" or whatever they are called. Are they all over? Do they really give people that much of a hard time?
Rob
-----
For Sale cheap: One (1) 6' 19 yr old male. Does no house work. Has no job and will complain. Constantly.
0.1 Brazilian Rainbow Boa-Ziggy
1.0 Creamscicle motley corn--Cozmo
0.1 Creamscicle corn--Wanda
0.0.1 Normal corn
0.1 Black Pine - Spazz
1.0 Eastern King-Ozy
1.0 Bearded Dragon - Gomer

i used to go in there all the time without any problems... but dont goin in there at night tony soprano might be there ahahha

...or didn't he!?!
-----
Scott

Reptiles
--------
1 Colombian Rainbow Boa (Rocky)
1.0 Ball Python (Sultan)
0.1 California Kingsnake (Leota)
1.0 Eastern Painted Turtle (Yugi)
0.1 Red/Gold Bearded Dragon* (Irwin, R.I.P.)

Other
-----
1.0 Betta Fish (Tyrone)
1.0 Hooded Rat* (Clubber, R.I.P.)
0.1 Albino Rat (Isis)

NOOOOO!!!!!!!! he didnt .... i hear theres gonna be a moive