FISH & WILDLIFE REFERENCE LIBRARY Technical Report #86-1-02 1987

THE HERPETOLOGY OF THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY, OREGON

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Nongame Wildlife Program THE HERPETOLOGY OF THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY, OREGON

Alan D. St. John

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Mongame Wildlife Program Technical Report #86-1-02

1987 CONTENTS

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ABSTRACT ...... I INTRODUCTION ...... 1 STUDY AREA AND METHODS ...... 2 RESULTS ...... 3

Species Accounts Amphibians 4 Northwestern --Salamander ...... 4 Long-toed Salamander 5 ...... Pacific Giant Salamander 6 Olympic Salamander ...... 7 Roughskin Newt ...... 7 Dunn's Salamander...... 8 Western Redback Salamander 9 Ensatina ...... 9 Clouded Salamander...... 10 Western Toad 11 ...... Pacific Treefrog 11 Red-legged Frog ...... 12 Spotted Frog 13 Foothill Yellow-legged...... Frog ...... 14 Bullfrog ...... 14 Species Accounts Reptiles 15 Western Pond -- ...... Turtle ...... 15 Painted Turtle ...... 16 Western Fence Lizard 17 Western Skink ...... 18 Southern Lizard ... 19 Alligator ...... Northern Alligator Lizard 20 Rubber Boa ...... 21 Ringneck Snake 22 Sharptail Snake...... 23 Racer ...... 28 Gopher Snake 29 Common Garter...... Snake ...... 30 Western Terrestrial Garter Snake 31 Northwestern Garter Snake ...... 32 Western ...... Rattlesnake ...... 33 DISCUSSION ...... 35 Status of Target Species ...... 36 Management Recommendations ...... 39 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ...... 41

i CONTENTS

(Continued)

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REFERENCES 41 ...... APPENDICES

Appendix A. Oregon 42 Bibliography of herpetology ...... Appendix B. Locality data abstract for the Willamette 43 Valley ...... Appendix C. Distribution maps for the herpetofauna of the 49 Willamette Valley ...... THE HERPETOLOGY OF THE WILLAXETTE VALLEY, OREGON

Alan D. St. John

ABSTRACT

A herpetological inventory was conducted of the Will- amette Valley in northwestern Oregon to determine the dis- tribution and habitat needs of amphibians and reptiles in this rapidly developing area. Of 30 species likely to be found, 21 were found in the lower valley (north of Lebanon, Oregon) in 1984, and 18 in the upper valley dur- ing 1986 and 1987. Distribution records for all species are summarized and mapped along with historical records. Special emphasis was placed on species apparently declin- ing or uncommon in the valley, including the spotted frog (Rana pretiosa), foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boyTe_iT_,-w6`s--Fe-rn pond turtle (Clemmys marmorat-ay-,painted turtle (Chrysemys picta), shar`Pt_a1T-sn_aFe__(N_ntia tenuis), ringneck snake (D Udo-pFis punctatus), western _terr'@@strial garter snake (Th-amnophis eTe_g_a_ns_T,_and the western rattle- snake (Crotalu-s--vl-r-l-d-i-sT.--rFe-spotted frog was not found during tTe'invenfo-ryand has apparently been eliminated from the valley by the introduced bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana). Preservation of habitat is recommended to mainE-a-inpopulations of the declining herpetofauna, as well as public education and further study of unique spe- cies such as the isolated populations of the western ter- restrial garter-snake in the northwest portion of the valley.

INTRODUCTION

With its low elevation and mild climate, the Willamette Valley in north- west Oregon, supports a good variety of both amphibians and reptiles. Fifteen species of amphibians and fifteen species of reptiles occur in the area. Many of the amphibians, more typical to the Coast Range and Cascade Mountains, are limited mainly to the periphery of the valley in coniferous areas. Con- versely, most of the reptiles are restricted to the dryer valley and the low, oak wooded foothills and buttes.

South of Harrisburg, the Willamette Valley is comparatively more open and dry with shallow, gravelly soils. This is due to the fact that this higher end of the valley escaped submersion under an ancient ice-age lake that de- posited silt over the other lower portions. The area shares some ecological similarities with the Umpqua Valley to the south with certain plant species occurring only in this section of the Willamette drainage (such as the California black oak). Isolated, rocky buttes are c ommon, providing a good habitat for rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis), which are more widespread there than elsewhere in the valley.

The Willamette Valley is the most populated area of the state and is being rapidly developed throughout. Because nf these nrAzzijrPc nn whA-@ remains of the natural and semi-natural countryside, it is imperative that the native herpetofauna be inventoried and their habitat needs investigated.

A herpetological inventory of the Willamette Valley was conducted between 1984 and 1987 as part of a statewide effort to determine the distribution and status of Oregon's amphibians and reptiles for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Nongame Wildlife Program.

STUDY AREA AND METHODS

1 From to 28 May 1984, I conducted a herpetological inventory of the lower Willamette Valley. The study was designated as that portion of the valley north of Corvallis and Lebanon to the Columbia River. Besides the bottomlands of the valley, the surrounding lower foothills of the Coast Range and Cascade Mountains were included as well. The upper Willamette Valley, designated as that portion of the valley south of Corvallis and Lebanon, was inventoried from 22 April 1986 to 15 May 1987. At the southern end of the I study area, investigated the upper sections of the drainage to the vicinity of Oakridge and the Cottage Grove/Dorena Reservoir area.

Although collection data was recorded for all species, special attention was placed on the protected and possibly extirpated spotted frog (Rana pretiosa), the foothill yellow-legged frog (Rana boylefl, western pond turtle (Clemmys marmorata), painted turtle (Chrysemys picta), sharptail snake (Contia tenuis), ringneck snake (Diadophis punctatus), western terrestrial garter snake (Thamnophis elegans), and the western rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis). The current status of each of these species is included in the Discussion section of this report.

-2- My field methods involved locating a promising looking hillside, stream, or pond. I then sought the owner's permission to investigate the land, perhaps showing pictures of the uncommon species, and asking whether or not the owner had seen these species. I would then systemically '.work" the entire For I area. example, if the habitat was a hillside, would slowly "zig-zag" up the slope searching the tops of rocks, logs, and stumps for sunning lizards and snakes, along with looking unudter ru-CIKS, logs, and other surface litter for the secretive varieties. Although usually working by myself, through this tight switchbacking up a hillside I can generally investigate an area quite thoroughly.

The edges of ponds, streams, and rivers were searched for aquatic species. Field grasses were employed to scan the tops of floating logs for turtles.

On several rainy nights I spent considerable time driving slowly along back roads looking for crossing amphibians. This road hunting technique was also used on warm evenings to locate crossing snakes. Additionally, on I several evenings, searched the vicinity of streams and ponds by flashlight for nocturnal frogs and salamanders.

In late 1985, Dr. Robert Stebbins' newly revised edition of his "Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians" was published (Stebbins 1985). Besides choosing not to recognize some recent taxonomic revisions, Stebbins also changed some common names to ones that he felt were more appropriate for the particular animal. I have followed his name choices in this report.

RESULTS

Of a possible 30 species of amphibians and reptiles, 21 were found in the lower Willamette Valley. Several of those not located were salamanders that are more common in the surrounding mountains and higher foothills. However, despite my surveying mainly the lowland areas, reptiles were not found in large numbers due to the predominantly cool and rainy weather during the spring of 1984.

-3- Despite extremes of cool, cloudy weather and dry, hot periods, all but three of the 15 species of reptiles native to the upper Willamette Valley were found. Only six species of amphibians were located due to my working predominantly in the dryer oak woodlands on southern exposures. An unusually dry spring in 1987 further limited success in observing frogs and salamanders in the upper valley.

The following is a species-by-species account of the amphibians and reptiles of the Willamette valley, including a brief outline of the habitat preferences for each. No descriptions or identification keys are given here. I instead refer the reader to my booklet, "Knowing Oregon Reptiles" (St. John 1980), and the guide, "Amphibians and Reptiles of the Pacific Northwest" (Nussbaum et.al. 1983). Both of these publications also give information on the general life histories of each of the species covered here. Other pertinent books are listed in the bibliography in Appendix A of this report.

Additionally, a condensed "locality data abstract" which gives a brief account of collection data for some of the herpetofauna observed during the inventory of the Willamette Valley is included in Appendix B. Township, range, and section numbers are given along with a short description of the location and immediate habitat. Only those species of concern or less common amphibians and reptiles are included, or those-that may become uncommon in the future.

C Appendix contains distribution maps indicating specific locations where individual specimens were found during inventories of the upper and lower valley, as well as historical records.

Species Accounts -- Amphibians

Northwestern Salamander (Ambystoma gracile)

Three specimens of this large brown salamander were found in the lower Willamette Valley. Two of these were collected in Yamhill County. The first was taken from beneath a small log in oak woods on the south slope of a hill 2 miles south of Yamhill on 11 May 1984. The other was encountered as it

-4- 1 crossed a paved road I mi e west of Carl ton on the Irai ny ni ght of 13 May 1984 at 1145 hours. The third salamander was found in Marion County, 2 miles west of Mahama at the southern base of Stout Butte. It was under a small, rotting log near a stream in a fir forest.

Widespread throughout western Oregon, the northwestern salamander has beenU recorded at other localities in the following counties: Yamhill (Cove Orchard and Pike); Polk (Independence and between Monmouth and Pedee); Benton (Corvallis area); Linn (south of Albany); Marion (near Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge, along River Road south of Salem); and Clackamas (Mulino, near Estacada, Sandy, and the Milwaukie/Clackamas area).

No specimens were found in the upper Willamette Valley during the 1986-87 inventory. In the past it has been collected near Corvallis, Finley Wildlife Refuge; the Shedd area; around Eugene; and in the vicinity of Cottage Grove. It is probably widespread throughout the Willamette Valley.

The preferred habitat of these amphibians is damp coniferous forests and oak woodlands, usually near water. The adult form spends most of its life in underground burrows, but may sometimes be found under logs, boards, and rocks. It is easiest to find on rainy nights during the spring as it crosses roads to reach aquatic spawning sites.

