Wildlife Classroom Series: Celebrating World Snake Day
Wednesday, July 10, 2013 Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Hello, everyone!
Congowings: Oh cute!!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: YAY!
Congowings: You win! You have the best avatar. ;-)
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: I do. :) It is a Dr. Adam creation.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Love that Dr. Adam ...
Congowings: He sure is talented!
Congowings: Ready for class.
Comment: How many are here for class today?
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: So far, only 151. I hope that folks will be joining in ...
Comment: Oh nice, Amanda!
Comment: Hi Congo and everyone. Sorry I can't stay for class, but will read back in a couple of hours. I know there will be lots to learn.
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Comment: So excited to actually be on time today.:-) Nice outfit, Congo!
Comment: Nice avatar, Congo.
Comment: Oh I like it AA! New future shirt design?
Comment: Im ready for class.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Happy early World Snake Day, everyone!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Next Tuesday, July 16, is World Snake Day. This is a fairly obscure holiday, with unknown origins, but you know us at the Wildlife Center … we love celebrating all kinds of holidays! Especially if they have to do with wildlife!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Now, I have to ask ... how many of you guys who are here for class LIKE snakes? Like really like them.
Comment: I like snakes.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Yay, at least one person!
Comment: Oh, look at those eyes from Amanda avatar...... She dress in black....
Comment: I think they are fascinating.
Comment: You're kidding!
Comment: Please, not everybody at once
Comment: Okay, I'll like them.
Comment: Not really a fan, but have respect for them.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Well that's my next question. Who here is doing their darnedest to like them ... or at least respect them a bit more?
Comment: ummmmm...... I am LEARNING to like them better... Wildlife Classroom Series: [World Snake Day] Page 2
Comment: Well, slowly getting to like them... the non-venomous ones. Not very thrilled by the venomous ones...
Comment: I am learning to like snakes
Comment: As long as they stay on their side of the yard, I'm fine with them.
Comment: I'll respect them and learn about snakes-but can't say I want to hold one or .....
Comment: 19 kids plue caleb LOVE snakes!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Yay!
Comment: The more we learn about them the more we will respect them.
Comment: I am afraid of snakes more than "don't like" them.
Comment: I like snakes, nice snakes.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Well, for those of you learning to like snakes -- major props to you for wanting to learn to like them -- or respect them more!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: We figured this was a good opportunity to hold another Wildlife Center Classroom Series on snakes – after all, it is the Year of the Snake! http://wildlifecenter.org/news_events/news/year-snake
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: I hope everyone did their “recommended reading” before class – if you didn’t, well, that’s okay. You can still read it later! http://wildlifecenter.org/sites/default/files/PDFs/WCS%20SnakeAnatomyBiology%20Transcripts.pdf Some of you “classroom” regulars will remember that we kicked off our monthly Wildlife Center Classroom Series in February with a discussion on snake biology and anatomy.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: In that first class, Raina talked all about snake biology and anatomy. She talked about snakes shedding, how they smell (not how they smell to US), basic anatomy – what makes a snake a snake! So we won’t get into all that today – but we’ll spend some time talking about why snakes are important and the role they play in our ecosystem.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: And we’ll take a trip around the world for World Snake Day and look at a few different species and some unique features of each.
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Comment: Sounds good!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Snakes often don’t really get the love and respect they deserve … and I know some people really have quite the snake phobia. If I can’t convince you to love snakes … or even like them … that’s okay! I’d be perfectly happy with the world simply respecting snakes and letting them do their snake business. You don’t have to love ‘em … just co-exist peacefully!
Comment: I'm more tolerant around snakes than I used to be.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: That's all we can ask for those fighting the snake-phobia battle!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: So why care about snakes? Other than the general notion of caring about and respecting all of our wild friends?
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: As I was gathering materials for class, I came across a document put out by the Maryland Cooperative Extension. They had a couple of sentences that I really liked:
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: “A healthy outdoor environment teems with a variety of animals. Each animal plays a role in the total picture, including snakes. We should not attempt to control every aspect of it, but learn to accept the variety present in the environment.”
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Yay for variety!
Comment: Snakes keep the rodent population down.
Comment: They eat rodents and things I don't want hanging around my garden.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Yes, good points!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Snakes have a couple of roles in their ecosystems … they are important predators … and they can also act as prey.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: As Raina talked about in the February snake class, snakes are carnivores. I think we all know that that means they eat meat … but what sort of things do they eat?
Comment: frogs...mice...birds...
Comment: eggs
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Comment: bugs???
Comment: Other snakes?
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Yup, those are all on the menu! Diets will vary depending on the species of snake, but many snakes will eat small mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, other snakes, or even insects.
Yum.
Comment: Because snakes are important link in the food chain and the environment..as are spiders!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: In general, animals won’t hang out around an area where they can’t find any food, right? So when people have, say, a ratsnake hanging around the house … well, that means there are probably mice there! Not seeing mice? That’s because the ratsnake is taking care of that for you!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: I know some people (with snake-phobias) might say, “oh no, I’d rather have the mice.” … but … really? Because a mouse infestation is pretty gross. No thank you. In general, rodents can carry a LOT of different diseases – ones that humans can get.
Comment: I'd rather have the snake myself...
