Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Anyone have any advice on locating reptiles and amphibians in the Portland/ Mt Hood area? I just relocated from Alaska and after 2 months searching here I managed to see a salamander in the wild for the first time in my life. I'd like to photograph these guys but I'm obviously not doing something right when it comes to searching for them. Any advice?

Wildfyre:
If you moved only two months ago and have been conducting searches during July, August, the first 6 days of Sept. and then this past week, your lack of success is due to the fact during warm to hot and dry conditions, most species of herps are difficult, if not impossible to find during normal daylight hours.

On the night of Sept. 6, temperatures dropped for almost a week and we twice had some measureable rain in parts of W. Oregon. Many reptiles were then available but now that temperatures in the mid to high 80's have returned and it is still pretty dry under cover, it won't be until we get another fall type storm with at least cooler temperatures (and rain would help) will many herps become far more accessable under cover at the surface.

Most native reptiles west of the Cascade Mts. occur in the greater Portland metropolitan area in suitable habitat Racer, three sp. of garter snakes, Gopher Snake, Ringneck Snake, Rubber Boa, W. Fence Lizard, S. Alligator Lizard, possibly the Sharp-tailed Snake). Yesterday on our way home from a trip to Washington, I observed 4 fence lizards along I-205 on the west side of the Willamette River at West Linn. I was seeking a S. All. Lizard for a researher in Utah but no soap. Felt lucky to observed the fence lizards.

Contact me at: charinabotte@earthlink if you have additional questions.

Richard F. Hoyer