Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Here are some pics of my March 15th trip to Shawnee's LaRue road. Didn't see really any snakes but saw a whole lot of salamander's and frogs.
Saw 15 of these redbacks.

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just one of these slimy's

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Just one of the Spotted. (pic isn't to clear)

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Just one of these Red Spotted Newts

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And the only 3 snakes I saw(westeren ribbon snakes0

Had a great time but kind of wish it was warmer so i could have seen some more snakes. The very foggy and rainy high of 43 F on the second day turned out to be great for salamanders but terrible for snakes. Hope to go back there and see some cottonmouths if i get a chance. Also the nighttime highs for the two nights I was there of around 30 F didn't make for the most comfortable camping but then again it was an awesome trip for a Chicago boy.

I haven't ever seen your diversity of salamanders. I've only seen a few redbacks, and some red efts.

I'll be down there all day Friday...weather looks to be good. Wish me luck, and I'll share some pics!

John Eddington

I never find salamanders there. But then again I'm usually having to much fun with the moccassins on the road to go digging through the leaves. Great pics. Can't wait to get down there. It's nice to see there's some Illinois herpers on here. I'm in Urbana, we got one in Chicago. Where are you at John? Either of you guys let me know if you want to herp together sometime.
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Martin Whalin
My Email

Quotes from guys named Carl:

"Science stops at the frontier of logic. Nature does not, she thrives on ground as yet untrodden by theory."
-Carl Jung

"It is foolish to let singleness of purpose deprive one of the joy and delectation of the many wonderful sights and sounds incidental to the quest."
-Carl Kauffeld

I'm going camping in the Shawnee Hills next week. Hopefully it will warm up. Enjoyed the pictures of the salamanders.
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Tim