Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So, in mid-June next year I am going to a family reunion. But we are going to be there for about a week. We are going to be right across the river from Whistler Bend State park in Oregon. The spot we will be staying is riverfront on the Umpqua river, which is about 12 miles north east of roseburg.

Now for the question. Has anyone ever gone field herping there? I here that there are kingsnakes there, both California Mountain and California banded kingsnake.
Do they like hiding under rocks and logs? Or are they more drawn to AC? Where should I look for them? What time of day would be best?

What are the laws about reptiles in oregon? Do you need a permit to capture them or even look for them? I can't find any info on this.

I hear Oregon has very distinct and strict herp laws. Maybe check there fish and game/hunting website?

Best advice-- check out "Mountain Kings" by Brian Hubbs. He has a lot of info listed for the zonata found in Oregon.

Best advice-- check out "Mountain Kings" by Brian Hubbs. He has a lot of info listed for the zonata found in Oregon.

Good advise.
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Okay, i'll take a look at it. Thanks!

I live in SW Oregon and can tell you that both getula and zonata can be found in the Umpqua Valley in June. It is about the northernmost locality for cal kings, and also about the northernmost locale for zonata other than the small population in the Columbia Gorge. It is illegal to collect zonata or getula in Oregon, but I havent had problems photographing them.

Here's a SW Oregon getula on the bank of the Rogue River

Here's a SW Oregon zonata from the Applegate River drainage

Very nice!
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>>I live in SW Oregon and can tell you that both getula and zonata can be found in the Umpqua Valley in June. It is about the northernmost locality for cal kings, and also about the northernmost locale for zonata other than the small population in the Columbia Gorge. It is illegal to collect zonata or getula in Oregon, but I havent had problems photographing them.
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>>Here's a SW Oregon getula on the bank of the Rogue River
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>>Here's a SW Oregon zonata from the Applegate River drainage
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John Lassiter
Poor planning and procrastination on your part does not constitute an emergency on my part...

Stunning finds, getula and zonata alike. Do the ranges of the two species interlap?

Zonata and getula can be found in the same habitat in a lot of places in extreme northern Cal and in SW Oregon. I think this is because zonata are found at much lower elevations in this part of their range. If you look at the range maps for both species in Oregon, they are almost an exact match (primarily Jackson, Josephine, and Douglas counties). The getula in the picture I posted was found within feet of pretty classic z habitat.

Sweet! I really don't want to collect any. But I would love to see some, and If I see it I really want to hold it.