Two subspecies have been described. The brown salamander (Ambystoma gracile gracile) is the variety found in the Willamette Valley.

Long-toed Salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum)

A common salamander throughout the state, six specimens were observed in the lower Willamette valley. Three individuals were found under boards at the southern edge of Yamhill, and one was located under stones on the south slope of the Amity Hills in Yamhill County. In Polk County, one was taken from beneath a board on the south side of Baskett Butte in the Baskett Slough Wildlife Refuge. The sixth salamander was found under a log on the south side of Stout Butte near Mahama, Marion County.

-5- These amphibians have also been recorded in the lower Willamette Valley in the following counties: Yamhill (near Pike, Carlton, McMinnville, Baker Creek, Muddy Valley); Polk (the Eola Hills, Monmouth, Coffin Butte, Pedee); Benton (McDonald State Forest, Corvallis); Linn (Albany, near Lebanon); Marion (Ankeny Wildlife Refuge, Salem); Clackamas (West Linn, Lake Oswego); and Multnomah (Sauvie Island, near Gresham).

Surprisingly, no long-toed salamanders were found in the upper Willamette Valley. I attribute this to the unseasonably dry weather experienced throughout most of this inventory. In the past, the long-toed salamander has been collected at a number of sites in the area, including Corvallis, near Harrisburg, Finley Wildlife Refuge, near Monroe, Eugene, and near Lorane.

,In western Oregon, long-toed salamanders inhabit both the oak woodlands and the mountain coniferous forests and meadows. Look for this species under rotting logs, old boards, and damp rocks in the early spring. During the dry season they become largely subterranean in their habits and are rarely seen.

Five subspecies have been described. The variety inhabiting the Willamette Valley is the western long-toed salamander (Ambystoma macrodactylum macrodactylum).

Pacific Giant Salamander (Dicamptodon ensatus)

None of these large salamanders were encountered during this project. It is basically a peripheral species, more common to the surrounding mountains than the valley floor.

In the lower Willamette Valley area I have seen larval specimens from the upper north fork of the Yamhill River and there are other records for Portland and the hills west and north of Corvallis. It has been collected in the past at the edges of the upper valley in a few locations, mainly in the Corvallis area, the Finley Wildlife Refuge, and along some of the tributaries flowing from the Cascade Mountains (i.e., Santiam Rivers, Calapooia River, McKenzie River, and the upper Willamette River). Undoubtedly they occur at many other locations where streams flow out of the Coast Range and the Cascade Mountains.

-6- The usual habitat of the giant salamander is one of cool, damp coniferous forests near cold streams, rivers, and lakes. Although it is usually found under logs, rocks, and other surface objects, it is also occa sionally encountered out moving about during the night or sometimes during daylight hours. Neotenic larvae occur in some areas.

Ulympic baiamander tKnyacotriton oiympicusl

Essentially a mountain-dwelling amphibian, the Olympic salamander has been found at only a few localities along the edge of the Willamette Valley. None were found during the 1984 or 1986-87 inventories, which took me primarily to the lower, oak-wooded foothills. In the past, it has been recorded from the lower Willamette Valley from Gales Creek; near Dayton; the Eola Hills; 10 miles above Hoskins on the Luckiamute River; near Estacada; Sandy; and near Corbett. The Olympic salamander has been recorded from the upper Willamette Valley from near Philomath; south of Monroe; the upper Long Tom River drainage; and near Foster.

These salamanders are found under damp to wet rocks in the shady splash zone of streams and within the rock rubble of shallow, cold creeks and such seepages. The surrounding cover is usually typical riparian trees as alder, fir, and cedar with an undergrowth of ferns and vine maple.

Two subspecies are recognized; the northern Olympic salamander (Rhyacotriton olympicus olympicus) and the southern Olympic salamander (R. o. variegatus). The Willamette Valley is apparently within a zone of intergradation between the two varieties.

Roughskin Newt (Taricha granuloma)

These newts are by far the most common salamander found in western Oregon. Because of the heavy rainfall during the spring of 1984, newts were encountered in almost every pond, stream, or water-filled ditch in the lower Willamette Valley. Many more were seen crossing the roads day and night.

-7- Some localities for the lower valley are: Gales Creek; Fairdale; Carlton; McMinnville; Baker Creek; Muddy Valley; Amity; Baskett Slough Wildlife Refuge; between Salem and Independence on River Road; near Adair Village; Monmouth; Kings Valley; Corvallis; near Lebanon; near Scio; Lyons; Stout Butte near Mahama; along the Abiqua River; Butte Creek; Silver Creek Falls; Mount Angel; Estacada; Ladd Hill; West Linn; Milwaukie; and Portland.

Because of the dry conditions during the 1986-87 inventory, newts were not as commonly encountered as usual in the upper Willamette Valley. Most were seen in their typical habitats of ponds and slow-moving streams, or under rotting logs and rocks. Some localities are: near Philomath; Corvallis; Finley Wildlife Refuge; Rattlesnake Hill near Monroe; Eugene area; near Coburg; along Silk Creek near Cottage Grove; near Sweethome; Marcola; Walterville; east of Brownsville; and at several locations in the Lebanon area.

Two subspecies have been described. The northern roughskin newt (Taricha granuloma granuloma) is the variety found in the Willamette Valley.

Dunn's Salamander (Plethodon dunni)

These little green-backed salamanders are absent from the open lowlands of the Willamette Valley. They are mainly found in the more humid mountain forests. None were found during the course of this inventory. All records for this species in the study area come from the edges of the valley.

In the past, I have collected it at Cherry Grove, Washington County; Fairdale, upper Panther Creek, and upper Baker Creek in Yamhill County; and near Falls City, Polk County.

Gordon (1939) records it from 10 miles above Hoskins on the Luckiamute River in Polk County, and Portland and Eagle Creek in Multnomah County. There are other records for upper Gales Creek in Washington County; McDonald Forest, Benton County; near Molalla and the Milwaukie/Lake Oswego area in Clackamas County; and Sauvie Island in Multnomah County. There are a few historic records from the upper valley, all from the vicinity of Corvallis and Philomath, and near Sweethome and Foster.

Dunn's salamander is usually found in damp, mossy rock rubble and under logs in cool, shady situations close to streams. It seems to prefer wetter habitats than the other members of the Plethodon group. It will occasionally hide under rocks by streams and waterfalls well within the splash zone, sometimes taking to water in an effort to escape.

Western Redback Salamander (Plethodon vehiculum)

Several specimens of these brightly striped salamanders were found. All were at the same site near "Orchard View," 5 miles west of McMinnville, on a slope well above Baker Creek. They were under shelving rocks and moss along the edge of a small, seasonal stream in mixed fir and oak forest. In the past, I have also collected vehiculum a few miles to the north along Panther Creek.

Redback salamanders have also been recorded from the following lower Willamette Valley counties: Polk (near Pedee, Airlie); Benton (Corvallis, McDonald Forest); Marion (Salem); Clackamas (near Sandy); and Multnomah (Portland).

Although these small salamanders tolerate a somewhat dryer habitat than the Dunn's salamander, there are only a few records for this species in the upper Willamette Valley. Most of the past records come from the area of Corvallis, Philomath, the Finley Wildlife Refuge, along the Middle Santiam River near Foster, and along the upper Willamette River near Oakridge. Despite the fact that vehiculum range out into the oak woods of the foothills, none were encountered during the 1986-87 inventory. Conditions were generally too dry for finding them under surface objects, such as rocks, logs, moss or leaf litter.

Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzi)

These small, reddish salamanders are quite common throughout western Oregon and were observed at the following localities in the lower Willamette

-9- 1 Val ey during 1984: Yamhill County (Moores Valley, south slope of the Amity Hills, Ladd Hill east of Newberg); Polk County (Baskett Butte in the Baskett Slough Wildlife Refuge); Linn County (2 miles east of Scio); Marion County (Stout Butte east of Mahama, south slope of Mount Angel).

I have also found it in past years at Cherry Grove in Washington County; O@rhar4 M,,AA,, Val I M4 I I ... j I I U'y- , UFIU-A " I I I Gill`naI 'ree"U 1% M Yamhill County; the Eola Hills and Monmouth in Polk County; Corvallis, Kings Valley, and McDonald Forest in Benton County; and in Golden Valley east of Lebanon in Linn County.

Other past records are for the following localities: Washington County (upper Gales Creek near Glenwood); Polk County (Independence); Benton County (Philomath); Linn County (near Albany); Marion County (Salem); Clackamas County (Champoeg State Park, near Estacada); Multnomah County (Portland, Gresham).

Only two specimens were seen during the upper Willamette inventory. These were on Rattlesnake Hill on The Nature Conservancy preserve near Monroe and at the southern edge of Corvallis on "Golf Course Hill." Both of these salamanders were found under small, rotting logs in oak woods, in late autumn of 1986 after some rains had moistened the habitat.

The typical habitat for the Ensatina is damp, rotting logs and stumps in both coniferous forests and oak woodlands. These amphibians are much less restricted to the vicinity of water than other salamanders, such as members of. the genus Plethodon.

Seven subspecies have been described. The Oregon salamander (Ensatina eschscholtz! oregonensis) occurs in the Willamette Valley.

Clouded Salamander (Aneides ferreus)

Mainly an inhabitant of the mountain forests, clouded salamanders range into the foothills surrounding the valley. No clouded salamanders were found during the inventory of the lower Willamette Valley. However, I have

-10- collected this species in the past in Yamhill County along the upper parts of Baker Creek west of McMinnville. It has also been recorded from Washington County (Gales Creek); Polk County (the Eola Hills, near Pedee); Benton County (Kings Valley area, McDonald Forest, Corvallis); Clackamas County (near Molalla, Sandy); and Multnomah County (Portland, Sauvie Island).

One specimen was found under a rotting oak log on the south slope of "Golf Course Hill" at the southern edge of Corvallis in the upper Willamette Valley.. Some past records for the upper valley are: near Monroe, Finley Wildlife Refuge, Elmira, Vida, Sweethome, and near Lebanon.

