Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was just wondering if anyone knows of any areas in Arizona with high populations of reptiles, especially blacktailed rattlers? What is the best month to be in Arizona? Any other good info about herping the area that might help me to see more animals will be greatly appreciated.

thanx in advance
WES

Look at a Range Map for Blacktails and then go to the hills. They can be found up here in the High Country (Prescott) and also in lower elevations.

The best times IMO are Monsoon time (July-Sept) and NOW (Spring time). Although it has been cool, the herps are still out and getting better every day.

Kerby...

Blacktails are fairly common at higher elevations, look around rock outcrops and cliff bases in the high country. Better yet get a good field guide, Venomous Reptiles of Arizona is a good one, and go from there. The range maps in any decent herp book will be spot on as far as locations. BT's from SE part of AZ are the most beautiful IMO, ranging from yellow to gold and black, truly gorgeous animals, and calm for the most part.
Good luck, it should be an outstanding year for field work!
Lat

Wes,
My advice is to hook up with someone here to show you around.
That may be tough but go on the Arizona Herpetological association website and make friends.
Unless you understand why and where the herps are.......you'll go bonko's looking for stuff.
If your on limited time, head to places where your species count is high for that habitat instead of chasing one snake species.
I would look for blacktails at lower elevations because they
would be found with gila monsters ( illegal to hunt or touch or pursue) d-backs, desert tortoises ( also illegal to touch or collect) and a host of other herps.
Wait too long and your window of daytime activity will shorten at the low elevations.
The month you come here plays an important role as well.
Spring is great............wait too long and you'll have to head north during the day and nightride the lower elevations.
Again..........time is always short so do some research, buy a map and narrow your herping area's to maximize your time spent looking. Like the old saying goes...... everything is easy once you know how........and herping AZ is no different.
Kenny S>

I once found a tiger and a blacktail sharing the same ledge, I'll have to post the pics one day.
Cheers
B

Thanx for all the great replies!