Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I remember growing up in Central Oklahoma and Hunting snakes on every free moment I had. My biggest prize where the Coachwhips and I could catch two colors of them where I was hunting. I would mostly come up with the Black and Tan ones. But, Every so often I would come across some that where Huge 6' Bright Red Monsters. These animals would be either Half Red and Half Tan or they would be Banded like a Banded Egyptian Cobra with bright Red and Tan Banding all the way down the body. Some of these animals would be almost Crimson Red and Some would be Hot Pink. Lord how I miss those times. The land I used to hunt on has since become a community with about 500 houses full of Yuppies. It brings tears to my eyes every time I think about it. Hell I would just catch and keep those snakes for about a month or so and then would take them back and let them go. Lord knows I never knew the fate of these Amazing animals would become what it has.
A couple years ago I was on Vacation in south Texas going toward South Padre. As I was driving down the Highway Through Brownsville Texas I saw a snake out of the corner of my eye and being the Snake persone I am. I SLAMMED on the brakes in the middle of the highway and backed up to a Coachwhip laying there about 5' long Road kill. This animal had to be the Most Awsome Coachwhip I had ever seen. It was Scarlet Red with Cream Yellow even banding running the entire length of the body. AWSOME!!!

Here Is what I am getting at. If you have,breed,keep or know of someone that Breeds either of these Color phases of the Coachwhip PLEASE help me get in contact with them. I know the Coachwhip is one of the most overlooked of all snakes do to the Bad Reputation they have. But, IMO These animals are Awsome and there is nothing like a Good Tame one. Due to the Amazing Rate that these far away habitats are becomeing New houseing additions I think it is time that some of us start working with these animals in order to keep them around for our children to admire. IMO They can be the Most Beautiful of all North American Snakes and God knows I have searched far and wide for a decent breeding group of them for what seems forever with No luck at all.
PLEASE HELP ME IF YOU CAN
Thank you
Justin

I can sympathise with you on this. South Florida is the same way. our huge population growth has made Coachwhips a rare sight on the east coast.

I have to laugh though because your post brought a memory to me. I was driving with a friend near Devil's Bend TX when a length of pure copper wire slithered across the road. I hit the breaks hard and almost sent my friend (who was asleep in the front passenger seat)through the windshield. We both jumped out of the van in pursuit, but the coachwhip took refuge in a mass of cactus we could not reach it in.

Good luck with your search. I have kept the red phase and they are awsome animals.

Frank
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"The luxury of not getting involved departed with the last lifeboat Skipper..."

Justin, you know me from Ks, we,ve talked by phone. I know of an Eastern population in Texas that has destinct broad banding such as the oklahoma animals you described, I have bred them in the past and It would be fairly easy to catch you a pair to work with. I will also talk with people I know who have or had the exact brownsville animals you are looking for, It would be exciting to have at least one other person who works with these animals other than myself.