Clouded salamanders have a marked preference for hiding under the bark of dead trees (they are excellent climbers) and fallen decaying logs and stumps. .Less commonly, they are encountered under rocks, moss, and leaf litter. They are especially associated with the edges of clearings in humid fir and cedar forests.

Western Toad (Bufo boreas)

For some unknown reason, the western toad does not inhabit the Willamette Valley and none were seen during this inventory. However, it has been recorded in the lower Willamette Valley from the general vicinity of the confluence of the Willamette River with the Columbia around the Portland area. Gordon (1939) records it from Oregon City in Clackamas County. I caught toads as a boy at Cornelius in Washington County. None were found there in later years. Nussbaum et al. (1983) mapped a specimen from the upper Willamette Valley but no details are given in the text. It appears to be in the Leaburg area along the McKenzie River in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains.

Two subspecies are recognized, the boreal toad (Bufo boreas boreas) occurring in Oregon.

Pacific Treefrog (Hyla regilla)

The ubiquitous treefrog was seen in virtually every habitat that I investigated within the upper and lower Willamette Valley. These tiny amphibians were observed or heard calling day or night despite the prevailing dry conditions during the spring of 1987.

Some localities for the lower Willamette Valley are: Gales Creek; Cherry Grove; Fairdale; Yamhill; Carlton; McMinnville; Baker Creek; Muddy Valley; Sheridan; Amity Hills; Baskett Slough Wildlife Refuge; Monmouth; Kings Valley;

W4 A 4 4 (Z.i+h I p - I II r-- vall is; Lebanon ; Scio ; Lyons ; Stout Dut 'Le-, Salem; Mount Angel; Abiqua River; Butte Creek; Estacada; West Linn; Lake Oswego; Metzger; and Portland's West Hills.

Some localities for the upper valley are: Corvallis area; near Philomath; Finley Wildlife Refuge; Rattlesnake Hill near Monroe; Junction City; Fern Ridge Reservoir; Eugene; Spencer's Butte; near Lorane; near Cottage Grove; Dorena Reservoir; near Walterville; Marcola; Kampher Ranch; near Brownsville; Sweethome; Peterson Butte; near Lebanon; and near Harrisburg.

Red-legged Frog (Rana aurora)

These large frogs seem to be on the decline in the Willamette Valley in recent years. It is feared that they may be heading in the direction of the spotted frog (Rana pretiosa) in western Oregon, which has already, seemingly, been replaced by the introduced bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana).

Only three red-legged frogs were found; two in the lower Willamette Valley. The first was caught on 5 May 1984, at 2245 hours in the rain, 7 miles south of Dallas on Highway 223 in Polk County. The second was seen near Fairdale (Camp Yamhill) on Haskins Creek near its confluence with the North Fork of the Yamhill River in Yamhill County, 28 May 1984, at 1530 hours.

That I did not find more of these frogs, considering the amount of precipitation experienced during 1984, was a surprise to me. In years past, I encountered red-legged frogs more commonly. Nussbaum et al. (1983) also commented on this lack of Rana aurora. Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Fender of McMinnville, both highly observant biologists, told me that they have not seen any red-legged frogs behind their house along Cozine Creek for several years.

-12- In the past, red-legged frogs have been recorded from the following lower Willamette Valley counties; Washington (Gales Creek and Glenwood area); Yamhill (Cove Orchard, Yamhill, Pike, Panther Creek, Amity Hills, Gopher Creek, Dayton); Polk (Eola Hills, Falls City, near Pedee); Benton (Kings Valley, near Corvallis).; Marion (near Mahama); Clackamas (near Canby, Estacada, Oregon City); Multnomah (Portland, Sauvie Island).

Only one red-legged frog was found in the upper Willamette Valley. This was in a very small, unnamed tributary of Butte Creek on the north slope of Lone Pine Butte north of Brownsville (T13S R2W Sec 8 NWI/4), on 14 May 1987.

In the past, these amphibians have been recorded in the upper Willamette Valley at Albany, near Philomath, near Shedd, near Harrisburg, near Cheshire, Marcola, Eugene, Oakridge, Sweethome, along the Middle Santiam River above Foster, and near Lacomb.

Red-legged frogs are usually found in dense stands of maple and alder with a lush undergrowth of ferns, grasses, and other plants along the edges of streams and ponds. In such habitats, these frogs will often wander far from water in the damp woods. They can usually be seen crossing roads on rainy nights in the spring and fall.

Two subspecies have been named, the northern red-legged frog (Rana aurora aurora) occurring in Oregon.

Spotted Frog (Rana pretiosa)

None of these frogs were located in the Willamette Valley, as expected. The spotted frog has not been seen in the Willamette Valley for many years and has presumably been exterminated there by the introduced.bullfrog, with possible complications from crop sprays and other contaminants. There are old records from the lower Willamette Valley for Washington County (Gales Creek area); Yamhill (McMinnville area); Linn County (Albany area); and Multnomah County (Portland).

-13- Past records for the upper Willamette Valley come from the Tangent area, Finley Wildlife Refuge, near Crawfordsville, the vicinity of Junction City and the upper Willamette River in the Oakridge area.

An early account included in Nussbaum et al. (1983) states that "they occurred in a very slow moving stream in the valley, the edges of which drnnnpd nff @harnly And warn 1@rqnly ......

Foothill Yellow-legged Frog (Rana boylei)

No yellow-legged frogs were located. More widespread and common in the southwestern section of the state, yellow-legged frogs find the northern limits of their range at the southern (upper) end of the Willamette Valley. Most records come from the upper Willamette, Calapooia, McKenzie, and Santiam I River drainages. know of only one record from north of the Lebanon area, in the North Santiam River drainage in the vicinity of Mahama. I searched for boylei further north along Silver Creek and the Abiqua River, as the habitat there appeared suitable. However, it is possible that the North Santiam is the northern-most extent of their distribution.

Yellow-legged frogs prefer clear running streams with rocky or gravelly They bottoms. particularly seem to favor openings where there are sunny, rocky banks.

Bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana)

Several of these large frogs were either observed or heard calling at various areas around the Willamette Valley. They are quite common now, having been introduced many years ago, and are apparently crowding out many of the native frogs, as well as the pond turtle. Large bullfrogs have voracious appetites and a large mouth. They will feed on almost anything they can manage to swallow, including juvenile turtles and even other, small bullfrogs.

The bullfrog does not inhabit clear, flowing streams and rivers, instead preferring sloughs, reservoirs, ponds, warm lakes, and the quiet backwaters of rivers. Because of this habitat choice, they have not been able to invade the

-14- higher, colder mountain lakes and streams. Consequently, many of our smaller native frogs will probably eventually survive only in the Coast Range and Cascade Mountains.

Species Accounts -- Reptiles western Pone' Tu-rtle (Clemmys marmordtd)

Like the red-legged frog, this is another species that seems to be less common now than in years past.

Several pond turtles were observed in the lower Willamette Valley despite the fact that there were few sunny days, such as are preferred by basking turtles. Seven were seen near Fairdale, Yamhill County, in a pond at "Camp Yamhill." I have seen these turtles at this pond and the adjacent Yamhill River for many y-ears. One other Clemmys was observed in a pond by the North Santiam River south of Lyons, Linn County.

In the past, I have seen many pond turtles along the Yamhill River near Carlton and Yamhill. Many were also seen in sloughs near Gaston in Washington County, and at a pond 6 miles southeast of Albany, Linn County.

Other records for the lower Willamette Valley come from near Glenwood in Washington County; along the Willamette River near Grand Island; Ankeny Wildlife Refuge; Corvallis; near Philomath; Oregon City; and Portland.

Pond turtles were observed in the upper Willamette Valley in the Marys River near Wren; 6 mile north of Lebanon in a pond at the edge of Highway 20; Finley Wildlife Refuge in "Beaver Pond;" 3 miles north of Monroe in the Long Tom River; and in Dedrick's Slough in Eugene.

Richard Hoyer, an elementary school teacher from Corvallis, reported that he has found Clemmys several times just south of Peoria as they were crossing the road. The pond turtle's main habitat requirement is the quite waters of ponds, lakes, sloughs, or slow-moving stretches of rivers and streams where there are logs, rocks, or open banks for basking sites. Unfortunately, this is also a good habitat for the bullfrog, which is known to eat juvenile turtles.

Two subspecies have been named. The northwestern pond turtle (Clemmys miarmorata marmordta) occurs in Oregon.

Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta)

One painted turtle was seen near Fairdale, Yamhill County. As Chrysemys have always been found in the Willamette bottomlands, my feelings is that this was an introduced specimen. It was observed at the edge of a pond at "Camp Yamhill," which is used by church groups and the Washington County Outdoor School. It may have been released by a student or teacher wishing to "enrich" the pond's variety of animal life.

Although not widely distributed in the valley, these brightly colored turtles are sometimes fairly common where found. Nussbaum et al. (1983) reported seeing an estimated 60 painted turtles at an oxbow l.ake along the Willamette River near Corvallis. These reptiles-have also been recorded in the valley near Ankeny Wildlife Refuge; Grand Island; near Champoeg State Park; Portland; and on Sauvie Island.

None of these turtles were observed in the upper Willamette and I know of no authenticated records for it along the Willamette River south of Corvallis. Although it is listed for Finley Wildlife Refuge on a herptile life list for the Willamette Valley refuges, John Cornely has never seen them there and felt that this record may be in error. Richard Hoyer, a teacher from Corvallis who conducts herpetological studies in his spare time, reported that one of his students brought him two large adult Chrysemys. They were found crossing the road east of Brownsville along the Calapooia drainage. It is unknown whether these specimens were introduced or native. This species should be considered as rare in the upper valley and appears to be limited to sloughs and slow side waters of the Willamette River, probably not ranging far up the tributaries.

_16- Four subspecies are recognized. The western painted turtle (Chrysemys picta belli) occurs in Oregon.