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Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Me too.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: For example, even in Virginia we’ve had cases of hantavirus. Hantavirus is a nasty disease that can be fatal – and people pick it up through mouse urine and feces. You can actually breathe in the virus through the air where there is a big hantavirus-positive mouse infestation. Yuck! So really, snakes can help keep us safe and healthy when they are there helping to balance the rodent population.
Comment: Snakes seem much cleaner than rodents.
Comment: what is that snake eating,
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: That snake is eating a mouse.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: And yes, snakes eat other small mammals too … even the cute little bunnies in your yard. But remember, balance is important in nature!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Many of you will remember that rabbits reproduce a lot … multiple babies in multiple litters all throughout the spring and summer. That’s because they are a prey species. If every single rabbit lived to adulthood … we’d be over-run, and no one would grow anything in their gardens!
Comment: I saw snail eating snake on TV ( don't remember what channel) very interesting on how they move so slow, same pace with snails to get to snail not the shell. That was fascinating.
Comment: I hope snakes eat skinks!
Congowings: Oh no . . . I like skinks . . .
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Sure, those are on the menu too! (though yes, I like skinks too). But ... everything in balance, right? All a part of the circle of life ... (not bursting into song ...)
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Some snakes help us out by eating insect-pests – like cockroaches and termites! So that’s pretty helpful too.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Yes, please, snakes ... help yourself to cockroaches!
Comment: Great avatars, ladies!!
Comment: Amanda! Just noticed your cute avatar! Wildlife Classroom Series: [World Snake Day] Page 6
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: We're dressed for the occasion!
Comment: Anything that eats a pest is a friend of mine.
Comment: Glad to share the cockroaches!
Comment: ewwwwwww, I hate cockroaches......
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: So before you freak-out about that snake hanging around … remember, it’s really being pretty helpful. If you remove the snake, you can be upsetting the natural balance of things. And then if you have a mouse infestation … or a cockroach infestation … well, those are hard things to control.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Snakes are kind of like “natural pesticides” – the kind that are good to have around! Remember, using chemical pesticides, or rodenticides (terrible) can be so harmful … they’re indiscriminate and often hurt all kinds of wildlife.
Comment: The enemy of my enemy is my friend
Comment: Food chain! I'm glad we are at the top! Snakes can eat a variety of prey even prey that is larger than themselves...mouth hinge.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Right! and speaking of that food chain ...
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: While snakes are predators – they also play a role as a prey species for many other types of animals. Many kind of birds of prey will eat snakes – so will foxes, coyotes, weasels, and even other snakes will eat snakes! Wednesday July 10, 2013 1:19 Amanda Nicholson, WCV 1:19
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: There are some eagles that mainly eat snakes – a few species in the “snake-eagle” family, like the Black-chested Snake Eagle and the Short-toed Snake Eagle (mainly found in Africa). I think those birds would agree that snakes are pretty darn important!
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I like snakes!
Comment: What kind of snake would eat GN?
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: We'll get to that.
Comment: I love my new friend, snake eating eagle. Where can we see this eagle?
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Mainly in Africa. Without snakes in the world, your new friend would have a really difficult time!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: On that note … let’s begin a quick “trip around the world” to highlight just a few snake species as we celebrate World Snake Day. Everyone ready to travel? Do you have your passport? Have your travel snacks?
Comment: Ready!
Comment: seatbelt buckled
Comment: Ready to roll!
Comment: Snacks and ID-ready
Comment: Do I need Visa?
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: We will be travelling internationally.
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Comment: Got my Boa hat on -- lets see where they are from.
Comment: I'm in.
Comment: Passport is in the safety deposit box, but food is handy...
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: I’m going to start out here on the East Coast of the U.S. … with a pretty common (but awesome) species of snake: the Eastern Ratsnake.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: You guys know two VERY handsome guys of this species!
Comment: My favorite
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Comment: I like Albus!
Comment: so cute.
Comment: I love Severus.
Comment: Handsome guys.
Comment: Beautiful!
Comment: So cute in the pictures.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Hey, that's a start! I'll take that!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Some people may know this snake as a “black rat snake”; in 2007 there was a scientific name change ( to Pantherophis alleghaniensis). Basically it was put in a new genus to distinguish old world snakes from new world snakes. The Eastern Ratsnake has five subspecies: yellow, gray, Texas, Everglades, and black.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: You can find these snakes in the eastern half of the U.S., as far north as New York/Massachusetts, and south into Florida.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: This is the only species of snake we have in Virginia that can grow to be more than six feet long! Typically they are 42-72 inches in length.
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Amanda Nicholson, WCV: That is tiny Dr. Dana with Severus's shed.
Comment: Wow. Severus is that long?
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: He's a big dude!
Comment: Now, I am getting worry, they are long...
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Oh, that's okay. Ratsnakes are our pest-control friends!
Comment: Where were the pictures of severus and albus taken? Outside the center?
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Yes, just outside in the National Forest.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: So you might guess from the name … they are … black. –Ish.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: The adults are typically black in color their “dorsal” side (upper side), though they can actually still retain a faint pattern on their backs and when their skin is stretched (after a big meal), you can see some grey or maybe even red colors (Albus has some of this coloration!). On a ratsnake’s ventral side, there is a black and white checkered pattern, with some black smudges.
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Photo property of Virginia Herpetological Society
Comment: How cool to have a Texas Snake.
Comment: I love their bellies
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Does anyone know what the juvenile Eastern Ratsnake looks like?
