Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Third Eye Herp

Those are great looking snakes! I miss my Old World Elaphe - especially Elaphe dione. I may have to try out some Russian Rats some day...
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-Toby Brock
Southwestern Center for Herpetological Research

I'm amazed at how much more calm, curious & confident Russians are compared to almost any other snake species. If startled or alarmed, they "get over it" so quickly, unlike many North American species which tend to hold a grudge. (My Everglades rat snake once held a grudge *for hours* after being forced from a hiding spot inside a rocking chair.)

I'm currently raising 2013 hatchling Corn & Russian males. Although my Corn is typically calm & good-natured, he does not even compare to my Russian for disposition & curiosity.

My Russian hatchling is better behaved than most adults of most other species. I can HARDLY wait for him to grow to maturity so that we can jointly explore more areas outside in our one-acre yard with frog pond.

Keep posting photos. Russian posts are rare, and I especially enjoy them. My only regret is that I did not get my Russian from you. Yours were all sold when I was looking.

Interesting note: Official range maps suggest that they are Amur River basin creatures, heavily associated with wetlands. So:

1. Why are they also common in hilly areas and love to climb?
2. Why are they found deep into South Korea (not just the northeastern corner, as range maps suggest), including offshore islands?

This species seems to be a more hardy, adaptable species than previously known. They may have a larger range than previously thought (not including the alien colony established in The Netherlands).

Ameron
Portland/Vancouver

1.0 Elaphe schrencki (Anerythristic)
1.0 Pantherophis guttatus (Miami phase)
Link

It's easy to see why you like 'em! They are the coolest ratsnakes I've ever had.Mine had their adult coloration in one yr. and grew so fast it was unbelievable!The female I got from Tim had a different look than the male and is almost all black.I'll try to post new pics later today after work. Jeff

Those are really nice Tim! I love mine!
Jeff