Western Fence Lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis)

These swift-moving lizards are common throughout most of the valley and

- ob J - - . 1.1- ser vedVVU aat6 several I ssitesJ tes dur- i rig- - ---thi s i nventory. -Some localities- for- the lower Willamette Valley include: Moores Valley, hillside 2 ,miles southwest of Amity Carlton, the Hills, and Ladd Hill in Yamhill County; Baskett Butte, and east of Pedee in Polk County; 4 miles southeast of Airlie on Smith Hill in Benton County; 2 miles northeast of Scio in Linn County; and at Stout Butte and Mount Angel in Marion County.

Fence lizards have also been recorded in the past (by myself and others) in the following counties: Washington (Cherry Grove); Yamhill (Cove Orchard, Pike, Fairdale, Yamhill, McMinnville, Baker Creek, Muddy Valley, Sheridan, Willamina Creek); Polk (the Eola Hills, Mill Creek, Dallas, Airlie); Benton (Kings Valley, Corvallis); Linn (Lebanon); Marion (2 miles southeast of Silverton, near Abiqua River south of Scotts Mills); Multnomah (Portland).

During the 1986-87 inventory of the upper Willamette Valley, fence lizards were observed at Corvw1lis; near Wren along Blakesley Creek; Pigeon Hill on the Finley Wildlife Refuge; Rattlesnake Hill on The nature Conservancy preserve; near Cheshire; Spencer's Butte; near Cottage Grove; rocky buttes and hills northeast of Coburg; 8 miles south of Brownsville on the Kampher Ranch; Peterson Butte; and Hamilton Creek and Golden Valley near Lebanon.

It is certainly one of the most frequently encountered reptiles in the valley with a marked preference for open, sunny, south-facing hillsides with plenty of rocks, stumps, logs, and wooden fence posts for basking stations and cover. They are, therefore, found mainly on the foothills and buttes of the Willamette Valley and are rarely seen in the bottomlands.

Four subspecies have been described. The northwestern fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis occidentalis) is found in the Willamette Valley.

-17- Western Skink (Eumeces skiltonianus)

Skinks were found at several localities in the lower Willamette Valley. On 7 May 1984, I found four Eumeces under rocks on the southwest slope of a high, narrow ridge, called Boundy Butte, in Muddy Valley, Yamhill County. Another specimen was discovered under a rock on a bank above Highway 211, 6 miles northeast of Colton, Clackamas County, on 11 May. Six skinks were located on 24 May on the rocky south slope of Smith Hill, situated 4 miles southeast of Airlie in northern Benton County. On 27 May, one skink was observed on an open, grassy hill with scattered rock outcrops on the Koop Farm, 3.5 miles northeast of Scio, Linn County. Also on 27 May, I saw one skink on the rocky south slope of Stout Butte, 2 miles west of Mahama, Marion County. Eight more Eumeces were found on an open, rocky hillside that is located 2 miles southwest of Carlton, Yamhill County, on 28 May. All were under rocks or old, fallen wooden posts.

In the past, I have also observed skinks in Yamhill County, 2 miles west of Pike. The lizards were found under rocks and boards on an open, grassy south slope above the North Fork of the Yamhill River. This constitutes their most northerly known record along the foothills of the Coast Range in Oregon. I also found skinks to be quite common on many of the rocky hillsides to the west of McMinnville in Muddy Valley, along Baker Creek, and on Peavine Ridge. They are also to be found on the open slopes behind Sheridan. Frank McLeod, who has some biological training and is quite knowledgeable about wildlife told me that he has seen skinks around his house near Whiteson.

Eumeces have been recorded at only two localities in Polk County, as far as I know. I have found them on a rocky ridge above Mill Creek northwest of Dallas. Storm (1963) reported that Allan DeVoe collected two Eumeces 5 miles west of Dallas on the Rickreall Creek Road. They were on a rocky cliff in second-growth timber.

Other localities in the lower valley are for Benton County (Corvallis); ' Linn County (Albany, Lebanon area); Marion County (Salem, Silver Creek Falls); Clackamas County (Oregon City); and Multnomah County (Portland).

_18- These colorful lizards were also found on several rocky, southern slopes in the upper Willamette Valley. Some localities include: Rattlesnake Hill near Monroe; near Dorena Reservoir Dam on upper Hannis Creek; Spencer's Butte; Rock Hill near Coburg; Kampher Ranch near Brownsville; Peterson Butte; near Cottage Grove Reservoir Dam; and near Lebanon along Hamilton Creek and Golden Valley.

In the Willamette Valley, skinks are mainly restricted to the dryer, more open, southern exposures, usually where there are rocks. They are often especially common around old, abandoned outbuildings where there is an abundance of boards for hiding places.

Four subspecies have been described. The western skink (Eumeces skiltonianus skiltonianus) is the variety occurring in western Oregon.

Southern Alligator Lizard (Gerrhonotus multicarinatus)

These large lizards were seen at several localities in the lower Willamette Valley, in the following counties: Yamhill (near Fairdale, open hillside 2 miles southwest of Carlton, south slope of the Amity Hills); Polk (Baskett Butte in the Baskett Slough Wildlife Refuge, near Airlie); Benton (4 miles southeast of Airlie on Smith Hill); Linn (Golden Valley 2 miles east of Lebanon); Marion (south side of Stout Butte); Clackamas (open hillside at the southwestern edge of West Linn).

Other past records are from: Washington (Cherry Grove); Yamhill (Cove Orchard, YamhIll, Moore's Valley, Baker Creek, McMinnville, Muddy Valley, Peavine Ridge, Sheridan, Willamina Creek); Polk (Dallas, the Eola Hills, near Monmouth); Benton (Kings Valley, Corvallis, Coffin Butte); Linn (south of Albany); Marion (the Abiqua River, Mount Angel); Clackamas (near Molalla); Multnomah (Portland).

Some localities for the upper Willamette Valley are: Golf Course Hill at the south edge of Corvallis; Pigeon Hill on the Finley Wildlife Refuge; Rattlesnake Hill on The Nature Conservancy preserve near Monroe; near the Fern Ridge Reservoir Dam; Spencer's Butte; foothills near Coburg; Winkle Butte

-19- north of Monroe; along the Willamette River near Lowell; Peterson Butte; Kampher Ranch near Brownsville; and along Hamilton Creek and Golden Valley near Lebanon.

The southern alligator lizard is most commonly found on the more open, dryer hillsides and oak woodlands, usually where there are clumps of poison oak and other sucil brusil, but occasionally range 1-119-fler 111LU Ule 111=11,d1115 in more open, rocky areas. Logs, bark, boards, and rocks that are used for cover are other essential components of their habitat.

Three subspecies have been described, one being native to the Northwest; the Oregon alligator lizard (Gerrhonotus multicarinata scincicauda).

Northern Alligator Li7ard (Gerrhonotus coeruleus)

Basically a peripheral species, these smaller alligator lizards are inhabitants of the more mountainous forests and range into the higher foothills at the edges of the valley. None were observed during this project. Where the dry oak woods of the lower foothills begins to merge with the dense coniferous forests, the southern alligator lizard drops out to be replaced by the northern alligator lizard. They are especially common in logged over clearings in the forest where there are many logs and bark for cover.

In the past, I have collected this species in the higher foothills at the edges of the valley. Localities for the lower Willamette Valley are: Yamhill County (Pike, Fairdale); Polk County (Mill Creek); Washington County (Cherry Grove).

Others have recorded this lizard from near Glenwood in Washington County; near Pedee and Hoskins in Polk County; McDonald Forest in Benton County; Scotts Hills and Lake Oswego area in Clackamas County; and Portland in Multnomah County.

-20- Four subspecies have been named. The northern alligator lizard (Gerrhonotus coeruleus principis) is the variety that occurs in northwestern Oregon.

Nussbaum et al. (1983) report that captive northern alligator lizards died when fed the caterpillars of the introduced cinnabar moth. Apparently, thils inSl-lt- is quit-e toxic to these lizard's and could pose a problem for them.

Rubber Boa (Charina bottae)

These small, unusual boas were seen at five different localities, three of these in the lower Willamette Valley. One was unearthed from beneath a piece of tin on the south slope of Ladd Hill (a section leased by Star Mooring Farm) east of Newberg, Yamhill County, 10 May 1984. The day was overcast with occasional light showers, so the snake was very cold and torpid. Several Charina were found under boards and old fallen fence posts on the south slope of Baskett Butte in the Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge, Polk County. Two were observed there on 12 May, and six more individuals on 26 May 1984. The weather on both of these dates was fairly sunny with temperatures ranging from 70 to 75'F. On 24 May, a cloudy day, one adult was found under a board beside Rice Road at the southwestern edge of the Amity Hills (next to the turn-off that leads to the Amity Vinyards).

In the upper Willamette Valley, one small specimen was found as it was crossing the North Bank Road, 4.5 miles south of Westfir along the upper A Willamette River. larger (20 inch) individual was also found under a board on the south slope of Golf Course Hill at the southern edge of Corvallis.

Though seldom seen because of its secretive habits, the rubber boa is widespread throughout the Willamette Valley and has been found at a number of locations in the past. Gordon (1939) gives records for Clackamas County (Milwaukie, Molalla, and Oregon City); and Marion County (Salem). The Oregon' State University Zoology Department also has records for near Philomath, Albany, Gales Creek, and Portland.

-21- In the past, I have observed rubber boas at several-other localities in the lower valley. Many were found in Yamhill County at Cove Orchard; Yamhill; Pike; Fairdale; Moores Valley; Bald Peak; McMinnville; Panther Creek; and Muddy Valley. My records also show Charina from the southern end of the Eola Hills in Polk County; near Lebanon in Linn County; 3 miles west of Mill City, the top of Stout Butte, and a rocky point by the Stayton exit of Highway 22 in @@A at Cor-li 4, 4@ 0-+__

Some past records for this species in the upper valley are: Philomath area; Finley Wildlife Refuge; near Monroe; near Cheshire; Eugene; Cottage Grove; near Halsey; and the Lebanon area.

Rubber boas are usually found at the edges of meadows or small grassy glades in coniferous forests or oak woodlands where there are plenty of rotting logs and stumps for cover. 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 in the sawdust in the early spring, I would venture to say that they may congregate at these sawdust piles to hibernate in group "denning sites."

