Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My Parv. female for the spring. (San Jacinto Mts.)

Ahh!, very sweet bro!

Are those from "J-Dawg" Jerry Kruse's stock as well?

~Doug
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"a snake in the grass is a GOOD thing"

my website -serpentinespecialties.webs.com

Killer San Bernardino Mt king, dude! Being born and raised in S.Ca knew some great spots for finding Mt kings.

Scott

Scott, when are we taking a trip?? Hell, you have lots of spots I might just buy your plane ticket my friend. LOL!!

No problem there my friend, I plan on making a trip back home here this spring. We could hit the Santa Monica mountains, some great spots in San Bernardino. So lets make a plan of doing it. No place better than being home, snake hunting and with a friend.

Scott

I am in!!

Lets do it by all means. Here's a pic of a WC parviruba that I caught while in the blue. About a week later, she shed and was taking food no problem. Sorry not the best pic!

Scott

Cool as hell Scott. Funny, my favorite snakes in my collection are ones that I caught with friends and "have a story" to go along with them. We shall be taking some good camera equiptment up the hills with us so we can hopefully show off our finds!! I can't wait until spring to get away from this cold weather!!

Cheers brother!!

Thanks Joe. I feel the same way, can't wait to feel some warm temps, it's cold here too going down into the 20's at night. Too cold for this Cal dude....LOL! Also love a good story about the snake/snakes you catch, not like those fish tales about the one that got away!!!

Scott

You gotta time the San Jacintos just right. if you are too late then to hot and dry.
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www.Bluerosy.com

"Pray for Obama. Psalm 109:8".

"They that can give up essential liberty, to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty or safety." -Benjamin Franklin

Yeah, I know nothing about finding Mt. Kings in the wild but I cannot wait to try. I have been wanting to make that trip for years and I think this is the year it will happen.

Good on you. You might want to try the seiras. It is a lot easier. Only thing is, it fires later than the San Jacintos. So you can't be at both places on the same trip.

It is a very exciting trip especially if you can meet up with someone with experince. The snakes are there. It is a matter of timing. To do that you have to be ready to go at a moments notcie when the right temps at the correct altitude happen. Since this happens at a different time of year it is difficult to plan ahead.
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www.Bluerosy.com

"Pray for Obama. Psalm 109:8".

"They that can give up essential liberty, to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty or safety." -Benjamin Franklin

Actually, you can hunt the San Jacintos easily at the same time as the Sierras. The San Bernardinos go very early, but the San Jacintos are later. Also, the Sierras can go as early as the last week of March or the first week of April. About four years ago I found 15 zonata in the mid-Sierra Nevada on April 7th. That wasn't normal, but then again, we go when the weather dictates, right? Regularly though the southern Sierras are about two weeks ahead of the central Sierras; but once again this is only at the right elevation and whether or not you're in the interior or the west facing slope of the range. Long story short, by the beginning of April, if the weather is halfway agreeable, you can have a great trip to multiple locales. Hell, the last three years I've been in San Diego Co. doing field work for my graduate studies, and the 'perfect' window for pulchra has been nothing close to perfect. We always hit cold nights and work our butts off for several specimens (thankfully I'm done with the field work part of my studies and I can go now just for fun - but more importantly, when the weather is right!).

Lastly, have a blast Joe. I can't make any promises (as I will have a newborn I'm going to want to be dedicating most of my time towards), but if I have the time I wouldn't mind taking you out for an afternoon. However, remember, have a blast in the San Jacintos, but as you are out-of-stater I'll give you a friendly heads-up...pics only in the Santa Monicas and the Santa Ana's! =)

Mitch

Thanks for all that information Mitch! That would great if we could meet up for some herping and shoot the sh-t. The wife knows the ball is rolling now and not much will stop it! I know ALL about having a new baby too. Kinda puts everything on hold for a while but also puts things in perspective. I plow snow in the winter and decided to take a few snow days off to spend more time with my daughter this year. Best decision I could have made. (picture in post above). When my friends were out killing themselves and I was making a snow man with my wife and kid. I cannot go back and do that later in life. I hope all goes well with your new baby and if you can break away during nap time or get a "guy day" I would be trilled to have out there.-----Joe.

