Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I live in Rancho Cucamonga Ca(Near Ontario Airport) and I was wondering what times of the day/night are best to go Herp watching. Also, if anyone can point me in the right direction with some advice on good spots to go to.

I am most interested in the Ca King, Ca Mtn King, Rosy Boas, and other snakes.

Any input would be much appreciated!

The snakes seem to live it below 80 and for me I have the best luck the first hour after dark. Ive never found a rosy but I hear they like it cold, like below 70, so to start looking for them much later, like 2 or 3 in the morning. Cal kings seem to like fields or sparse vegetation areas of the desert, but so do mojave rattlesnakes, so beware!

Any advice on exact locations you have had luck in the past?

Actually, I havent had a lot of luck with the species you are looking for. Ive gotten some advice on finding them though, and as for the kings, they seem to be in areas of sparse low vegetation from what Ive seen. Cal kings are pretty common, if you find a road near a field or open (not sandy) desert, you should be able to find cali kings by night.

Good luck to you, and never give up!

there are endless places to look for all those species all around you, I have seen many cal-kings in your area, zonata are north, west and east of you. In fact last weekend I found five rosies to the east while it was raining!

I've been out two nights in a row and found only 1 DOR Pacific.
I start out at about 1/2 hour before dusk and stay out till about 1am. Drive on rural highways, paved roads and some dirt roads. I get out and board flip whenever I get the chance and still no luck

Am I doing omething wrong?

I'll be glad to help, and I'm not far from you so give me your number if you'd like. I found two hellari one lyre two specs and a longnose in the last 48 hours!

Ryan,
Go east and up the 15 North and exit to Silverwood Lakes.
Go in the evening and into the night.

Focus your eyes on out of the ordinary things in the road and on the solder of the road. Also look for shines on both.
Keep this in mind and it will prevail.

Tony Lanzi

I will try there as soon as I get back from Hawaii! I leave tomorrow and return next Thursday. So the following weekend sounds like the soonest I will be heading that way!