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Very different! They can be so misleading … for a couple of reasons.
Comment: Yes. It looks sorta like a rattle snake.
Comment: Not sure...brown?
Comment: OK late to classssssssssss but ssssssssssliding into my seeeeeat!!!!!
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Hatchling Eastern Ratsnake
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Baby ratsnakes have a gray and white pattern on their backs – and people don’t often realize they are ratsnakes.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: The Virginia Herpetological Society recorded a bunch of data in 2010, since they do a lot of identification for people – and they found that 44% of the snakes they were asked to identify were harmless baby ratsnakes.
Comment: Many "youth" don't have the same colorations of adults; I'm guessing there is some difference.
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Property of Virginia Herpetological Society
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Many people assume they are venomous … sometimes for good reason. Some folks just assume that any snake is venomous – kind of a “guilty until proven otherwise” sort of mentality. Here in Virginia, and much of the East Coast, that just doesn’t even statistically make sense … of the 30 species of snakes we have here in Virginia, only three are venomous!
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Property of Virginia Herpetological Society
Comment: Rats. Can't enlarge the diagram
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Hmmm. I will fix that later.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: the second one should enlarge.
Comment: Is the rattlesnake look for "safety" to guarantee they make it to adulthood?
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Yes, these snakes are smart!
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Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Those tricky juvenile ratsnakes … these snakes have a really clever way of trying to get people to leave them alone. Many people know that venomous snakes have triangular-shaped heads. Ratsnakes have a more rounded head … but! They can actually flatten out their head and make it look triangular! What better way to say “go away” than to mimic a trait that scares many would-be predators?
Photo property of Virginia Herpetological Society
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: So don’t let the head-shape fool you! (and other species can do this too)
Comment: that is just too cool.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Right??
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Does anyone know what the big give-away is in that photo that shows us this little guy is not venomous?
Comment: eyes?
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Comment: round eyes
Comment: no pits
Comment: No tongue flicking out?
Comment: The eye position?
Comment: sensory pits?
Comment: Round pupils
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: The pits and the pupils have it! No heat-sensing pits on these guys ... and probably even easier to see their nice round pupils.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Now, some non-venomous snakes have non-round pupils too ... but those are not native to our area.
Comment: shape of head
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: No! the head shape can be VERY mis-leading -- check out the slide and text!!
Comment: I think it is very important to know poisonous snakes vs nonpoisonous ones. If I knew the difference/s I think I'd be more tolerant.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Good interlude here -- I think that's a good point, and one that I often make in some of our rehab classes. Folks are nervous about venomous snakes. Fair enough. (still, please don't harm the venomous ones).
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: In much of the US, there are a couple of species of venomous snakes ... and then many species of non-venomous.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Get to know the venomous snakes in your area. Check out your state's wildlife agency website ... or herp group ... or something that will help you identify the venomous guys!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Because if you can rule out the venomous species ... well, that can alleviate a lot of anxiety!
Comment: Amanda, can you explain sensing pits? Wildlife Classroom Series: [World Snake Day] Page 17
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Many venomous snakes are "pit vipers" -- and have heat-sensing "pits" (like an extra hole) for detecting their prey.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Another side note, while we're on it: Do you guys know the difference between venomous and poisonous? I know it seems nitpicky, but it’s one of those terms that I like to encourage folks to use correctly.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Both terms apply to organisms that produce some sort of toxin that is harmful to others. Comment: Venomous = bite will make YOU sick
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: True ... those the emphasis should be on bite! (or sting, really)
Comment: Poisonous - you have to eat it
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Right!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Venomous organisms (like snakes … and many types of insects) actually INJECT their toxin ... usually by means of fangs, or a stinger.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Poisonous ... generally you have to INGEST the toxin (think mushrooms, etc)
Comment: so, do we have any poisonous snakes?
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: No ... because ...
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: You could go out a lick a rattlesnake and would not be affected by the venom. :) (though I do not recommend that).
Comment: That's how I teach it...ingest (poison) versus inject (venom)
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: So when someone says "poisonous snake" -- think, "hey, I could lick that snake".
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Because really they mean "venomous" (oh that snake has venom that it COULD inject into me (though generally they do not want to).
Comment: Or not!
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Comment: Yuck
Comment: oh--I did not know that Comment: A great mind-thing -- gonna lick that snake... oh my, Amanda!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Okay, back to our snake at hand!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: So, as I mentioned earlier, ratsnakes are pretty common around here. Of the snakes we admit each year, they are the most commonly admitted snake – about 16-18 each year on average.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Ratsnakes can be found in a variety of habitats – forests, wood lots, wetlands, old barns (looking for mice and rats!). They are terrestrial, but can climb trees, and often do! That’s why we like to make sure our boys (Albus and Severus) have plenty of vertical space in their enclosure.
Where Severus and Albus live
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: When they are eating their prey (mice, rats, rabbits, birds, eggs), Eastern ratsnakes will constrict (squeeze!) their prey to kill it first.
Comment: Think I'll pass on licking the snake.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Smart move.
Comment: Amanda-I was with you until you had to say, lick the snake.... :)
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Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Just want to keep you guys straight on terms!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Well … I could go on and on about Eastern Ratsnakes … but we should continue our journey. Let’s head west!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Ohhhhh Lyndaaaaaa ...
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Let's make a stop in Arizona …
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: To talk about the official Arizona state reptile. Anyone know what it is?
