Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I'm going to be visiting family in Placerville Ca. the second week of July. 10-15? I was wondering if anybody had any info
on where to look, locations? I know July's a little past the prime time to find them, has anybody had luck finding them that late in the season?
Thank you,
Phil Patton

Try road cruising some less well traveled back roads around that area for that time of year. The zonatas are everywhere up there. You will be addicted to road cruising em after you see some red,black, and white in your headlights.
Link

I'm familier with cruising the roads, but not for zonata. Do you usually start at, or before sundown?
Thank you,
Phil Patton

The are alot of variables to consider, but generally for July up in Placerville, I would guess that the temps would be pretty warm during the day, so I would probably start a little before sundown. I'm sure you'll see other snakes too on the road. The California Academy of Sciences webpage has a list of a bunch of different localities for zonatas up in northern Ca. I also would highly recommend Brian Hubbs's new book about mountain kings. That should help.
Link

I actually have a copy of Brian Hubbs' book, that's what has pretty much kindled my interest in zonata. I highly recommend his book! Thank you for all your help!
-Phil

After sundown, They're supposed to be nocternal. I've been told to cruize when it's dark.

July is a great time to look for multicintas. I caught a baby in Calveras County on September 16th, 2001. I hear one of the best places to look is Cherry Lake.

Here's what she looks like now.

I'm sorry, I didn't answer your question. Go up Highway 4 past Big Trees State Park, (you're not allowed to catch them in state parks), there is a river that runs by the road. Hike up that river and look there. There's also Rubber Boas, Two Stripe Garter Snakes, and Rattle Snakes. Here's a pic of a Two Stripe I caught and tried to feed to my Multicinta...