Three subspecies are recognized by some authorities. The Pacific rubber boa (Charina bottae bottae) is the variety reported to occur in western Oregon.

Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus)

Only two specimens of this small, secretive snake were located during the inventory of the lower Willamette Valley. A large (14 inch) adult was found under a rock at the western base of Boundy Butte in Muddy Valley, Yamhill County, on 7 May 1984, at 1745 hours. A juvenile Diadophis was unearthed from beneath a rock at the southwestern end of Stout Butte, 2.5 miles west of Mahama, Marion County, on 27 May 1984, at 1230 hours.

On past occasions, I have caught ringneck snakes at Muddy Valley, on Peavine Ridge, near Bellvue, and Willamina Creek in Yamhill County. I've also found it at Corvallis in Benton County; Golden Valley 2 miles east of Lebanon,

-22- Linn County; at a rocky point by the Stayton exit off Highway 22, 1.5 miles east of Silverton, and on a rocky slope 2 miles up the Abiqua River from Highway 213 in Marion County.

Doug Knutsen, a herpetologist from Ashland, found ringneck snakes at two localities in Polk County during the spring of 1978. One was crossing the n I - . cl-rea"N 11 'ree"N RoadR U I.'I 0 ruilles]Ito WVbt.ast U1-1 Udlld5,-- dna- the-1 other was under a roCK on a south-facing rocky ridge approximately 3 miles up Mill Creek. Other records come from Monmouth in Polk County; Coffin Butte and McDonald Forest in Benton County; and Oregon City in Clackamas County.

Three specimens of the ringneck snake were located in the upper Willamette Valley, all in the spring of 1986. Two were found under rocks on the south slope of Rattlesnake Hill on The Nature Conservancy preserve near Monroe on 22 April 1986. The other specimen was found under a large flat rock near Hamilton Creeki 2.5 miles southeast of Lebanon on 24 April 1986.

In the past, the ringneck snake has been found at the following locations: Golf Course Hill on the south edge of Corvallis; near Finley Wildlife Refuge; near Cheshire; Eugene; Cottage Grove; West Point Butte northeast of Coburg; the Kampher Ranch 8 miles south of Brownsville; Sweet Home; near Halsey; and Golden Valley northeast of Lebanon.

Ringneck snakes are not widely distributed in the Willamette Valley, being mainly confined to the dryer, rocky southern exposures of foothills and buttes. It also ranges somewhat into the surrounding mountains along rocky, exposed areas of canyons. They are usually found beneath rocks, logs, bark, and boards in oak woodlands, often at the edges of grassy clearings.

Ranging from coast to coast, 12 subspecies have been described. The northwestern ringneck snake (Diadophis punctatus occidentalis) occurs in Oregon.

Sharptail Snake (Contia tennis)

Two specimens of this little, worm-like snake were found in the lower Willamette Valley. On 7 May 1984, at 1100 hours, one small adult was found

-23- near Amity, Yamhill County. It was concealed beneath an old, fallen fence post on the upper slope of the Amity Hills. The habitat in the immediate vicinity was grasses, bracken fern, and wild rose at the edge o f a small patch of scrubby oaks. The exact location is at the western end of a large, open, grassy area on the south face of the hill. The post, along with several others, is lying a short distance to the west of a large "A" made from cement ch'on'sK painted white and laid out on then hillside.n

The second snake, a juvenile, was found on 24 May at 1330 hours, next to Rice Road at the southeastern base of the hill. It was under an old board by a fence, just to the west of the turn-off that leads up the hill to Amity Vinyards. The immediate habitat is a small pasture at the edge of a rocky slope and oak woods. Many other old, rotting boards are scattered about. As with the other site described, I have found many sharptail snakes under these boards over the past seven years. However, the location next to Rice Road is being heavily overgrazed and the boards are being trampled by cows. It is not known how long the snakes will be able to withstand this disturbance.

In the past, I have found other Contia higher up on the southwestern point of the hill, just above the Amity Vineyards. There are more decomposing boards at this site and an old roadcut with sedimentary rock rubble scattered along the bank that the snakes can sometimes be found under.

The only other records for Contia in the lower Willamette Valley north of Corvallis come mainly from Dr. Robert Storm of the Oregon State University Zoology Department. He told me that he or his students have collected these snakes in McDonald Forest, the Coffin Butte/Smith Hill area, near Philomath, and near Kings Valley. Dr. Kenneth Walker of the Western Oregon State College Science Department told me of several sharptail snakes that were brought into him by a student who had collected them near Dallas. He had no more specific information than this.

Chip Rahr, who is very knowledgeable about herpetology, told me that as a child he found what he remembers as being a sharptail snake northwest of West Linn. I investigated the entire area, but could find no Contia. However,

-24- during the two days I devoted to the vicinity of West Linn, the weather was rather cool and rainy.

Predominately dry weather during the 1986-87 inventory of the upper Willamette Valley made finding this little, elusive snake very difficult. Only two specimens were found, both in areas where I had previously collected them tn years past. The first specimen was found 8 miles south of Brownsville along Pierce Creek on the Kampher Ranch (THS R2W Sec. 8 NW1/4), while the other was uncovered at the south edge of Corvallis near the Golf Course (T12S RSW Sec. 9 NE1/4). Both of these snakes were found on consecutive days after the first rains on 16-17 October under small, flat sedimentary rocks on an open, grassy south slope close to oak woods. The Brownsville record constitutes the only record for the east side of the Willamette Valley.

Most of the other past records come from the area of Corvallis and Philomath. This is largely as a result of many years of localized field studies by the Oregon State University Zoology Department (Table 1). Chris Maser told me that he has found Contia in the hills west of Junction City in Lane County. Another Lane County record (for which I have no specific locality data) comes from Eugene.

One new record comes from a young herpetology student from Portland, Erik Lyons, who captured two sharptail snakes, 4.5 miles northwest of Cottage Grove along Silk Creek. This is a significant record as it fills in a gap between Contia populations in the Umpqua drainage and those further north in the main Willamette Valley.

The usual habitat of the sharptail snake in the Willamette Valley is open, grassy hillsides with scattered oaks. I have noticed that they are often found where the.underlying rock is of a sedimentary type. Surface activity periods for Contia in Oregon are mainly during the spring and autumn, particularly April and October in the Willamette Valley. During these periods, sharptail snakes can be found under rocks, logs, boards, and loose bark.

-25- Table 1. Oregon State University herpetological records for the sharptail snake in the upper Willamette Valley. April 1935 R.C.T.C. pasture, Corvallis.

April 12, 1941 4 miles south of Philomath. R. Klein

April 1942 5 miles SW of Philomath in burned stump on south side of hill.

July 7, 1946 3 miles west of Philomath along R. Storm Woods Creek Road, from a very rotten stump.

July 30, 1946 2 miles west of Philomath. Two R. Storm specimens in root extension of fi.r stump at edge of fir forest and open clearing.

August 7, 1946 Bull Run Creek Hill, 3.5 miles R. Storm south of Philomath, from beneath small stump.

June 25, 1947 3 miles southwest of Philomath R. Storm in small clearing on Evergreen Rd.

April 6, 1948 Under fallen fence post on Cliff K. Walker Butte.

May 3, 1948 Under log in open grassy area near 0. Dunlop a pond, 2 miles south of Corvallis at end of Brook Lane.

June 1, 1948 School number 31 on old Peoria Dumas & K. Walker Ferry Road.

6 May 17, 1949 miles south of Philomath, under D. Twehy board in open meadow in Coast Range foothills.

April 27, 1950 From under a board in pasture near H. George a school house, 0.5 mile east of McBee Lake, 7 miles south of Corvallis. Weather overcast with intermittent rain. May 1, 1950 Found in rotten Douglas fir stump J. Greenley at 2:00 p.m., 1 mile north of Wren on Kings Valley Road.

April 4, 1951 1 mile southwest of Corvallis on Herp. Class Cemetary Hill.

April 10, 1951 7 miles southwest of Corvallis. R.N. Brenser Under the hard, outer layer of wood on the root extension of a small stump.

-26- Table 1. Continued.

April 15, 1951 4 miles southwest of Kings Valley D. Dunlop on Price Creek, under partially buried planks. May 1951 12 miles southwest of Corvallis, along Starr Creek, on Peter DeLaubenfel's Ranch (R6W T12S Sec. 23).

May 8, 1951 5.5 miles southwest of Philomath R. Storm near headwaters of Powell Creek. Under boards in small, open, grassy pasture.

September 26, 1951 Highway 34 and Beaver Road. D. Hemphill

November 2, 1951 6.5 miles South of Philomath. P. DeLoubenfess

April 4, 1953 10 miles by road from Corvallis on Virginia Gordon the Oak Creek approach to McDonald Forest. Steep, grassy slope, facing southwest. Loose rockslide above road. A few scattered, small oak trees in the area. Heavy Douglas fir growth about 200 feet to the northeast. Specimen was in a tightly coiled position under a rock along the edge of the road. 1200 ft. elevation, overcast sky, temp. 60 degrees, 5:00 p.m.

April 8, 1953 2 miles north of Corvallis on Jerry Hout Highland Way, 200 yards from McDonald Forest boundary. Collected at 4:15 p.m. under plank near the stream.

April 19, 1953 1 mile west of Independence School.

May 4, 1953 3 miles north of Corvallis, under Cliff Kent board in cow pasture (T11S R5W).

May 2 13, 1953 miles north of Corvallis on Eugene Kauffman Highland Way. Snake under fir slab near fence by grain field, conifer forest to west, cloudy, raining hard.

October 1965 Soap Creek in northern Benton County.

-27- The most favorable conditions for finding Contia seems to be on warm, humid days following a rainy period (which was the case with both of the specimens captured at Amity). As soon as surface conditions turn hot and dry in late spring, these reptiles become subterranean until the autumn rains allow them to resurface. However, there is some evidence that suggests that sharptail snakes may become nocturnally active on the surface during the warm weather. Richard Hoyer reported that he has found these snakes in the Corvallis area on mild days in the winter (November-January).