I used to live out there and did extensive field collecting.

While on a trip you have to choose which place you want to go. I suggested the seirras because at that time there are other places you can go that are firing at the same time. Plus finding z's is very easy. Otherwise if it is two weeks apart or 2 months apart it does not matter.

The last few times i traveled out to calif it was much more than 2 weeks. It all depends on what that particular season is doing. It is always different. Checking the temps of certain life-zones is what Joecop needs to do. Then see if those correlate with the high and low desert temps or other target species spots. All those lifezones in calif can work together real well if you know the elevations and what to look for. It is that precious "middle' time that is best when going out to calif.
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www.Bluerosy.com

"Pray for Obama. Psalm 109:8".

"They that can give up essential liberty, to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty or safety." -Benjamin Franklin

Please don't take offense to anything I said, I realize you used to live in CA. I was simply trying to point of to Joe, who lives out of state, that when you can't travel to herping sites based on weather patterns, but instead because of set dates, sometimes (a lot of the time) things aren't the way most of the best stories say they are.

Mitch

Hey fellas, I may very well be out there around the same time doing the very same thing. Maybe we can meet and increase the man power. Was thinking of a 4 or 5 day excursion. Let's discuss and get an itinerary going. Mitch, I'll bring all the good NY deli meats to celebrate atop Mt. Hamilton, LOL.
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www.freewebs.com/jerrykruse

Jerry Kruse

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

Jerry,

It'll be way too early for Hamilton. Gotta pick a site closer to the coast...

Mitch

Actually i was just kiddin' Mitchell......us old men way up the mountain with salami, mustard, and all the trimmins' busting our arses for the day. I'd prefer a coastal romp actually. I'll call to discuss further......DAD. Ahhhh, I remember my first. Nothing quite like it, feeling scared and happy simultaneously. My second child was a breeze as the first made for all the preparations for the second time around. And don't forget the GOOD cigars....talk to you later...
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www.freewebs.com/jerrykruse

Jerry Kruse

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

Jerry,

With Hotel and gas split it won't be expensive.

I am thinking about taking a trip in May. Morning flight into Fresno. Rent car and hit it up to seirras for zonata and rubbers that day and the next. Afternoon drive to high desert for evening road cruising. Nexy day Low desert (hotel in Palm springs) day trip up San jacinto or San gabriels Mtns. Last night Borrego and fly home from John Wayne airport in Orange county.

Total of 5 days. Done it before. Works great.
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www.Bluerosy.com

"Pray for Obama. Psalm 109:8".

"They that can give up essential liberty, to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty or safety." -Benjamin Franklin

PIECE OF CAKE. I like a half-as itinerary with bustling to get in as much herping as possible. A dream trip indeed. Besides, I need to get away for a few days, and then it's off to the Philippines for me for 2 weeks to see my in-laws.....*sigh*. But my thing is whether or not we find stuff (which IS a perk) I look forward to having a blast with the company I'm in. But that's just me.
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www.freewebs.com/jerrykruse

Jerry Kruse

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

I like a half-as itinerary with bustling to get in as much herping as possible

HA HA! I have heard that before from people i have taken. Then after the first day they are sore and can't move much. Heck ,hiking at high altitudes to some of my spots while carrying a long crowbar/pole and lifting rocks while risking your life climbing etc . Usually wears guys out on the very first day. Then they want to go to bed at 11 pm just when the nightcruising starts.

I always tell them-YOU GOT TO BE IN SHAPE MAN! I usually suggest running or some cardio excerising before going with me. Because it is like a marathon.

One of these days i am going to get a scanner and scan some old field herping pictures to post.
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www.Bluerosy.com

"Pray for Obama. Psalm 109:8".