Comment: Rattle snake.
Comment: Rattle snake?
Comment: Some kind of Rattlesnake?
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Yes, some kind of rattlesnake!
Comment: diamondback rattlesnake?
Comment: a rattlesnake, i recall
[Comment From 33mama ʕ •ᴥ•ʔ33mama ʕ •ᴥ•ʔ: ] Maybe diamondback, like the baseball team!
Comment: Sidewinder
Comment: Timber Rattlesnake?
Comment: timber?
Comment: Diamondback Rattler?
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: (Lynda must be sleeping in class)
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Comment: Ridge nose
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: But Vicki is on it!
Comment: I must admit., I don't know, but since 4th grade does a lot with Arizona history, etc, guess I'll be learning.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Arizona Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: I think that it’s SO cool that Arizona has a state reptile. Not all the states do (Virginia doesn’t), and of those that do, only three of them have snakes as their representative reptile.
Arizona Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake
Comment: Vicki is so smart!! :)
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: So, the Arizona Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake is actually a subspecies of the Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake, and it is found in southeastern Arizona in the pine-oak canyons into Mexico.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: It is a rattlesnake, so it is venomous, but its venom is not particularly potent. And let's talk about our dear friends, the venomous (not poisonous) snakes.
Comment: Wow-geez-look at that rattle!
Comment: Ran into one during a hike with a ranger!
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Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Like many rattlesnakes … this guy would rather flee than fight! Does anyone know what venomous snakes use their venom for?
Comment: paralyzing prey?
Comment: killing prey animals
Comment: protection?
Comment: To kill their prey.
Comment: Killing or stunning prey?
Comment: paralyze prey before eating?
Comment: Paralyze pray?
Comment: self preservation?
Comment: um... killing their prey
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: You guys are on it!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: It can be used for self-defense (handy!) but these snakes inject venom into their prey to immobilize the prey.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: So really, it’s a hunting technique, just like ratsnakes constrict their prey first (they are so big, so that makes sense!). While a venomous snake will definitely defend itself if needed … it doesn’t really want to be wasting its venom on you, a giant human. It can’t eat you, so really it’s a bit of a waste, isn’t it?
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Generally going around and injecting venom into things it can't eat is sort of an expensive waste.
Comment: Thank heavens for that!
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Amanda Nicholson, WCV: So the Arizona Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake is fairly small – up to 26 inches long. As you can guess, the species gets its name from the raised ridge of scales around the front of the snout:
Comment: That's a very handsome white stripe he's sporting too
Comment: I came across a booklet put out by a local doctor about the dangerous creatures of Arizona. It explains venomous/non- venomous, where found, spicers, gila monsters, how to be safe. In my monthly newletter home, I always include a "wildlife corner" section to teach the parents.
Comment: Where are the pits located in that picture?
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: I am sad that some of these photos don't seem to be enlarging ... that would be helpful. Well, Raina can make them big in the archive. This guy make the pit hard to see -- it's sort of right in the midst of his pretty stripe!
Comment: It conserves energy.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Right!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: The Arizona Ridge-nosed Rattlesnake is one of four rattlesnake species with special protection in Arizona.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Now let's see if my Congo trick works ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=bVSewmt4ylY
Comment: I love love that rattle...
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Amanda Nicholson, WCV: I like VA Kris.
Comment: Is he ready to strike-feels threatened?
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Well, he's using his first line of defense ... rattling. The "get away" sound!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Now, if the guy videoing wandered right up and started poking him ... yes, he would probably strike!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Fair enough.
Comment: very cool
Comment: he is not happy! we have some big rattlesnakes in our neck of the woods
Comment: Just saying "move on fellas"
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: right!
Comment: Oh yeah---AA did a Congo! woke me up from multitasking!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Oh good! I can see why she likes that feature so much ...
Comment: But I am little, would that really keep me from being bit by a venomous snake? My cousin tried to put one small rattlesnake down my bathing suit...
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Oh my goodness, dancelady! I didn't realize you were that tiny! Tinier than 'lil Kristen? Like only a foot big? :)
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Humans -- even babies -- are too big to be eaten by these rattlesnakes (or copperheads, etc). They don't want to waste their valuable resource on you!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: But if traumatized (shoved down a bathing suit) ... sure, all bets are off! That would be ... frightening!
Comment: A baby rattler is more dangerous, they haven't learned how to limit their venom when they bite.
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Amanda Nicholson, WCV: These snakes prey on lizards, small rodents, and centipedes! They will also sometimes eat scorpions.
Comment: But trapped in a bathing suit! Oh my. I hope that cousin has matured by now!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Did you guys know that the “rattle” on the end of the tail is just a series of loosely connected segments made of keratin (like your fingernail)?
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Every time a snake sheds, a new segment is added. When the rattlesnake vibrates its tail, the segments buzz together to make that rattling, warning sound. At some point, the rattle can partially break off – usually when it’s more than eight or so segments. Kind of just like how we can tear a fingernail.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Goodness, look at the time ... shall we move west again?
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Let’s go across the Pacific!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: If we head to Indonesia, and say, we go for a swim … you might run into our next odd snake. The elephant trunk snake!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: As you can maybe guess … this snake looks a little funny. The elephant trunk snake gets its name from its wrinkled, baggy skin – it sort of looks like the skin is a couple of sizes too big for the snake!
