Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Thought I'd share my first encounter with a zonata (mountain king of any sort actually). I was hiking down to the Yuba River (middle fork) to collect some water samples and I knew the conditions were perfect for herps; recent rain, early May, frogs everywhere. But I was not expecting this little beauty:

As you can see it very recently had eaten (I suspect a frog, they were plentiful). Elevation was about 4000' and it was 10:10 in the am.
Now I know this subspecies, multicincta (I guess no longer valid?), is maybe not considered that attractive but to me it was just beautiful:
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Thanks for looking,
Paul

Are you kidding me? It is awesome!
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Todd Hughes

Very nice find and thanks for sharing the pics.

BTW where is Yuba River (middle fork) in California?
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The Middle-fork of the Yuba is just north-east of Auburn (Auburn is just east of Sacramento). More specifically, look for Nevada City on a map and you'll see the Yuba near-by.
Paul

I have been dreaming of catching one of those for OVER 30 years!!!! Good for you!!!! I would have understood your excitement!!!
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Thanks,

Frank Roberts

Thanks Frank,
I too have been wanting to find one for a long time. I keep going back to the pictures and staring.
Paul

That is an awesome find. Congrats and thanks for posting the photos!

awesome find no doubt. Keep that enthusiasm. I found my first z when I was 10 years old and that image and sheer awe was seared into my mind. Although I live in NY now, I still have a small reminder of home every time I open up one of my tubs. I share your excitement and thanks for the enthusiasm....keep it coming!

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Jerry Kruse

And God said, "Let there be zonata subspecies for all to ponder..."