Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello everyone,

I live in Ohio and I go out every Sunday and spend all day looking for herps. So far I have only come across a couple northern water snakes, a ringneck snake, and a young black rat. I haven't been very lucky. This is my first year out looking for them, so I am not quite as good at this as the majority of you guys in here. I was wondering if most people find animals in state parks and such or more private areas? Where do you find the majority of your animals (rocky, wet, grassy areas, etc.)? I would just like to find more animals before the end of this year and thought I would try to get some ideas.

Thanks a bunch!!

Chris

Hi,

I lived in Central Ohio for a long time. I would often drive to state parks in southeast Ohio (not to keep anything) to look under logs and get do some hiking in beautiful country. The Hocking Hills are great - even if you find nothing you can have a great day. I found a lot of what you're reporting - also garters, copperheads, and the occasional queen snake. I also had a lot of luck with salamanders, especially redbacks and streamside species.

A possibly more productive but less scenic strategy is just to wander around on backcountry roads in the country and look for what look like good sites - dump sites etc., though it's starting to get warm for that.

Good luck,

Billy