Elephant Trunk Snake. From Craziest Photo Collection, santosh007.
Comment: I will go for a swim..can I snorkel?
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Amanda Nicholson, WCV: go for it!
Comment: Kind of like a sharpei?
Comment: Ha! the Shar Pei of snakes.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Ha -- yes!
Comment: pretty strange-looking
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: This snake can be found in brackish rivers and streams in its range, and will sometimes swim short distances into the sea. The skin of the elephant trunk snake is so baggy, they don’t get around very well on land – they are really best suited for gliding around in the water.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: The males grow to be about five feet long – but the females are bigger and more powerful (woo hoo -- elephant trunk snake girl power!)
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: They give birth to about 20-30 live young -- and the young are actually semi-terrestrial until their baggy skin develops and they have to stick to the water where they can move well!
Comment: It isn't what I thought it would look like.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: I can see an elephant trunk there ...
Comment: venomous or non-venomous?
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Non.
Comment: Oh my! That's big!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Elephant trunk snakes eat fish, eels, and sometimes frogs, and are constrictors. They have big knobby scales that help them hold onto their prey – the knobby appearance of the scales are the reason why the snake also has the nickname of the “warty snake”.
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Credit: Rockin' Reptiles
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: They’re most active at night and can stay underwater for up to 40 minutes!
Comment: Kind of cute! Well sorta. :)
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Elephant trunk snakes are harvested by humans because their skin can be processed and made into leather. Some sources say that their populations are pretty stable, though I found another source that said they are become a bit harder to find because of this harvesting for the leather trade.
Comment: A very cool snake.
Comment: I like Shar Pei snake name.
Comment: Ah, it has the same expression as a baby seal...
Comment: Wow--amazing..
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: So, ready to get out of the water and travel again?
Comment: I have my passport in hand.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Let’s take a shorter trip this time … I need to stretch my legs. Let’s head a little northwest … into the Thailand-Cambodia- Myanmar area …
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Comment: (you should see how great they look thru the snorkel mask)
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Any guesses as to what BIG snake we might find here?
Comment: Cobra
Comment: Boa
Comment: Boa?
Comment: Anaconda?
Comment: Boa? Just a wild guess
Comment: Cobra?
Comment: python?
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: ding ding ding!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: (additional hint: though if you’re just tuning in, you might also think we’re still in the U.S. … like in Florida …)
Comment: Good going Guest!
Comment: Python from Asia.
Comment: but not welcome in FL, killing rodeos every year
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Right, if you are referring to the Burmese Python!
Comment: In my part of the Eastern US - the snake ecological balance teeters the other direction - pythons populations in the Everglades- eating their way through raccoon, rabbit, bobcat and deer populations - to name a few.
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Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Right. Much to talk about here.
Comment: Beautiful coloring.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: So, let’s talk about the Burmese Python in its natural home range first. These very large snakes (one of the six largest species of snake in the world) can be found in southeast Asia. They are semi-aquatic, and live near water – usually in grasslands, marshes, swamps, river valleys, and jungles.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: They are also pretty good climbers and will climb trees … though tend to stick to the ground more when they are older and larger.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: So just how large are they? In the wild they average about 12 feet long … though can get up to 19 feet long. They’re adult-sized when they are four years old, though will continue to grow slowly over the course of their lives.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: These large snakes are constrictors – and they will squeeze their prey to kill it prior to eating. They eat mammals and birds – size depending on how big the actual snake is!
All the better to eat big animals ... credit: theregister.co.uk
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Comment: Wow. Open WIDE
Comment: Yikes! What a mouth.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: In the wild, they are actually considered threatened at this point – populations are decreasing because of the over- harvesting for leather, folk medicine, and the pet trade.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Pet trade? Yes, pet trade … Burmese pythons are actually pretty docile, so that makes them desirable as pets (if you are so inclined). And that brings us to their OTHER location …
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: The U.S.! Specifically, Florida …
Comment: Now they are in Florida.....
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: For many years, tens of thousands of Burmese Pythons were imported into the US to be bred and sold as pets. And these were sold pretty cheaply … like you could go buy one for about $20. Yikes. When you have cheap prices on animals like that … it almost makes them seem easy. It makes it easy for people to purchase these animals on a whim, like, “hey this would be fun! Why not? $20!”
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: But, of course, the reality is that pets are a lot work – reptiles too! And these guys are so big … that means they really need LARGE enclosures (which of course need to have the appropriate lighting, humidity, warmth). And they need LARGE prey items too. And that means they tend to be expensive pets.
Comment: And the child they bought them for grows up and loses interest!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Right. A good rule for ALL pets … don’t get ‘em if you can’t commit to their life-long care. Don’t just make an animal a part of your family on a whim.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: So, why are these snakes living in south Florida? Well, some folks bought them, realized how much work they’d be, and then just released them. Sadly, a lot of exotic pets end up in the wild that way.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Many do not survive … but Burmese Pythons in Florida … well, the Everglades made a perfect place for these snakes (from THEIR perspective .. not ours). Nice subtropical wetland!
Comment: You are kidding..what a shame
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Amanda Nicholson, WCV: And then … anyone know what happened in 1992?
Comment: hurrican andrew
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Right! Hurricane Andrew hit Florida, and destroyed an exotic pet warehouse there. And hundreds of Burmese Pythons slithered out into the Everglades.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Since the habitat was right, and so many snakes were present … they established a viable population there. And started to wreak havoc on the environment! The larger pythons are capable of eating birds, coyotes, rabbits, poultry, pigs, goats, even alligators and adult deer!