It appears that, though not usually found at many widespread locations, Contia often occur as quite large colonies in some places. They seem to be quite gregarious. Many writers report finding several at a time under one board or log. This has also been my experience on various occasions with sharptail snakes.

Racer (Co-luber constrictor)

Only three racers were encountered in the lower Willamette Valley. This was probably due to the unseasonably cool, rainy weather experienced throughout May of 1984. Racers seem to require sunny days and higher temperatures than most snakes to be active.

One juvenile was observed at Camp Yamhill near Fairdale, and a small adult was found under a board in the Amity Hills in Yamhill County. Another adult racer was found moving through grass and poison oak on the south slope of Stout Butte in Marion County.

Racers have been recorded at many localities in the lower Willamette Valley in the following counties: Washington (Gales Creek, Cornelius); Yamhill (Cove Orchard, Yamhill, Moores Valley, Panther Creek, Baker Creek, McMinnville, Muddy Valley, Sheridan); Polk (the Eola Hills, Dallas, Monmouth, south of Independence); Benton (Coffin Butte, McDonald Forest, Corvallis); Linn (Golden Valley east of Lebanon); Marion (near Stayton, 3 miles west of Mill City); Clackamas (Canby, Oregon City, Milwaukie); and Multnomah (Portland).

-28- Conditions during the inventory of the Upper Willamette Valley were apparently more favorable than in 1984. Several of these slim, fast-moving snakes were seen in 1986 and 1987. Some localities are: Rattlesnake Hill southwest of Monroe; hillside west of the Fern Ridge Reservoir Dam; Rock Hill northeast of Coburg; 8 miles south of Brownsville on the Kampher Ranch; and Golden Valley and Hamilton Creek near Lebanon.

Racers are usually found in sunny, exposed brushy and grassy areas. Particularly favored are situations of rocks and logs on the edge of tangled bushes and blackberry vines. As soon as they feel threatened, these snakes seek refuge in the bushes and thorny vines.

This wide-ranging (coast to coast) species has been divided into 11 subspecies. The western yellowbelly racer (Coluber constrictor mormon) occurs in Oregon.

Gopher Snake Wituophis melanoleucus)

This is one of the most common snakes in the farmlands and foothills of the Willamette Valley, being exceeded only by garter snakes. However, few gopher snakes were encountered in the lower Willamette Valley. I attribute this to the unseasonably cool, rainy weather during spring of 1984. Three specimens of this species were found. The first was discovered cold and stiff hidden under a log on a rocky slope of Ladd Hill east of Newberg. Another, also from Yamhill County, was found under a fallen fence post on the open slope of a hill 2 miles southwest of Carlton. The third, a juvenile, was located coiled under a flat rock on the south slope of Smith Hill, 4 miles southeast of Airlie in Benton County.

Widespread in the valley, the gopher snake has been recorded in the following counties: Washington (Cornelius, Gaston); Yamhill (Cove Orchard), Yamhill, Pike, Panther Creek, McMinnville, Baker Creek, Muddy Valley, Sheridan, Willamina Creek, Amity Hills); Polk (Eola Hills, Baskett Slough Wildlife Refuge, Dallas, Monmouth); Benton (Adair Village, Corvallis, Blodgett, Kings Valley); Linn (Albany, Lebanon); Marion (Stout Butte, Salem,

-29- Silverton); and Multnomah (Portland). I have no records for Clackamas County, but these snakes undoubtedly range into that section of the valley.

The gopher snake was seen at many localities in the upper Willamette Valley including.: Corvallis; Philomath area; Finley Wildlife Refuge; Rattlesnake Hill southwest of Monroe; near Cheshire; Spencer's Butte; near Lorane; near Eugene; along Silk Creek west of Cottage Grove; several locations along the North Bank Road west of Westfir on the Willamette River; Rock Hill northeast of Coburg; 8 miles south of Brownsville on the Kampher Ranch; Peterson Butte, and near Lebanon. Many of these snakes were dead on roads.

These large constrictors are commonly found throughout the meadows, fields, and oak woodlands of the foothills and bottomlands of the valley.

Ten subspecies are recognized, the Pacific gopher snake (Pituophis melanoleucus catenifer) occurring in western Oregoni

Common Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis)

Widespread throughout the valley, this brightly-colored garter snake was encountered at several different localities. These snakes are very aquatic and are often seen in grassy areas along streams, ponds, and other wet places. However, they also may be occasionally encountered at some distance from water in a variety of habitats.

The common garter snake has been recorded from the following counties in the lower Willamette Valley; Washington (Cornelius, Metzger, Gales Creek, Glenwood, Cherry Grove); Yamhill (Cove Orchard, Yamhill, Pike, Fairdale, Moores Valley, Carlton, Panther Creek, McMinnville, Baker Creek, Muddy Valley, Sheridan, Amity), Polk (Eola Hills, Baskett Slough Wildlife Refuge, Dallas, Monmouth, between Monmouth and Pedee); Benton (Kings Valley, McDonald Forest, Blodgett, Corvallis); Linn (Lebanon, Jordan, Albany); Marion (3 miles west of Mil I City, Stout Butte, Lyons, Salem, Mount Angel); Clackamas (Mu l i no, near Estacada, Sandy, Oregon City, near West Linn); and Multnomah (Portland, Sauvie Island).

-30- In the upper Willamette Valley, the common garter snake was found at Finley Wildlife Refuge; near the Dorena Reservoir Dam; 2 miles east of Cheshire; 3 miles north of Coburg; 8 miles south of Brownsville; near Peterson Butte; near Philomath; and along Hamilton Creek and Golden Valley near Lebanon.

Ranging from coast to coast, 12 subspecies have been named. The red-spotted garter snake (Thamnophis sirtalis concinnus) is the variety native to northwestern Oregon.

Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans)

This garter snake is almost rare in the Willamette Valley, being known from the area by only a few records. None were found during the inventory of the lower or upper Willamette Valley. Although most of its distribution west of the Cascade Mountains is in the southwestern section of the state, it does range into the southern (upper) end of the valley, at least as far north as the Lebanon area along the South Santiam River. In the past, they have been recorded in the upper valley from near Lorane; Eugene; near Oakridge; near Coburg; the Junction City area; along the Calapooia River east of Crawfords- ville; near Sweethome; and along the Santiam River, 2 miles southeast of Lebanon.

Only a few isolated populations occur in the lower Willamette Valley. These are at the northwestern edge of the valley in Yamhill, Washington, and Columbia Counties. In 1963, 1 found the first of these snakes I mile east of Fairdale in Yamhill County. They were on logs along the edge of a pond at "Camp Yamhill." Three were captured, one being given to the Oregon State University Zoology Department for their collection. Later, I collected more specimens in Washington County along Gales Creek at the northern edge of the community of Gales Creek. At about this same time, Mike Judd, a student interested in herpetology, captured western terrestrial garter snakes in Washington County at Cherry Grove and in the Timber/Glenwood area. A few years later, he found a specimen near Scappoose in Columbia County. Stan Held, a keeper at the Washington Park Zoo in Portland, told me that he too has

-31- seen this snake in the Scappoose area. In 1977, I found one dead on a road at the northwestern end of Moores Valley in Yamhill County.

Four subspecies have been described, the mountain garter snake (Thamnophis elegans elegans) occurring in northwestern Oregon. Although the small, disjunct populations of snakes from Yamhill, Washington, and Columbia Counties have been assigned to the subspecies elegans, they have different habits and strikingly different color patterns. Whereas the mountain garter snake is basically a terrestrial reptile, these isolated populations are quite aquatic and have brilliant white or yellowish-white dorsal stripes that are usually broken into bright dots and dashes the entire length of the snake. The Willamette populations are in need of taxonomic stucly.

It appears that these isolated populations are confined to the upper reaches of small valleys in the Coast Range foothills. The habitat preference there seems to be the vicinity of streams at the transition of oakwoods to fir/cedar forest.

Northwestern Garter Snake (Thamnophis ordinoides)

This is the most common snake native to the Willamette Valley. It was seen at most of the localities I investigated. The northwestern garter snake is especially common in moist, grassy situations where it can find its favorite food sources, slugs and worms.

It has been recorded in the following counties in the lower Willamette Valley: Washington (Cornelius, Gales Creek, Cherry Grove, Metzger, Gaston, North Plains); Yamhill (Cove Orchard, Yamhill, Pike, Fairdale, Carlton, Panther Creek, McMinnville, Muddy Valley, Sheridan, Willamina Creek, Amity Hills); Polk (Eola Hills, Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge, Dallas, Monmouth); Benton (Smith Hill, Coffin Butte, McDonald Forest, Corvallis, Kings Valley); Linn (Lebanon, Scio, near Albany); Marion (Stout Butte, 3 miles west of Mill City, near Stayton, Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge, Salem, Silverton, Silver Creek Falls, Mount Angel, along the Abiqua River); Clackamas (Estacada, near Molalla, West Linn); Multnomah (Portland, Sauvie Island).

-32- Some localities for the upper Willamette Valley are: Corvallis; Philomath area; Finley Wildlife Refuge; near Alpine; Rattlesnake Hill southwest of Monroe; near Cheshire; Junction City; near Fern Ridge Reservoir Dam; Eugene; Spencer's Butte; near Lorane; along Silk Creek west of Cottage Grove; near Cottage Grove Reservoir; near Dorena Reservoir; along the Willamette River between Oakridge and Lowell; near Walterville; near Coburg; 8 miles south of Brownsville; dead on Gap Road south of Brownsville; Peterson Butte; and near Lebanon.

Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis)

Due to a dearth of sunny days during spring of 1984, few rattlesnakes were seen in the lower Willamette Valley. On 17 May 1984, at 1330 hours, two Crotalus were observed at a den by a quarry at the southwestern end of Stout Butte. This large, rock-rimmed hill is located 2 miles west of Mahama in southern Marion County. At 1430 hours, another individual was seen at a den higher up at the southeastern end of the butte. On a return trip to South Butte on 27 May, one rattlesnake was found at another den by the quarry at the southwestern end of the butte at 1345 hours. Also, on 27 May, a rattlesnake was observed at a den by a quarry in Golden Valley, 2.5 miles east of Lebanon in Linn County.