"They that can give up essential liberty, to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty or safety." -Benjamin Franklin

Hahahaha, too funny and true, gotta be in shape. I hike my dogs 8 miles every night, by 10pm, I'd be ready to do some nice long night driving.

Scott

I am not the man I once was, but you surely will not have to worry about me gassing out. Of course those high altitudes can make any man a little less of a man!!!

LOL......I'm sure I'll be just fine. Fit as a a fiddle, my BMI is 12, and I'm sparring with guys 10 years my junior and gettin' almost as many head kicks in as I used to when I was their age. Booyahhh. Yeah, I'll be just fine. We'll bring a small portable oxygen tank for Joe though, LOL. No gassing out for ANYONE. Onward! Upward!! Zonata!!!
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www.freewebs.com/jerrykruse

Jerry Kruse

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

How about a bottle or two of nitrous oxide? That way we will be happy no matter if find some zonata or not.........LOL!

Scott

Fill mine with Captain Morgan and coke please. I will stumble my way up the hills!!

LOL! Will do!

Scott

I never tried that stuff. You'll have to introduce me to the Cap'n one day. We better start jogging NOW. Heheheheh.....I hope I can make this short trip -- I should be able to. Been planning it for over a year with a couple other chaps as well. Funny, when I was younger it was the ladies looking to get me out and show me a good time. LOL!
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www.freewebs.com/jerrykruse

Jerry Kruse

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

jerry, you sound like you already have a little Cap'n in you!
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Todd Hughes

That's sick Todd, just SICK!!! I stick with the ladies only.
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www.freewebs.com/jerrykruse

Jerry Kruse

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

LOL, Jerry I had no idea you'd take it that way, go back and watch the commercials! LOL, you want one? LMAO! I'm sure the Cap'n prefers the ladies as well!
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Todd Hughes

Reminds me of that dental offc scene in Lethal Weapon 4 -- hysterical... But I'm game.
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www.freewebs.com/jerrykruse

Jerry Kruse

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

At least it would keep us in a happy mood.......LOL!

Scott

Indiana Jones. Snakes! why did it have to be snakes?

I am fit but not flexible any more. If I tried to kick someone in the head and would rip my hamstring, throw out a disk, and fall down. Hopefully none of the zonata are good at MMA.

I don't know heard some of them are pretty good at sweeps and mawashi geri (roundhouse kick)!

Scott

LOL! Man, I am in trouble.

Good thing their stricking range is short........LOL!

Scott

not sure if zonata know the way of the warrior, but its time to find out. I wouldnt mind gettin' my arse kicked by a gorgeous specimen. But timber rattlers, on the other hand, are like montane ninjas. I hike high up to see these things in the spring and fall and the damn things never give you a warning. EVER. Luckily there is no reason to go near the cracks poking around for anything. I would hope the California crotalus give the courtesy.

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www.freewebs.com/jerrykruse

Jerry Kruse

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

Southern and Northern Pacifics usually give you fair warning. Just don't piss them off, they don't back down for nothing. Crotalus ruber are the calmest rattlesnakes that I've come across in the field, but still........

Scott

Indiana Jones. Snakes! Why did it have to be snakes?

I just can't wait to see my first ruber. I'm originally a native of California (SF Valley) and only have seen the S. pacifics. Hope to meet you in the field along with some of these other tough guys this spring. Good talking with you Scott. By the way, how do you feel about HYBRIDS? (LOL).

San Jac parv.

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www.freewebs.com/jerrykruse

Jerry Kruse

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

Hey Jerry, I'm from the SF Valley too, Van Nuys! Small world, huh? So I would say that makes us both Valley dudes.....LOL! I saw lots of ruber when I made trips down south, the prettiest rattler in my opinion and very mellow as rattlers go. Natural hybrids I love, but not into man made hybrids. How about you?

