Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Just returned from the Florida Keys family vacation. During a day at the Key Deer Refuge in Big Pine Key we saw a Florida box turtle walking along the road. That's it for the week. I asked at the visitor's center about the status of Eastern indigos in the refuge. Only answer I got was "There's diamondback rattlesnakes."

And where were the anoles? I've always assumed that at Disney World they use enough insecticide to do away wih all lizards. But I expected not be so alone in the woods on this trip. Even when daytime temps are in the 70's F. do these guys still have a dormant period in the winter?

One of the saddest aspects of the trip was the total absence of queen conch. (Remember the piles of big pink shells that used to be synonomous with Florida tourism?) Human generations of commercial fishing led to their demise. From what I read they've been totally protected since the 1980's. Hopefully, they'll make a comeback.

Hmmm. Don't know about FL, but I have seen Anolis active in early March in the Carolinas on relatively cold days with the sun shining.

Steve,

I think the situation in the Keys is the same as most of America. Too many people, and not enough protection. I've got a house on Sanibel Island in FL, right off the coast of Ft Myers, and 2/3 of the island is totally protected wildlife refuge.
While bicycle riding around the island and through the preserves, I've seen yellow rats, indigos, corns, racers, and other snakes who were too elusive for identification, in addition to gopher tortoises, anoles out the wazoo, and other lizards.
You've just got to get a little further away from the crowds. Unfortunately, that's getting harder and harder to do.
By the way, Steve, that female eastern with the funky tail I bought from you has mated this season. I'll let you know if she becomes a mom.

VinnyButch