Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I am now snakeless. had to get rid of my collection till i have a seperate building to keep them in, there's a baby on the way. Anyway, I'll be going on vacation to the Outer Banks in NC in May. I plan on spending as much time herping as possible. i've never looked for pigs before and i was wondering if anyone could give me some pointers, or would like to join me. I'll be there from May 8 to May 14. I'm not collecting, i just love to go herping, and i'll be trying out the new camera. any help will be greatly appreciated. thanks Chris

There is a national parks campground right near where the hatteras lighthouse used to be. The place is covered in this low lying brushy type stuff, and we saw tons of the litte buggers there. Very pretty red ones. Also, one night on the main street (hwy 12, I think it is) through the OBX, we saw a beautiful abberant cottonmouth...very light in color. Check out that place (you can camp there for like 12 bucks a night). Good luck!

one more thing. I'm used to herping in the mountians, not the coast. where did you find the pigs? where they under brush, around rocks, or basking? what should i look for? thanks alot. chris.

Just keep in mind they're protected in NC, so keep your distance from them. I never did see any last summer when I went out to the lighthouse with some non-herping friends, but I was warned by a park ranger once I got off the path to watch out for rattlesnakes, so they must be around. The ranger prolly got quite a surprise when I quickened my pace INTO the brush, rather than fleeing.
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Tom
TCJ Herps
"The more people I meet, the more I like my snakes"

I realy appreciate the insight. I was wondering, I'm am only going to photograph them, but, is it against the law to "touch" them? what I mean is, if i happen to find one back in the brush, can i hook it and bring it out in the open to photograph? Thanks again. Chris

To answer both your questions.......typically around that time of year, they're more difficult to find because they're not very active. You'll most likely find them hidden somewhere, or basking in the wee hours of the morning. It isnt until fall when the males are out and about searching for females. This is when road cruising really pays off for sightings.
As far as handling goes, I cant predict how any Fish and Game officer is gonna react if you have an encounter with them while shooting a pygmy or worse, with one on your hook, so you're on your own there. I'd say it's bad idea to even mess with 'em. Shoot them where you found 'em.
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Tom
TCJ Herps
"The more people I meet, the more I like my snakes"

The Problem is that in May the Temps will be up and the little guys won’t set for photos as well. I find them easier to shoot early in the year, (See Photo of Neonate shot this year on Feb. 6 in Pender County NC). If you go early in the morning and get them when they are just warming up they will likely “sit” for photos better.

thank you, I'll remember that when i go. I didn't know it was warm enough in Feb. to find herps. you southerners sure are lucky. chris