Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Im goin from the 17th to the 23rd. Just curius if anybody has any hot spots or secrets to share, or if any fellow herpers will be there for some friendly competition.

I am assuming you are talking about the national park. If so, then....

I would be VERY careful doing any herping in the park at all. It is, of course, illegal to herp in Big Bend National Park. The areas around BBNP are some of the more popular areas for Gray-banded Kingsnake hunters to look and therefore the park personnel are especially sensitive to watching for people herping. You are also going to be there during what is considered the peak season for snake hunting for many species, particularly Gray-banded Kings.

Therefore, while you are in the park, do not even have a snake bag or hook in your possession as that can be construed as the intention to collect. If you do hunt outside of the park, you cannot bring live animals back into the park, even if you found them legally.

That said, it should be great herping. You could try driving at night or hiking in the park (as long as you look, don't touch). You should be able to see at least couple of species of Rattlesnakes, Trans-pecos Ratsnakes, Merriam's Spiny Lizard, Banded Geckos, Gophersnakes, Nightsnakes, etc. If you are lucky, you could stumble across a Baird's Rat, Desert King, Milksnake, Gray-banded King, Big Bend Gecko, etc. On the trails above the basin, you can find Texas Alligator Lizards (and the Colima Warbler).

It is a very herpy area and a good time of year to be there (it could be 100° in the day - be careful!). Just be smart, obey the laws, and you should have a great herp experience.
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Chris Harrison