Comment: They can even eat alligators. Yikes!!
Comment: Now, that would keep me awake at night if I knew those were around.
Comment: How sad.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Some of these animals that they pythons are eating are already endangered. There are a lot of studies being conducted; according to USGS, “The study revealed drastic declines in the number of mid-sized mammals seen on the roads in Everglades National Park – for several species, the decline exceeded 95 percent. The species most dramatically affected are raccoons, opossums, marsh rabbits, foxes and bobcats.”
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Interestingly enough, Burmese pythons in the Everglades also accumulate mercury in unprecedented amounts, potentially poisoning higher-level predators that might eat the pythons, such as alligators and panthers. [USGS]
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: So … as you can guess, this is a bit of a problem! It is now illegal to import Burmese Pythons into the US. … but of course, a lot of damage has been done already.
Comment: oh, didn't realize that!
Comment: I saw them get a 20 ft long python from underneath a house in Florida.
Comment: Oh geez.So why aren't these snakes being hunted by the leather industry?
Comment: Can they catch the pythons?
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Comment: Is there a formalized program to destroy the pythons in the Everglades?
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: They actually are being hunted -- they have started having python round-ups in Florida. but as you can guess ... it can be quite tricky to get ALL of them.
Comment: I thought I heard FL has open hunting for the Pythons?
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: right. But ... no one has a magic wand. It will take awhile to undo the very thing that we have unleashed down there.
Comment: So it becomes a chain of death for all species in the Everglades?
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Yes, Pretty harmful. They eat LARGE things ... including endangered species. Indiscriminate.
Comment: Python is a poisonous snake.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Well, I think you can lick them, so not poisonous ... I think it's fair to say they are toxic to their non-native environment. Pythons belong in their natural homeland (remember, we are in Asia right now) ...but invasive pythons in FL ... bad news.
Comment: i think very few (compared to how many there are) were captured & killed. they are in hard to reach areas of the glades
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Right.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: goodness, class is going long today ... I'm sorry!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Shall we continue on our journey?
Comment: ready to go
Comment: Next stop?
Comment: Sure...no hurry!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Let’s head west again (remember we were in southeast Asia) … and let’s stop in Europe! Wildlife Classroom Series: [World Snake Day] Page 32
Comment: Please do go on... it is totally fascinating!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: So, the smooth snake, or more specifically, Coronella austriaca, can be found in much of northern and central Europe. So maybe our Critter Cam watchers in England and Italy are familiar with this species of snake?
Smooth Snake
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: This is a much smaller snake than the one we last discussed … Smooth snakes are fairly slender, and will grow to be about 24 inches in length, or a little longer. Females tend to be larger than the males.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: The smooth snake’s head has a somewhat heart-shaped marking on it. This shape is where the name Coronella comes from, which means coronet (a small crown).
Comment: That's pretty small.
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Amanda Nicholson, WCV: These snakes are fairly cautious, and spend a good deal of their time underground.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Smooth snakes eat lizards, small mammals, and other snakes. They will strike their prey and then will squeeze them … but then they swallow them alive!
Comment: This is what I call fresh catch of the day.
Comment: Eww!
Comment: EWWWWW...alive?
Comment: Why is it called "smooth"?
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Typically the common names that refer to "smooth" are talking about the snakes scales ... some snaked are "keeled" (raised line down the middle of a scale), while other lack the keel. We have some smooth snakes here too. This is probably why professional herp people like using scientific names so much more.
Comment: Not here in England. We have adders (or vipers) - venomous, and grass snakes. Non venomous..
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: You guys have these too, actually! In the south part.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: If conditions aren’t very favorable, the smooth snake will skip a year of reproducing. They are ovoviviparous … anyone know what that means? Comment: Egg layers?
Comment: lay eggs?
Comment: egg eaters?
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: They do form eggs … but the eggs hatch in the mother’s body.
Comment: Tricky...
Comment: I never realized that "smooth" was the NAME of a snake, just thought it was a description of the snake's skin.
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Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Well, I think both apply. Descriptive ... and used as a part of the formal common name.
Comment: So they give birth to live snakes?
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Right. Eggs hatch in mom's body, so live snakes come out. But different than "viviparous" (no eggs)
Comment: interesting
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: One more trip! Anyone tired from all this traveling?
Comment: It's all very interesting, Amanda. It's flying by!!
Comment: no!
Comment: Let's keep going!
Comment: No
Comment: more
Comment: Continue!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Oh good, I was hoping you'd say that.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Well, let’s head back home … at least home for me. :) Back to the U.S!
Comment: Jet lag
Comment: This is fascinating Amanda. Please continue.
Comment: Keep us moving!!
Comment: Not even jet lagged!
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Amanda Nicholson, WCV: I figured we would finish our snake “showcase” with the coolest, most awesome, most wonderful, fascinating snake there is. My favorite.
Comment: I thought all snakes are your favorite.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: I like snakes, but these are my favorite of all the wonderful snakes ...
Comment: Turtle snake ?? Tee Hee
Comment: waiting......
Comment: I wish you'd say Boas, but they aren't in the US.
Comment: Corn Snake?
Comment: Your favorite? A turtle snake?
Comment: Corn snake?