Scott

Indiana Jones. Snakes! Why did it have to be snakes?

l man-made hybrid hater all the way. I'm overly outspoken about it, but it's who I am. Otherwise, I'm easy to get along with. Yeah, Van Nuys. I remember it well. Used to hang out at the Topanga Mall if I wasn't surfing at Zuma Beach, and did alot of herping at the Topanga Reservoir and skate pretty much anywhere there was an empty pool after school (Chaminade). LOL. I miss those days so so much, and still hang onto them in my mind at the ripe old age of 36. If you look at my site I explain how the zonata fever came about around age 10. Looking forward to hearing more about you as well.

SEE EVERYONE, NOW THIS IS WHAT THE FORUMS ARE ALL ABOUT. JUST LOTSA WHOLESOME GOODNESS. CINDY, CAN I GET AN AMEN?!? LOL...

Cascade mountain kingsnake (multicincta x zonata zonata)

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www.freewebs.com/jerrykruse

Jerry Kruse

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

Yeah I use to hang at Topanga mall and Northridge too. Use to surf Zuma, Santa Monica, Dog Town. Started skate boarding when I was a kid, still skate today when I get the chance, even still wear Vans....LOL! Do you remember skatercross in Reseda? Those were some good times! Esp all the great places to snake hunt!

Scott

Indiana Jones. Snakes! Why did it have to be snakes?

Hey Jerry, did you ever go to the Southwestern Herpetologist Society meetings at Reseda park?

Scott

Indiana Jones. Snakes! Why did it have to be snakes?

Hey Scott,

coincidentally, one of my best mates was a guy named Scott (Smith) who I used to go herping with and his dad (Russ) who, at the time, was curator of herpetology at the L.A. Zoo. Good times! Never hung out in Reseda, just alot of pools and street skating. Met Tommy Guerrero of the then-famous Bones Brigade (Powell-Peralta) and tore it up a few times with him and some friends. Nothing too huge. Always wanted to skate in San Franciso like how they did in the cheesy film "Search for Animal Chin". LOL. And I havent worn Vans since I was about 22. Hi-top Chuck Taylors were my shoe of choice -- not much ankle support or buffering against the grip tape, but they were cheaper than Vans and replaced frequently. Wow, it IS a small world sometimes. Wait....this IS a snake forum correct? LOL, got lost in the mix of the old days!

Sierra Juarez agalma pair slotted for 2010 production...........

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www.freewebs.com/jerrykruse

Jerry Kruse

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

Yeah those were the days. Yes this is a snake forum, but doesn't hurt to reminisce. Besides we did mention snakes and snake hunting.....LOL! "KILLER" looking zonata there bro!

Scott

Indiana Jones. Snakes! Why did it have to be snakes?

Looking good Jerry. The head on that male is just sick !!!!

I am SO looking forward to the progression of this year. So many important projects I have underway, and I'm also looking forward to seeing a few of my friend's success, including you and your first attempt at breeding some z's. Quite excited fer ya there slappnuts....!
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www.freewebs.com/jerrykruse

Jerry Kruse

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

no need for all that, just cap 'em in the a$$.
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www.freewebs.com/jerrykruse

Jerry Kruse

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

I love rattlesnakes. On the other hand, I do not want you be reaching for a zonata and have one in the way. Cool photos of the timbers Jerry. That is one species I have yet to deal with and I think they are very cool looking. The amazing thing to me is how varied the colors can be on snakes in the same area.

oh yeah Joey, lots of variations in the timbers for sure. Im partial to the yellow phases, some being more sulphur than others. ANd they range from copper to brown to almost melanistic. Like I always say, it's a 4 hour drive, c'mon up for a day and we'll have a blast.
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www.freewebs.com/jerrykruse

Jerry Kruse

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

Same with ruber the farther down South you go the more red they get, awesome looking rattlers. There was a guy I knew here who kept lots of hots. He got tagged by one of his Timbers, he just had enough time to dial 911, by the time help came he was pretty much brain dead. They air lifted him to El Paso, but it was to late to save him. Later that day NM Game and Fish came and seized all his snakes, I forgot how many hots he had, but was a lot.

