FISH & WILDLIFE REFERENCE LIBRARY Technical Report #132-4-03 1982

THE HERPETOLOGY OF THE WEA7AHA WILDLIFE AREA WALLOWA COUNTY, OREGON

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Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Nougame Wildlife Program THE HERPETOLOGY OF THE WENAHA WILDLIFE AREA, WALLOWA COUNTY, OREGON

Alan D. St. John

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Nongame Wildlife Program Technical Report #82-4-03

1982 CONTENTS

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ABSTRACT 1 ...... INTRODUCTION 1 ...... STUDY AREA AND METHODS 1 ...... RESULTS 3 ......

5 Species Accounts -- Amphibians Blotched Tiger Salamander ...... 5 Eastern Long-toed Salamander...... 5 Tailed Frog ...... 6 Great Basin ...... Spadefoot Toad 6 Western Toad ...... 7 Pacific Treefrog...... 7 Spotted Frog ...... 7 ...... species Accounts -- Reptiles 8 Western Painted Turtle ...... 8 Great Basin Fence Lizard...... 8 Western Skink ...... 8 Rubber Boa ...... 9 Northwestern...... Ringneck Snake 9 Western Yellow-bellied Racer...... 10 Desert Striped Whipsnake ...... 11 Great Basin Gopher Snake ...... 11 California Mountain Kingsnake...... 11 Valley Garter Snake ...... 12 Wandering Garter Snake...... 12 Desert Night Snake ...... 13 Northern Pacific Rattlesnake...... 13 ...... DISCUSSION ...... 13

REFERENCES 14 ...... APPENDICES 15 ...... Appendix A. Bibliography of Oregon herpetology 15 ...... Appendix B. Distribution maps for the herpetofauna of the Wenaha Wildlife Area 17 ...... THE HERPETOLOGY OF THE WENAHA WILDLIFE AREA, WALLOWA COUNTY, OREGON

Alan D. St. John

ABSTRACT

Of 12 species of amphibians and reptiles expected to occur on the Wenaha Wildlife Area in northeastern Oregon, 11 species were observed during inventories in the fall of I98! and spring of i9802. An additional 8 species may, hypothetically, be found on the Wildlife Area. Distribution records, status, and habitat preferences of documented and suspected species are summarized and maps of known localities are provided.

INTRODUCTION

A herpetological inventory of the Wenaha Wildlife Area in Wallowa County, Oregon was conducted as part of a statewide effort to determine the status and distribution of Oregon's amphibians and reptiles for the Nongame Wildlife Program of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

The low, upper-sonoran life zone of the rocky canyons of the Wenaha Wild- life Area with warm nights in summer; many streams and rivers; open, rocky, southern exposures; and dense forests all contribute to making diverse habitats for a number of herpetological species. This report summarizes the known distribution and habitat for the area's diverse herpetofauna.

STUDY AREA AND METHODS

During two separate periods, one in the early autumn and one in the spring, I conducted a herpetological inventory of the Wenaha Wildlife Area along the Grande Ronde and Wallowa River drainages near Troy, in northwestern Wallowa County (Figure 1). The first survey was undertaken from 9-22 Sepember 1981; the second period was from 1-10 May 1982.

My field methods involved locating a promising looking hillside, canyon, steam, or pond, and systematically "working" the entire area. For example, if to the habitat happened be a steep hillside, I would "zig-zag" up the slope searching the tops of rocks, logs, and stumps for sunning lizards and snakes, along with looking under rocks, logs, and other surface debris for the

-1- Table 1. Continued

Species Expected Found Hypothetical Pacific treefrog (Hyla regilla) X X

Spotted frog (Rana pretiosa) X Western painted turtle (Chrysemys picta belli) X Great Basin fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis biseriatus) X X

Western skink (Eumeces skiltonianus skiltonianus) X X

Rubber boa (Charina bottae) X X Northwestern ringneck snake (Diadophis punctatus occidentalis) X Western yellow-bellied racer (Coluber constrictor mormon) X X Desert striped whipsnake (Masticophis taeniatus taeniatus) X

Great Basin gopher snake (Pituophis melanoleucus deserticola) X X California mountain kingsnake .(Lampropeltis zonata) X

Valley garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis fitchi) X X Wandering garter snake (Thamnophis elegans vagrans) X X

Desert night snake (Hypsiglena torquata deserticola) X Northern Pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis oreganus) X X

-4- The following is a species by species account of the amphibians and reptiles of the Wenaha Wildlife Area (including hypothetical forms). Also included is a brief outline of the habitat preferences for each. No descriptions or identification keys are given here. Instead I refer the reader to my booklet "Knowing Oregon Reptiles" (St. John 1980) and Dr. Robert C. Stebbins' "A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians" (Stebbins 19bb). Utner pertinent DOOKs are listed in a.D10tiography in the Appendix /A of this report.