Comment: Must be the "turtle snake"
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Ha, no turtle snake that I know of ...
I am awesome.
Wildlife Classroom Series: [World Snake Day] Page 36
Comment: Beautiful!!!
Comment: very cool
Comment: It is beautiful!
Comment: Hi Awesome..
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Eastern Hog-nosed Snakes are SO COOL!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: We have these snakes throughout Virginia, and they are found throughout the eastern half of the U.S., north to Massachusetts. These snakes can come in a wide variety of colors, so they can be a little tricky to identify if you’re just thinking of one color variation – they can be all black, or tan to dark brown, or orange patterned … they really vary quite a bit.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: They are just lovely.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: The most distinguishing characteristic is their upturned “nose”, which they use for digging in sandy soils to find prey. That’s a pretty unique feature. Eastern hog-nosed snakes are typically 28-32 inches in length, though can grow to be 45 inches long. They are active during the day.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Eastern Hog-nosed snakes are almost exclusive predators of toads – although other prey can sometimes include frogs, newts, salamanders, and even small rodents. If you guys have ever seen a threatened toad, you know that they inflate themselves as a defense mechanism –
Angry.
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Comment: Oh my......
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: But the hog-nosed snakes have teeth toward the back of their mouth that are useful for deflating the toads. The toxins that the toads secrete are neutralized by enzymes in the hog-nosed snake’s stomach.
Comment: aww, poor frog or toad....
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Circle of life, everything in balance, right?
Comment: Nawww, Toad just trying to look "fluffy" !!! LOL
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: (this is a picture of an angry toad in my backyard, but that's another story)
Comment: How cool??????
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Okay, so now for the really, really cool part:
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Eastern Hog-nosed snakes have QUITE the defensive display. When they’re perturbed by something, they will inflate their head and neck, they’ll coil, they’ll hiss, and they’ll strike. They are quite dramatic.
I'm getting mad.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: look at the dramatic difference in the head shape!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: But … these snakes are all bark and no bite. They’re actually quite docile … and generally don’t bite! Wildlife Classroom Series: [World Snake Day] Page 38
Still mad.
Comment: Love it. Snake with attitude!
Comment: deama queens LO'
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: So if all the drama and show doesn’t deter a would-be predator … they quickly change tactics.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: They play dead!
Photo property of Virginia Herpetological Society
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Comment: Awww thats cool!!!
Comment: lol
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: And when they play dead … they do it as dramatically as possible. I don’t mean just going limp. I mean writhing, sticking out their tongue, and very dramatically flipping over on their back and going limp. Kind of like the cartoon way of “playing dead”.
Photo property of Virginia Herpetological Society
Comment: Love the open mouth!
Comment: Belly up! Interesting
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: In the “Reptiles of Virginia”, by Joseph Mitchell, there are stories of the “dead” snakes that have flipped over on their backs to play dead … and if you put them right side up … they quickly flip back over. Like all good dead snakes must be belly-side up.
Comment: That is cool.
Comment: How operatic!
Comment: Oh my - what dramatics!
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Comment: That would be interesting to watch!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: How can you not love a drama queen snake like that?
Comment: LOL they would get the part in any play
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Seems like a good strategy to me. And it reminded me of one of my favorite Far Side cartoons …
Far Side, by Gary Larson
Comment: OMG LOL LOL LOL
Comment: LOL
Comment: Well, that will do it every time! LOL
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Comment: LOL - love it AA
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: (I sometimes do this when Dr. Dave comes into my office for the 10th time each day)
Comment: I can't enlarge the cartoon..what does it say?
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: It says, "The Arnolds feign death until the Wagners, sensing awkwardness, are compelled to leave"
Comment: Does that work on snarky in-laws?
Comment: Love it! Bwahahahaha!
Comment: LOL
Comment: OK =- I want a picture of that!!!!!!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: I’ve seen this dramatic display from hog-nosed snakes at the Center – as you can imagine, it can be a little tricky to interpret behavior in this setting!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: We had a snake come in a couple of years ago that was hit by a car – and when the vets examined it, it was going through all of its very dramatic death throes. And the vets were becoming very concerned … and I kept hearing this, “oh no, it’s dying …” I piped up and said, “ooh, don’t let that fool you …”
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: But the vets were becoming increasingly convinced that this snake was really and truly dying (“but it’s sticking out its tongue! No really! And releasing its bowels!”). I grabbed the Reptiles of Virginia book and read to them … and sure enough, when they finished poking the snake and put it down … it didn’t die! It was just faking.
Comment: Yes don't know if they are really dying or faking it LOL
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Here’s a story on that snake: http://wildlifecenter.org/critter-corner/archive-patient/eastern-hog-nosed-snake
Comment: Guess we can all learn from this snake. lol
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: And here’s a hog-nosed snake patient that came in last year – with a video! And you can hear all the snake-love in the video from Drs. Rich, Dana, and Kelli. http://wildlifecenter.org/critter-corner/archive-patient/eastern-hog-nosed-snake- 12-2284 Wildlife Classroom Series: [World Snake Day] Page 42
Comment: Hog-nosed snake VS opossum, this should be fun to see who play dead the best.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: I vote snake.
Comment: You really love those Eastern Hog-nosed Drama snakes, Amanda. Guess I will have to get more familiar with them as well.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: They are SO COOL!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: And here’s another video of a different hog-nosed snake patient – one that is much smaller (note the different colors!): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NCHJ-O5TU6s&feature=player_embedded
Comment: I love Eastern Hog-nosed snakes.
