I found the first of my "career" on Mustang Island last month, an adult male dor that either was transplanted in plants or swam some very wide channels. I have never seen any on the islands but know they can swim, and Mustang Island is sparsly populated. I don't know about the light snakes around the sand, as the desert kings from the island are darker with much less patterning there. But the furter west or north you go you start to encounter massive mesquite prairies that turn into oak motts around North Aransas/south Refugio counties to the north and tons of mesquite with very little mixed oaks to the west, so vegetation could be a factor as well as moisture. (my bet) They are by far the most encountered snake besides western ribbons for me, and the neonates probably make good meals for all the uglies down here, Masticophis, Micrurus, and L.t.triangulum. Hardiest of all the rats I have ever owned, but about 1/2 of the adult w.c.'s can have some serious attitudes!
Todd Hughes

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