Formerly more widespread in the lower Willamette Valley, the rattlesnake has now been exterminated in most areas. At this point in time, I have been able to locate only one surviving population north of Lebanon in the Willamette Valley. This is at Stout Butte in Marion County. Although rattlers are known to exist in the hills around Scio and Thomas Creek in Linn County, none of the local people that I questioned there had seen these snakes in recent years.

From old records at Oregon State University, newspaper articles and photos, and questioning "old timers" who have killed rattlesnakes, I have ascertained that the rattlesnakes was present at the following localities in years past: Yamhill County (rocky hillside 2 miles southwest of Carlton, near Orchard View on Baker Creek west of McMinnville, Muddy Valley, the open hills north of Sheridan, 4 miles north of Willamina along Willamina Creek, and the.

-33- Amity Hills); Polk County (the Eola Hills near McCoy and west of Salem); Benton County (Coffin Butte and the hills west of Corvallis); and Marion County (Mount Angel).

I have also heard rumors of rattlesnakes occurring near Molalla and along the Clackamas River in Clackamas County, and in the hills west of Dallas in Polk County. 'However, I have never been able to find anyone who has personally seen the snakes in these areas.

Rattlesnakes were seen at six different localities in the upper Willamette Valley. All were seen at denning sites on rocky southern exposures including: Rattlesnake Hill on The Nature Conservancy preserve near Monroe; Spencer's Butte at the southern edge of Eugene; Rock Hill near Coburg; along Pierce Creek on the Kampher Ranch south of Brownsville; 1.5 miles east of Brownsville on Northern Drive; and along Hamilton Creek, 2.5 miles southeast of Lebanon. Three rattlers were seen at both the Monroe and Spencer's Butte dens; all the other locations had only one or two snakes present. It would seem that Crotalus populations are on a decline in the upper Willamette Valley as well.

I interviewed many people who lived in rattlesnake areas. All remarked that they used to see more rattlers in years past. I have ascertained that the rattlesnake was formerly present at the following localities in the upper Willamette Valley; west of Corvallis on Bald Hill; Winkle (or Wagner) Butte near Finley Wildlife Refuge; Richardson Butte at the north end of Fern Ridge Reservoir; Lenon Hill northeast of Coburg; Marks Ridge north of Sweethome; and Ward and Peterson Buttes between Lebanon and Brownsville.

I can personally vouch for the fact that the western rattlesnake is not as common as it once was at the Hamilton Creek site. In the spring of 1967, I counted 62 Crotalus at four denning areas in only three hours. However, whenever I have visited these same locations within the last five to eight years, I have only observed a total of one or two of these snakes. The area has had an influx of people, to the resulting detriment of the rattlesnake populations.

-34- However, the western rattlesnake is still surviving in a number of areas in the upper Willamette Valley. This is in contrast to the lower portion of the valley north of Corvallis and Lebanon, where it has been exterminated in all but one or two areas.

Surprisingly, these reptiles have managed to survive on Spencer's Butte at the southern edge of the Eugene city limits. This is especially remarkable when one considers that this butte has many public trails and is a popular area for recreation.

Besides the six localities where I found rattlesnakes, they have been recorded in recent years along the upper Willamette River near Lowell (I have no reports upstream from this point); in the area of the Dorena Reservoir Dam near Cottage Grove; Camp Creek Ridge near Springfield; near WaltervfTle; Coburg Point area; Gap Road/Indian Head area south of Brownsville; along Cochran Creek north of Brownsville; near Sweethome; and Golden Valley east of Lebanon.

In the Willamette Valley, the western rattlesnake is confined to the vicinity of the dryest, rocky foothills and buttes. These rocky slopes are required for winter denning areas. During the warm season the snakes spread out into the surrounding meadows, fields, and brushy slopes.

Eight subspecies have been named. The Northern Pacific rattlesnake (Crotalus viridis oreganus) is found in the Willamette Valley.

DISCUSSION

Despite extremes in weather conditions, a good representation of the herpetofauna of the Willamette Valley was found during this project. This data, along with the historical material I have included, should provide for a good understanding of these species distributions and habitat needs in the Willamette drainage.

However, I do not wish to convey-the impression that I have thoroughly investigated the entire area during this project. The Willamette Valley is a

-35- large territory for one herpetologist to cover; especially considering that these are secretive creatures that are often difficult to find. Obviously, I was only able to "spot check" likely habitats at various locations throughout the study area, this inventory being oriented toward distributional studies rather than population counts.

Unfortunately, the protected spotted frog was not found during this inventory. This reinforces fears that this frog has been completely exterminated in the Willamette Valley by the introduced bullfrog, and possibly other factors such as pollution and insecticides. I was out road hunting on many rainy, "froggy" nights. Spotted frogs certainly had many chances to show themselves if they were present, particularly in the lower valley.

Yellow-legged frogs were also not located. Uncommon in the vailey, I had hoped to ascertain their northernmost limit of distribution. Suspecting that they may occur north of their known record at Mahama, I searched Silver Creek and the Abiqua River. However, the heavy spring runoff in 1984 made conditions less than favorable for finding frogs along the edges of streams.

Due to cloudy weather, few basking turtles were seen at the aquatic sites I that visited. The one painted turtle that I observed in Yamhill County was probably an introduced specimen. Not widespread in the Willamette Valley, the painted turtle needs further inventorying. It is possible that it does not occur south of Corvallis along the Willamette River. An occasional lone individual of this species has turned up (see species account) in the upper valley area, but these are probably introduced, escaped pets.

Several western pond turtles were observed at various sites in the study area. However, as mentioned in the species account for this reptile, no juveniles were seen. The introduced bullfrog is known to eat young turtles and could pose a problem for them, such as it has for our native frogs. Though seemingly stable at this time, the western pond turtle should be monitored for possible future difficulties.

-36- A main subject of focus in the Willamette Valley, the sharptail snake was located at two different sites in the the Amity Hills of southern Yamhill County. This does not constitute a new record, as I first found these snakes there in 1977. I have observed many Contia on this hill since that time and would say that it is a relatively large and healthy population. However, the one site by Rice Road is at the edge of a small pasture that is now being fleav "yI I overgraze'. The old, decaying boards that the snakes are found under are being trampled by cows.

The other specimen came from an area more removed from human habitation. It was under a fallen wooden.fence post high on the south slope of the Amity Hills. Several more posts are lying about that I have found many sharptail snakes under in the past. This site has remained virtually unchanged for the past seven years. However, Amity Vinyards is claiming more land just below this site on the southwestern slope of the hill. At the eastern end of the hill, roads and water systems have been put in for an extensive housing development. I was unable to find sharptail snakes at any other locations to the north of Amity.

Dry conditions, especially during the spring of 1986 made it difficult to locate sharptail snakes in the upper valley. Only two specimens were found, both at sites where they have been previously located. Neither of these two snakes constitutes a new record or range extension. However, one of the snakes (from near Brownsville) was only the second documented Contia record for the east side of the Willamette Valley. I had found the first specimen at the same site in 1978. The other sharptail snake was found at the edge of Corvallis, where many of these snakes have been collected over the past 50 years. The two specimens that were found by Erik Lyons west of Cottage Grove in 1984 are reported here for the first time. This is a significant record, as it fills in a gap between the Umpqua and main Willamette Valley Contia populations.

Despite extensive searching for this species at other locations on the east side of the valley where the habitat was seemingly suitable, none were located. Whether this was due to unsuitable weather conditions, or simply because they do not occur at any other locations there, I am uncertain. Their

-37- odd, spotty distribution and secretive habits make surveys of thesL snakes somewhat exasperating.

Although the sharptail snake occurs in both the oak woods of the valleys and the coniferous forests of the mountains in southwestern Oregon, this does not seem to be the case in the northwestern portion of the state. Present

4 Ad al 4 +1 4 nu &I Ud -a .- n I, la -1 s. a n n -V W ve -a Ce Uo 1-1 ee Yy Q- U- 1-1 -1 U- th s rr I I rf g I I Ir e c- n te C te a I n -P d- -5 t t r t, t , t t rt r t of the Willamette Valley. However, despite their limited distribution there, they may not be in extreme jeopardy from land development. These snakes seem to do quite well as a backyard snake, provided that excessive pesticides and herbicides are not used around a home.

Another species of concern was the ringneck snake. Like the sharptail snake, this small reptile also becomes largely subterranean during dry weather. Only two specimens were located in the lower Willamette Valley; three were found in the upper valley, all during a more damp period in the early spring of 1986. Although the scarcity of records for this species in the Willamette Valley might superficially indicate that it is a rare snake, it probably merely reflects their secretive habits. It is more than likely fairly widespread in the area where the habitat is suitable.

A rare snake, particularly in the northwestern part of the valley, I was not surprised that the western terrestrial garter snake did not turn up during the inventory. Despite many searches, I have found few of these snakes in the area in past years. The snakes from the lower valley are isolated and unique in many aspects of their habits, coloration and pattern, and warrant serious study.

Although formerly more widespread, my findings show that the western rattlesnake survives at only two sites in the lower Willamette Valley. These are at Stout Butte in Marion County and in the Golden Valley east of Lebanon in Linn County. I investigated some reports of rattlesnakes in the hills between Lebanon and Stout Butte, but could not locate any snakes. Six denning sites were found in the upper valley, however, only two to three snakes were found in each den. Crotalus populations are apparently declining throughout the Willamette Valley.

-38- As mentioned in the species account for the western rattlesnake, it was surprising to find these snakes still inhabiting Spencer's Butte, adjacent to the southern city limits of Eugene. Apparently, if the situation is right, the rattlesnake can continue to survive, even at the edge of a metropolitan area. My feeling is that if there is a large enough undisturbed, natural area below a denning site, where the snakes can spread out into during the summer may .. onths, they be able to maintain a viable population. This is the case with the Spencer's Butte population, where there is a mixed brushy/meadows area with ponds at the base of the butte.

