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as spotted starting to cross a dirt road.

I was just getting started and called my wife to let her know I safely got there(I was on my Harley) looked up and saw this.

a closer shot of the little girl.

Another in situ, a beautiful yellow male, sadly it was very skinny, I hope he finds enough food to survive.

This female is in N.M.
ALso, it would be interesting to actually define areas where there are westerns, mixes and kennerlyi. Of course I have read the papers, but I could not locate anyone who actually did the work. The determinations were done of preserved snakes. which means the actual area in question is assumed. This would be a great project for a young person with lots of time on their hands. Best wishes

Great pics. I love in situ shots! I don't get to get out near as much as I'd like to (work and "real life" drudgery and all that), but when I'm out there I'm like a dope addict! What was the time and temps on those hog sightings? Those are adults! So far I've only seen juvies and neos. That was in September, so maybe time of year has something to do with snake demographic? How much time did you spend at each site, and what were your numbers like? Well, thanks for feeding my habit til I can get out there myself. Keep the pics coming of those little sand hogs, and happy herping.

reako45

Thank you for making me laugh. I love your enthusiasm.
A couple things to think about. Those snakes love where they are at and do not want to be taken away from all they know.
So saying you think everyone should go out. That scares me. I fear for the snakes.
Sadly, humans are not very caring or considerate. So many folks from states like Cal. and its not restricted to Cal. Take these snakes for the sake of taking. Most have no interest in the snake. They are trinkets of a trip. You know, like the stuff you can buy at the THING. That place by texas canyon.
Others just take because the snake is in front of them. And tomorrow it will not be. Even others attempt to pay gas or something by taking as many as they can.
I mention this, because, its bad enough I post what I post, but to offer the hows, whens and whys, over a public forum would be very inconsiderate of me. If I meet you in the field, that's another story. Also, one day about the time you were here, I found five neonates run over by out of state collectors. I took pics of that. Anyway, keep the passion and maybe we will meet.

Ay, yeah, I guess you're right. Me saying that people that enjoy should get out to see them is assuming their love and respect for these snakes would prompt them not to behave poorly in an area (trash habitat, take animals just for the sake of taking them, etc.). Of course when I first started herping, everything was fair game. I learned ALOT from the great Jarron Lucas who encouraged me to both keep my passion, but at the same time treat the field and its inhabitants as my "church". I consider myself pretty blessed to be able to talk to you "old guys" that have been at this from the 70's and years prior. Unfortunately there are alot of unscrupulous people out there who ride in and rape spots.
Once again great pics. Keep 'em comin', and yeah, hopefully we'll meet up out in the field sometime. I'll let you know before we get down there this year.

reako45