Distribution maps indicating specific locations where species were found during the course of this inventory are included in Appendix B.

Species Accounts -- Amphibians

Blotched Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum melanostictum

Although this large salamander was not found and has never been recorded from northeastern Oregon, it may occur there. It is known from areas only a short distance away, ranging throughout eastern Washington and northern Idaho. Future field work may disclose the presence of the tiger salamander in the Grand Ronde River drainage.

These yellow to olive-yellow blotched amphibians are the world's largest land dwelling salamander, sometimes reaching a length of slightly over 13 inches. The adult land form is rarely encountered as they lead a largely subterranean existence. However, adults may sometimes be seen out moving about at night after heavy rains. This is particularly the case during the breeding season from March to June when they congregate at ponds, lakes, temporary pools, or sluggish streams. The larvae of this species are often neotenic, especially in more arid regions. Tiger salamanders may be found in a variety of habitats, ranging from sagebrush plains to mountain forests and meadows.

Eastern Long-Toed Salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum columbianum

Although no specimens of this salamander turned up during the dry autumn survey, five individuals were found the following spring. One long-toed salamander was discovered on 3 May 1982, under a rotting log by a spring on Eden Bench (in the large meadow to the north of the summer cabins near Elkhorn Spring). The other four specimens were found under old, rotting boards at the old, abandoned ranch at the head of Dry Gulch on 6 May 1982.

These greenish-yellow mottled salamanders seem to be fairly common

I I +h. Tk- 1,141AIf- @--A @, u I I mfA-@a i[cauk4Uar...... I----Ler s -'-ffLd II drIU--I --ther oc a residents reported seeing them in the springtime. Although long-toed salamanders are most commonly found under rotting logs, boards, and damp rocks in the meadows and clearings of mountain coniferous forests, they range throughout the lower canyons as well. Wenaha Wildlife Area manager, Sherman Murray, reported seeing this species around the headquarters buildings in the early spring. During the dry season, they become largely subterranean in their habits and are rarely encountered.

Tailed Frog (Ascaphus truei): A Protected Species

No specimens of this unusual little frog were found and I am doubtful that it occurs within the Wenaha Wildlife Area. It requires cold mountain I streams. hiked the Wenaha River Trail to the boundary of the Wildlife Area several times and saw no habitat that appeared suitable. In general, the canyon seemed too low and warm. However, the tailed frog is found at higher elevations close by in Washington, Idaho, and the Wallowa Mountains. There is a strong likelihood that it also inhabits the mountainous country of the headwaters of the Wenaha River.

This a very aquatic frog, living within or along the edges of rocky, cold, mountain streams in coniferous forests. It can often be found by turning over rocks in streams, as this seems to be a favored hiding place. The larvae possess sucker mouths for clinging to rocks in the swift-flowing currents.

Great Basin Spadefoot Toad (Scaphiopus intermontanus)

No spadefoot toads were located during the course of this inventory. Although I know of no records for this species in Wallowa County, they probably occur there. I have observed the spadefoot in Baker County on two

-6- occasions, which is the nearest locality record that I have in my files. Future collecting will no doubt show that this secretive little toad is quite widespread in the northeastern section of the state.

Although the Great Basin spadefoot is usually associated with open sagebrush or sage/juniper country, it sometimes ranges into the forested

I' -T UJ Lb I T da 1-1 5- -5 HI 1-11 U- I'm U- 1-1 mounta I I e amp 11 b I pe d O S thl e- I e- b e- I OW g U i n u ow s- ns. se t I r r r r , emerging at night following heavy rains.

Western or Boreal Toad (Bufo boreas boreas)

Although few adult toads were observed, the larvae were seen at several locations along the Grande Ronde and Wenaha Rivers. The staff at the Wildlife Area headquarters reported seeing adult toads around the buildings quite often. The western toad seems to be common throughout the area.

These amphibians inhabit the vicinity of streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, and springs. They are often seen along the edges of water in burrows of their own construction or those of small mammals.

Pacific Treefrog (Hyla regilla)

The ubiquitus little treefrog was seen in virtually every habitat. It appears to be quite common throughout the Wenaha Wildlife Area.

Treefrogs are extremely adaptable for amphibians and can be found in habitats ranging from lakes and rivers to dry rock talus on southern hillsides.

Spotted Frog (Rana pretiosa): A Protected Species

Surprisingly enough, although I repeadedly searched the edges of rivers, streams, and ponds, no spotted frogs were seen. They have been recorded- nearby (Elgin), but I know of no localities on the lower Grande Ronde, Imnaha, or Snake Rivers, and it is possible that this frog does not occur there.

