It’s just *not fair* that the volcanism in the last 13,00 or so years wiped out so much of the plant & animal life in the west. This is why so many fewer animal species are found west of the Mississippi River.

Even though animal life such as gopher snakes are resilient, it has taken much time to partially re-populate the West. The result is that we have a fraction of both plant & animal species much more commonly found in eastern states.

We most commonly encounter chorus frogs or garter snakes. (Oh boy!) The Pacific Northwest has about 4 species of snakes, two water turtles and no land turtles or tortoises. Florida has at least 24 snake species, a land tortoise and at least 6 turtle species.

I can only DROOL when I see posts of herpers who can casually walk or drive nearby and see so many living gems. You who have them in your yards – show some modesty!

Next time you go herping, call me, damn it! (;

Don
Network Technician/Engineer
Portland/Vancouver

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