Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have been an avid snake collecter/ hunter since about 1989 and being based in TX have always heard the alterna craze but never been able to get a bit of action though the numerous times I have been to that area. Some one helped me out earlier on areas but it seams to be getting to late in the year. Do you ever see alterna, subocs, or leps after june? Are they just greatly reduced in number? Last time I was there (dark period of june) I did catch a few cool things. I am trying to upload a pic of the pic. I found but the file is to large.

Also i know its a stretch seeing that most people wont let there alterna sit on the road for very long but does anyone have a pic of alterna on the road? You get to the point were you swear that thing you passed must have been what you were looking for but you didnt think it was at the time. lol. anyways thnx for the help erlier saddle and any help all of you can give me would be very much cherished

Josh

Josh, I personally do not think this is late in the year at all. It depends on what areas you are collecting in though. Early August is too late I think for 277 and Eastern Val Verde County. However, the River Road can be good all the way through October mainly due to the fact it gets so hot out there and usually stays that way up into Ocotber. I persoanlly know of someone who collected an Alterna on Halloween. So I guess my answer to you is you are in the middle of collecting season if not in the first quarter still, not towards the end. Get out there!!!

Wayne H.

When I worked at the Ft Worth Zoo, Dave Blody and I took a trip to Big Bend in early Nov. to pick up cage props. Our first night there we saw over 40 snakes one of which was an adult alterna. We were there for three more nights and never saw another snake. You see them when you see them.

Later Rick

If it were really easy we would all be tired of it... (OK, maybe that is a reach LOL!!!). They are out into November weather permitting, light of the moon, dark of the moon, windy, hot, cool, wet, dry, after chicken barbecues, before chicken barbecues etc etc etc. I think your second question / request is more on target. I personally think that alterna do not show up on the roadway like most other snakes. (OK OK, I know the rest of you are gonna say: Who could miss a big fat light phase blairs??) However, all the ones I have caught over the years seemed to be "awesome spots" "really lucky to have seen it" and the like. Even sitting right in the middle of the roadway right in front of me, they usually don't stand out... Don't be looking for that bright white light reflecting suboc / bullsnake reflection in the headlights. If you can see Lyre snakes and ring necks then you'll be able to spot alternas. Don't give up, hunt all night, stay focused and you will get one. Good luck!! H