-7- Spotted frogs are found in the clear waters of streams, rivers, and lakes where there is little growth of cattails and algae.

Species Accounts -- Reptiles

Western Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta @elli)

Though no turtles were observed and the habitat in the area did not seem entirely suitable, I am still including this species. It has been recorded in the past from only a short distance away along the Snake River drainage in Washington. However, as painted turtles prefer slow moving streams and sloughs, they may not range up the swifter-flowing Grande Ronde River.

Great Basin Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis biseriatus)

Of the two species of lizards native to the Wenaha Wildlife Area, the fence lizard was by far the most common. I encountered it in all habitats except for the most cool, shady forests and aquatic zones. It was usually observed as it was sunning on rocks, logs, stumps, and tree trunks in open southern exposures.

These lizards were common along the Wenaha River Trail, as well as Mill Flat; Eden Bench; the head of Dry Gulch; Bartlett Bench; and in the vicinity of the mouth of Mud Creek.

Western Skink (Eumeces skiltonianus skiltonianus)

Far less common than the fence lizard, these beautiful little lizards were observed at three separate locations during the May 1982 inventory. None were encountered during the survey in early autumn of the previous year when conditions were much dryer.

Specimens were seen on Eden Bench (near Elkhorn Spring by the red-shingled cabin); in the large meadow directly across the Grande Ronde River from the fish ladder; and on a rocky point above the south side of Grouse Creek at the east end of Bartlett Bench.

-8- The favored habitat of the skink is usually one of either small, grassy openings or the edges of meadows where there are many rocks, logs, and bark for cover. They are especially common around old, abandoned homesteads where there is an abundance of old boards for hiding places.

Rubber Boa (Charina bottae)

Two rubber boas were encountered during the May inventory. One small (12 in.) adult was found as it was crossing the road leading down the slope into Mill Flat at 1700 hours on 2 May 1982. The other, slightly larger (18 in.) boa, was also encountered as it was crossing a road. This was on the Eden Bench Road a short distance to the west of Elkhorn Spring on 8 May 1982, at approximately 1700 hours.

From talking with the local residents of the area, I gained the impression that these interesting little snakes are fairly widespread throughout the area. It was commonly agreed that they were more prevalent in the forested sections on top of the benches.

The rubber boa's favored haunts are the edges of meadows or small, grassy glades in coniferous forests where there are plenty of rotting logs and stumps for cover, especially if a stream is nearby.

I have also seen them burrowing in old, rotting sawdust piles at abandoned mill sites. Since, on at least two of these occasions, several boas were intertwined together in the sawdust in the early spring, I would venture to say that they may congregate at these sawdust piles to hibernate in a group "denning" site.

Northwestern Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus occidentalis)

Although no specimens of the ringneck snake were located, it has been reported in the area. Wendell Weaver, an outdoorsman from Wallowa who has an interest in herpetology, reported a sight record. A friend of his told of finding a small snake under a board along the Grande Ronde River just below

-9- "While on another field trip in September 1938 to the Blue Mountains in outheastern Washington, the kingsnake was accurately described to me by a ten year old boy, Eldon Buckanon, son of G.E. Buckanon of Grouse Flats, P.O. Troy, Oregon, who saw it closely as it crossed an open space to take refuge in a lumber pile. This boy had never seen a book describing reptiles nor been in contact with anyone who had studied snakes. He, in common with many of the

nn@h ^-F me @n,in+ry f^IL, Ln^.c e@a@ine. . kn+h ...... habits."

This information was just brought to my attention, so I was unable to follow up on this report during the inventory. It would be worthwhile to see if the Buckanon family still resides in the area and, if so, question them about this species.

Valley Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis fitchi)

Although a subspecies of the common garter snake group, this snake was not found to be common. Only one specimen was observed during this inventory. It was found as it was swimming along the edge of the Grande Ronde River at Wildcat Bridge Campground. No doubt the snake was hunting for food. Indeed, a large lump in its stomach attested to its success in these endeavors!

This was a typical habitat for this species as all members of the common garter snake group are quite aquatic.

Wandering Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans vagrans)

This member of the terrestrial garter snake group was by far the most common of the two local garter snakes. It was observed all along the Wenaha River Trail (usually in the water); crossing the Grande Ronde River Road between Troy and Wildcat Bridge; and along the edge of the Grande Ronde River directly across from the fish ladder.

Although one of the "terrestrial" garter snakes, the subspecies vagrans is never found far from water.

-12- Desert Night Snake (Hypsiglena torquata deserticola)

No specimens of this little nocturnal snake were located, but it probably in occurs the lower Grande Ronde River Canyon. The habitat seems very suitable. Wendell Weaver of Wallowa has found this species close by on the lower Imnaha river.

