Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So I've been an avid reptile enthusiast for more than a decade now and have kept and bred many species. I live in San Mateo county and grew up catching lizards at local parks and such. However, I never really got out and found any "hotspots" or anything of the sort because I was too young and my parents were not exactly supportive of my hobby, in addition I never really knew where to start. Well, I'm 20 now and I want this spring and summer to be filled with days of flipping boards, turning over rocks, and finding and photographing local herps. The thing is... I really have no clue where to get started. Every spring/summer I've returned to the same parks and found the same fence lizards and the occasional alligator lizard. Could anyone in the Bay Area point me in any direction? What are your strategies when in the field? What are the species you commonly find? I'd be totally down to drive/pay gas for herping road trips if anyone would like a companion on their bay area herp expeditions. I guess I just want something more and don't know where to get started. Thanks
-Sam.

Here is an idea. How about taking that gas momey, place it into your car and drive up the coast. You are a lucky person, the coast range is full of variius salamanders, frogs, and snakes. Dont waste your time returning to that park you mentioned, you already know what animals are there. When you travel to another area, the new ecosystem will generally support new species. So, before you know it "bingo" a Sharp-tailed Snake or Pacific Giant! Try different habitats along the way up the coast like meadows, densley-shaded forest, and even sunny beaches. Before you know it you will be having the trip of a lifetime, finding all types of strange animals.

Will

It's not as easy as that. It's not like "I'll just hit 101 and the herps will come to me". I'm not going to get out to go anywhere if I don't have some idea of a destination. I guess what I was looking for where names of parks, roads, even general regions in which I could base a search. Who knows.. maybe even someone to herp with. I don't want herps delivered to my doorstep, just a little guidance.. 'Just getting in the car and driving' is of no help.

No its not easy, when you dont take effort and try. All species can be found "easily" even ones with limited distribution. Not many people will give you their favorite searching spots just because you ask. I could give you those, but then you you will not experisense the best part of herpetology trial-n-error, the way to master what ecoseytem supports what species.

Good luck buddy

Well, if you were in San Diego I could always use a partner. More importantly than just driving is a good roadmap. If you buy a county or regional map there will be many parks and open space preserves, but I don't recommend those places since the herps are pretty much off limits there. However, where these places occur there are chunks of wilderness near that are not protected and are game. Look for long stretches of road that don't have too many towns along the way and there is usually less traffic. Another idea is to research public hunting land in your area.
If you have any questions you can email foundnph@aol.com
Hope that helps a little.
Nathan

"Roadkill" is right. The Bay Area has plenty to offer if you're willing to drive. My 2-cents, for what they are worth: I've caught every species of herp native to the Bay Area and its surrounding environs with the exception of SF garters and San Joaquin Whipsnakes. There are no secrets. You just have to get out and look. For me, at least, half the fun is the serendipity of just getting out and seeing what finds you. Salamanders, Northern 'gators, zonata, always something neat. Narrow down what you're looking for and perhaps I can make some suggestions. Good luck with your search.

I'm lookin for anything reptile and amphibian, with an emphasis on snakes. I'm open to try any spot in the bay area (San mateo county, marin county, berkeley, etc.) Anything within a few hours drive is alright. I guess I'll look for a regional map to look for parks and such. thanks for the replies

If you are looking for just a map, try Barns and nobles...they have some ones. Also AAA has great maps.

If you want to go herping in the bay area you can email me at katoom450sx@yahoo.com.im not one to hold all my info back just because you ask.somebody showed me so i can take you to a few places.I will be in texas on a month long herp trip but i will be checking my email so i will get back to you.i live in pacifica so im probably not far from you

Awesome, I'd definately take you up on the offer. I just emailed you. Thanks
-Sam.