Scott

Indiana Jones. Snakes! Why did it have to be snakes?

Scott, that is a damn good reason not to keep hots!!! Sorry to hear about that. By keeping them I think most people get a little too comfortable and drop their guard. I am guilty of having kept a couple LONG ago (coral snakes),but with a wife and kid in the house and slower reflexes I don't take any chances. I still like to get photos of them and see them in the field though. I also traded in my golf club snake stick for an actual pair of snake tongs. LOL.

That it is Joe, he left behind a wife and kid, plus mega hospital bills. I've been guilty of keeping hots too, it's not if you get bit, but when. I love seeing them in the wild, but I leave it at that now.

Scott

Indiana Jones. Snakes! Why did it have to be snakes?

That is a cool photo brother!! Both copperheads eating at the same time. I used to keep those too when I was REAL young. I think they are one of our prettiest snakes. I still catch them all the time at one of my eastern king spots. Quick photo session and off they go. Good thing about them is that you are not in BIG trouble should you get bit, however I know of a guy who lost a patch of his calf from juvenile. I wonder how many snakes have a lure as youngsters like copperheads and cottonmouths?

Thanks bro! They are very cool snakes and I too think they are among the prettiest hots, not as high strung like cottonmouths. I know their venom isn't as bad as cottonmouths, but think it could do some damage to a young kid, but back then really didn't care or think about it...LOL! Ahh to be the young and dumb again...LOL!

Scott

Indiana Jones. Snakes! Why did it have to be snakes?

Now that is why they are called KINGSNAKES!!!

That's for sure! That copperhead bit him seven times, just made the Eastern King more pissed off. LONG LIVE THE KINGS!

Scott

I was just up in the San Bernardinos for snow play, but I found some time to look at habitat, access spots, etc. Man I was drooling, there are some fantastic areas that I would have thought would be more torn up than they were. Thank goodness. Are people caring more these days?

I've spent time in the San Jacintos, I love those mtns. I've been fortunate to hit good days amid days that turn cold or hot quickly. I once got a lesson in humility. I was looking at some known spots, weather seemed perfect but I saw nothing. Then a very experienced herper drives up, eats a sandwich and waits for a certain time of day, then walks right over to the area I searched twice that day and holds up a beauty of a parviruba. I marvel, he releases it. I am happy and humbled. I spent 6 hrs looking, he spent 3 and 1/2 minutes. That is knowledge, my friend.
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Mark

That was just awesome. And i pictured this in my head and just started laughing out loud, AND I'm currently in a public place NYC. Thanks! LOL again.
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www.freewebs.com/jerrykruse

Jerry Kruse

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

All of these Z's are Ric Blair stock with the exception of the flame red head agalma in the bottom post. That one came from another breeder and was a gift to myself this year along with a matching male.

Great gifts to give yourself, couldn't think of any better ones. Again bro awesome mountains!

Scott

Killer! Those are some nice ones and I always wanted stuff like that but I didn't want to deal with getting those hatchling to feed LOL

Snake do not get better looking then that.
I had to shade my eyes to look at that.

Thx again for the snake meds Joe he is lookin' great
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wake me when its april

Doug L

Glad to hear he is doing better Doug. Anytime my man, anytime. We shall have to see if I get lots of eggs this spring. There might be some surprises at the tailgate swap!!!

I hear ya bud, looking forward to spring again over here as well. We'll talk soon. She's looking good!

Santa Cruz multifasciata

www.freewebs.com/jerrykruse
the first-ever official zonata-only website)
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Jerry Kruse

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

Yeah, it's probably another five degrees colder up there too!!

Impressive group of mountain kings you've put together Joe! Very nice!!
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Randy Whittington

Thanks Randy. I am trying.