The night snake is difficult to find, so our knowledge of its distribution in Oregon is incomplete. It prefers rocky canyon country, hiding under rocks by day. On warm summer nights it can sometimes be found as it crosses a road.

Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis oreganus)

I was repeatedly told by the local people that the rattlesnake is a very common snake in My the Troy area. field studies certainly confirmed this. I encountered rattlesnakes in several spots as they were crossing the road up the Grande Ronde River between Troy and Wildcat Bridge. Other localities where I observed rattlesnakes were along the Wenaha River Trail; Bartlett Bench; Eden Bench; and under the porch of the cabin I was using at Mill Flat.

The rattlesnake inhabits dry, rocky, and brushy areas, usually close to southern exposures where they congregate to "den" for the winter in rock crevices. During the hot summer months, they are rarely seen during the day, becoming crepuscular and nocturnal in their movements.

DISCUSSION

In no way do I wish to give the impression that I have thoroughly investigated the entire Wenaha Wildlife Area and its numerous herp species. A period of time as short as three weeks did not allow for a complete investigation. Besides the diversity of habitats covered and the difficult, almost vertical character of the canyons, weather is always a limiting factor when studying cold-blooded creatures. Several hypothetical species that did not turn up may be found at a slightly different time of year under somewhat different weather conditions. Continued field work in the area would be advisable. Extensive road hunting during the hot summer months might disclose the presence of the night snake and the whipsnake. Road hunting at night during spring rains may produce results in the form of tiger salamanders and spadefoot toads. Continued searching under rocks and logs during spring in the vicinity of Mud Creek could verify the ringneck snake and California mountain kingsnake as being native to the area.

During the course of this project, I found that there were several localities that were above average in habitat quality and, therefore, had a larger variety of reptiles and amphibians. In particular, three areas that stood out in this respect were the vicinity of the mouth of Mud Creek and the adjacent meadow area that lies directly across the river from the fish ladder; all of Eden Bench with its rocky slopes above green meadows, springs, and coniferous forests; and the Wenaha River Canyon's warm, protected meadows and rocky slopes.

Although there are several hypothetical forms that were not found during this inventory, a good representative list of expected species was compiled. Future field work will undoubtedly add several new varieties to this list. The Wenaha Wildlife Area is certainly worth further investigation.

REFERENCES

Johnson, M.L. 1939. Lampropeltis zonata in Washington State. Occasional Papers, Dept. of biology, uollege of Puget Sound, October 17. St. John, A.D. 1980. Knowing Oregon reptiles. Salem Audubon Society. Stebbins, R.C. 1966. A field guide to western reptiles and amphibians. Peterson Field Guide Series, Houghton Mifflin Co.

-14- Appendix A. Bibliography of Oregon herpetology.

Behler, J.L. and F.W. King. 1979. The Audubon Society field guide to North American reptiles and amphibians. Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. Gordon, K. 1939. The amphibia and reptilia of Oregon. Oregon State Monograph.

VI I KA NIQUL)Cr-k-- , L.M. KdLL1e5ndKe5. their habits, Me histories, and influence on mankind, 2 volumes. University of California Press.

Shaw, C.E. and S. Campbell. 1974. Snakes of the American West. Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.

Smith, H.M. 1946. Handbook of lizards of the United States and Canada. Comstock Publishing Co.

Stebbins, R.C. 1954. Amphibians and reptiles of western North America. McGraw Hill Book Co.

Van Denburgh, J. 1922. The reptiles of western North America, 2 volumes. California Acadamy of Sciences.

Wright, A. and A. Wright. 1957. Handbook of snakes of the United States and Canada, 2 volumes. Comstock Publishing Co. Appendix B. Distribution maps for herpetofauna of the Wenaha Wildlife Area.

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EASTERN LONG-TOED SALAMANDER (Ambystoma macrodactylum columbianum)

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WESTERN OR BOREAL TOAD (Bufo boreas boreas) PACIFIC TREEFROG (Hyla regilla)

GREAT BASIN FENCE LIZARD (Sceloporus occidentalis biseriatus)

-19- WESTERN SKINK (Eumeces skiltonianus skiltonianus)

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RUBBER BOA (Charina bottae)

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WESTERN YELLOW-BELLIED RACER (Coluber constrictor mormon)

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GREAT BASIN GOPHER SNAKE (Pituophis melanoleucus deserticola)

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VALLEY GARTER SNAKE (Thamnophis sirtalis fitchi)

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WANDERING GARTER SNAKE (Thamnophis elegans vagrans)

-22- NORTHERN PACIFIC RATTLESNAKE (Crotalus viridis oreganus)

-23-