Comment: I love that video! LOL!
Comment: I remember reading that in a patient update (or maybe it was mentioned here) about how hard it is to treat them when the snake is playing dead.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Yes!
Comment: Love the Far Side comic, Amanda. One of my favorites is "God Creates Snakes" and shows God rolling clay between his palms saying "These are easy!"
Comment: And to think all that drama queen behavior is hard-wired in that cute little snake!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Isn't it amazing?
Comment: Cute.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: According to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries’ Virginia Wildlife Action Plan, the Eastern Hog-nosed Snake has a “Tier IV” rating – that means there is a moderate conservation need for this species:
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Amanda Nicholson, WCV: “The species may be rare in parts of its range, particularly on the periphery. Populations of these species have demonstrated a significant declining trend or one is suspected which, if continued, is likely to qualify this species for a higher tier in the foreseeable future. Long-term planning is necessary to stabilize or increase populations.”
Comment: Here's a hog-nosed snake that I found on YouTube. Really cute!
Comment: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuZtKVM6koo
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Very nice!
Comment: what a hoot about faking it's own death. it probably moved to Argentina upon release where it's continuing to fake its own death.
Comment: Those snakes are more drama than NX!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: I'm glad to see the encouraging comments about this awesome snake ... with declining populations, Eastern Hog-nosed Snakes need all the help (and respect and love) they can get!
Comment: missed everything so far and I just tuned in to say that's a CUTE FROG!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Well, gang, that’s what I have for class materials. Thanks so much for tuning in for our “Snakes around the World” talk in early celebration of World Snake Day. Now you’ll be very prepared to wish everyone you meet a “Happy World Snake Day!” on July 16 (next Tuesday). And maybe you can pass on some fun snake facts!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: And maybe, just maybe, you can convince someone to appreciate snakes a little bit more. You don’t have to love ‘em (bonus points if you do!), but if we can all respect snakes and learn to live with/around them … well, that’s a very good thing!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: I think VA Kris gets mega bonus points for the most snake love today ...
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: And ThumNail gets big bonus points for hanging with us despite snake-phobia!!
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: So, on behalf of …
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Amanda Nicholson, WCV: Happy World Snake Day!
Comment: wonderful class-I learned so much
Comment: Thanks for another interesting and informative class, Amanda
Comment: Thank you Amanda, for the wonderful class. I couldn't believe that I said "cute" about snake.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: YAY!
Comment: I'm trying! I'm trying!
Comment: Thanks Amanda. It was a fantastic class.
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Comment: I think it was watching the late Steve Irwin, and seeing his obvious love for snakes, that changed my feelings about snakes.
Comment: Wonderful class Amanda Thanks!!!
Comment: YAY
Comment: Thank you Amanda! Class was interesting and great fun!
Comment: Darn, had to go back to work & missed the last half hour. I'll scroll back after work but thank you Amanda (& Congo) for the great class. See you later.
Comment: Thank you so much, Amanda. That was wonderful. I've never been a snake lover, but now I'm a snake appreciator!
Comment: Educational class, Amanda! Love the facts and pictures! Thanks!
Comment: No wonder I have never heard of the smooth snake...It lives in an area about 100 miles square and sleeps hibernates most of the year!!!!
Comment: Yep - very fascinating subject.
Comment: Thank you so much, AA, and I do LIKE snakes, now.
Comment: Thanks AA- as usual a great teaching. I still have to like snakes from a distance.
Comment: Thanks Amanda. Still have reservations about snakes, but I'll try
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: That's all we can ask!
Comment: Thank you Amanda, great class today!
Comment: I had a very nice ball python for several years in my biology class. Dolomite.... named for his pattern.
Amanda Nicholson, WCV: I'm sorry I didn't get to all the questions/comments -- I've saved some of them and will get to them within the next day. But I figured we could all use a stretch at this point!
Wildlife Classroom Series: [World Snake Day] Page 47
Comment: Thanks Amanda! Love your Dr. Adam's snake avatar
Comment: BEST CLASS EVER, says all 19 kids! Thanks so MUCH!
Comment: Feeling a little better about snakes now, thanks Amanda
Comment: I rather run into a snake than a spider any day LOL
Comment: I was freaked out when I heard a bunch of rattling sounds around me on a prairie. then I discovered they were grasshoppers! when I heard a real rattlesnake, it was bone-chillingly different. A good warning system.
Comment: A little late, but I like snakes and have some around and in the house. They get into my suspended ceiling and shed on the light covers.
Comment: Missouri state reptile..Three Toed Box Turtle!
Comment: Texas has the horned lizard or horny toad as it is sometimes mis-titled by us.
Comment: Cute avatars make me miss Dr. Adam!
Comment: The Bronz Zoo cobra is on twitter. I like him a lot.
Comment: Loved the class Amanda. Can't say I "love" them, but I do enjoy watching them. I would love to have a quick class to learm the workings of "how" they move!
Comment: Thanks again AA for all the time and effort and visuals for class. Can tell you really love snakes.
Comment: Just watch the video on 12-2284. Here's something you don't hear everyday: "Do you have any frogs in the kitchen?" What a hoot.
Comment: GREAT class, and the snorkeling was not bad either!
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