Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I went camping up in the Mendocino National Forest over the three day weekend and found lots of herps. I got some good pictures too. This is what I found:

- 100's of western fence lizards (Sceloporus occidentalis)
- 2 Southern Alligator lizards (none photographed though)
- 3 Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes (C. viridis oreganus)
- 1 Pacific Gopher Snake (P. catenifer catenifer)
- Unknown species of Garter snake (T. elegans??? not sure)

Most of these herps I found near rocky streams and rivers in mixed pine/oak habitat, with the exception of one rattlesnake who was a mile or so away from the nearest creek. But he was living in a pretty wet areas.

I made a site for my trip: http://thenerve13.netfirms.com/mendocino

Pics:

Northern Pacific Rattler

Pacific Gopher Snake

Garter Snake

Western Fence Lizard

Now I just can't wait to go to Arizona or someplace for a REAL herping trip!

Pacific Gopher Snake

Northern Pacific Rattlesnake

Garter Snake... I think this is an elegans but I'm not sure... oh well.

Western Fence Lizard... these guys were EVERYWHERE. I know they are super common and "boring" but watching them can be fun. I had two males so engrossed in fighting and head bobbing in their turf wars that the big male chased the little male right over my feet, completely oblivious to my presence!

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