Management Recommendations

As my previous comments on the status of the less common species indicate, some of the valley's herpetofauna is in danger. The introduced bullfrog, and possibly insecticides and pollution, have probably already eradicated one native frog and may be affecting other species similarly. Personally, I have observed that there are far fewer garter snakes along road banks now than during the 1960's, possibly from the use of herbicides to control weeds. Nussbaum et al. (1983) commented on the decreasing number of red-legged frogs in the Willamette Valley. Despite excellent weather conditions for amphibians during this inventory, only two of these frogs were found.

On a more positive note, some species do not seem to be seriously affected by the wise agricultural use of the land. This is especially so if fence rows are not kept too well manicured so as to provide cover for Wildlife. Examples would be the rodent-eating gopher snake and the common garter snake at the farm pond.

Suburban housing developments are an entirely different matter, however. Most amphibians and reptiles do not prosper in an environment of pavement and insecticide/herbicide sprayed lawns. On the the other hand, I have had the pleasure of seeing yards kept by people who landscape according to the precepts of the National Wildlife Federation's excellent backyard wildlife refuge plan. If adequate cover is provided and hand weeding is done instead of resorting to herbicides, small wildlife can survive. A housing development

-39- need not necessarily mean the demise of small creatures like tree frogs, fence lizards, and sharptail snakes. Most of the small, nongame wildlife requires little room to survive.

Ideally, it would be good if a few areas that have a broad variety of typical Willamette Valley herpetofauna could be set aside and protected, especially if some of the protected and less common species were present. As an example, only a small section of the Amity Hills would have to be protected to save a colony of sharptail snakes. I particularly feel that some aquatic habitats should be kept free of bullfrogs. In such a situation or native frogs and turtles would be assured of a refuge.

Although not popular anywhere, the uniquely American western rattlesnake should be given a chance to survive at some locations in the Willamette Valley. The Nature Conservancy has recently preserved one population in the upper valley at a rocky hill south of Monroe in Lane County. In the lower Willamette Valley, Stout Butte in Marion County would be a good candidate. Rattlesnakes have survived at this site apparently because of an untended meadow and marshy area that provides a summer range for the snakes. It is located on a slightly higher level above the house and road at the south base of the hill. Because of this habitat diversity, a number of other species such as western skinks, ringneck snakes, rubber boas, northwestern salamanders, and most of the more common amphibians and reptiles occur there as well.

Finally, any educational programs aimed at the general public that would help them to better know and understand their native amphibians and reptiles should be encouraged. If the fear and misunderstanding that causes the killing of animals like snakes could be lessened, a big step toward their protection will have been made.

Although our native herpetofauna is facing many prob lems in the rapidly developing Willamette Valley, with careful planning, all species need not go the way of the spotted frog.

-40- ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Some of the historical material is from my own personal files of 20 years. Other records came from such sources as the biology departments of several Oregon colleges and universities, trained biologists, and other knowledgeable naturalists. I am particularly indebted to Dr. Robert Storm of tne uregon state University Zoology Department who has shared his locality data with me for many years. Others who helped by sharing their past sightings of various species were Dr. Kenneth Gordon, Dr. Kenneth Walker, Mr. and Mrs. Fender, Frank McLeod, Chip Rahr, and Stan Held, John Cornely, Doug Knutsen, Mike Judd, John Applegarth, and Richard Hoyer. Gene Brown and Craig Zugar accompanied me into the field on two occasions to help search for specimens.

This project was funded through the Nongame Wildlife Program of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

REFERENCES

Gordon, K. 1939. The amphibia and reptilia of Oregon. Oregon State Monograph.

.Nussbaum, R.A., E.D. Brodie, Jr., and R.M. Storm. 1983. Amphibians and reptiles of the Pacific Northwest. The University Press of Idaho, Moscow.

St. John, A.D. 1980. Knowing Oregon reptiles. Salem Audubon Society. Stebbins, R.C. 1985. A field guide to western reptiles and amphibians (second edition, revised). Peterson Field Guide Series, Houghton Mifflin Co.

Storm, R.M., Editor. 1963. Oregon Herpetological Society Newsletter, No. 21

-41- Appendix A. Bibliography of Oregon herpetology

Behler, J.L. and F.W. King. 1979. The Audubon Society field guide to North America reptiles and amphibians. Alfred A. Knopf, Inc.

Klauber, L.M. 1956. Rattlesnakes: their habits, life histories, and influence on mankind. 2 volumes. University of California Press. Pavelek, W. 1957. A distributional study of known areas inhabited by Crotalus vir'd'I is oreganus on the east slope of the Willamette Valley. Tn-pu-bMsh-ed repo@-t-s-uS@mitted to the Zoology Department of Oregon State University.

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

Smith, H.M. 1978. Amphibians of North America. Golden Press. Smith, H.M. and E.D. Brodie, Jr. 1982. Reptiles of North America. Golden Press.

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

Stebbins, R.C. 1966. A field guide to western reptiles and amphibians. Peterson Field Guide Series, Houghton Mifflin Co. Storm R.M. 1971. Oregon's rare and endangered amphibians and reptiles. Oregon State Game Commission Bulletin, December Issue. Storm, R.M. 1974. Oregon's turtles, toads, and frogs. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Information Leaflet, No. 21

Storm, R.M. 1975. Snakes of Oregon. Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Information Leaflet, No. 22

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

Wright A. and A. Wright. 1957. Handbook of snakes of the United States and Canada. 2 volumes. Comstock Publishing Co.

-42- Appendix B. Locality data abstract for the Willamette Valley.

Species Date Location

Northwestern salamander 05/11/84 T3S R4W Sec. 9; under log in oakwoods, (Ambystoma gracile) S. slope of Alecs Butte, 2 miles S. of Yanihill, W. of Highway 47, Yamhill County.

05/13/84 T3S RII '9; on paved road 2 miles W. oT7ar ton, Yamni I I Gounty; rainy night, 2345 hours

05/27/84 TSIS R1E Sec. 15; under log at S. base of Stout Butte, 2 miles W. of Mahama, Marion County.

Western redback salamander 05/27/84 T4S R5W Sec. 11; under rocks and moss (Plethodon vehiculum) by small, seasonal stream above Baker Creek, 5 miles W. of McMinnville near "Orchard View," Yamhill County. Six specimens.

T8S R6W 3.6; on Highway Red-legged frog 05/05/84 Sec - 223, rainy (Rana aurora) nigE@ -,?t 24 h 0 rs, / miles S. of Dallas, Polk County.

05/28/84 T11 RIIcon;Tc;nce33; along Haskins Creek near with N. Fork Yamhill River at Camp Yamhill, 1 mile E. of Fairdale, Yamhill County.

05/14/87 T13S R2W Sec. 8 NW1/4; adult in very small, unnamed tributary of Butte Creek, on N slope of Lone Pine Butte N of Brownsville, Linn County. Oak and Douglas fir forest. 1830 hours on warm, sunny day.

Western pond turtle 05/06/84 TSIS R2E Sec. 20; Pond by Santiam (Clemmys marmorata) River, E. edge of Lyons, Linn County. One individual. 05/28/84 T2S R5W Sec. 33; Pond at Camp Yamhill, 1 mile E. o FT_airdale, Yamhill County. Seven specimens on logs.

07/17/86 T11S R6W Sec. 21 SE1/4; adult on log in Marys River, where Highway 223 crosses, 0.5 mile N of Wren, Bent-on County. 1630 hours on very hot, sunny day.

-43- Appendix B. Continued.

Species Date Location

Western pond turtle 09/19/86 T11S R2W Sec. 9 SW1/4; four adults on (cont.) To@gsin pond at L edge of Highway 20, across road from Lakeview School, 6 miles N of Lebanon, Linn County, 1230 hours on warm, sunny day.

04/27/87 T131 R 'W Sec. 29 'Wl/@; adult at edge -oT-9Te-aver Pond' on FInley Wildlife Refuge, Benton County. 1730 hours on hot, humid, sunny day.

05/05/87 T14S R5W Sec. 10 SWI/4; three adults on logs IT-n-Co-n-g-7-T-Fiver, below Hubbard Road Bridge, 3 miles N of Monroe, Benton County. 1030 hours on warm, sunny day. 05/13/87 T17S R4W Sec. 19 SWI/4; three adults on logs 571D-e-d-ric7rs-Tiough in Eugene, Lane County. 1430 hours on a warm, sunny day.

Painted turtle 05/28/84 172S R5W Sec. 33; Pond at Camp Yamhil I, (Chrysemys picta) I mile E. of Fairdale, Yamhill County. Probably a released specimen.

Western skink 05/07/84 T4S R5W Sec. 33; Four specimens under (Eumeces skiltonianus) rocks, SW slope of Boundy Butte, Muddy Valley, Yamhill County.

05/11/84 T4S R4E Sec. 18; One individual under rock on ba-nV-Fy- Highway 211, 6 miles NE of Colton, Clackamas County.

05/24/84 T10S RII Sec. 10; Six specimens under rocFs on S. slop e ot bmith Hill, 4 miles SE of Airlie, Benton County.

05/27/84 T9S RlE Sec. 15; One individual on S. slope of Stout Butte, 2 miles W. of Mahama, Marion County.

05/28/84 US R4W Sec. 30; Eight specimens under rocks on open T. slope of hill, 2 miles SW of Carlton, Yamhill County.

Rubber boa 05/10/84 T3S R2W Sec. 36; One individual under (Charina bottae) piece of-Ti@non S. slope of Ladd Hill,

-44- Appendix B. Continued.

Species Date Location

Rubber boa (cont.) E. of Newberg, Yamhill County. (Land leased by "Star Mooring Farm")

05/12-05/22/84 US RIW Aeddcia@lrle;rl4 light specimens under uuaru@ pwsL5 un S. slope or Baskett Butte, Baskett Slough National Wildlife Refuge, Polk County.

05/24/84 T5S R4W Sec. 20; One individual under board by Rice Road, W. of turnoff to Amity Vinyards, SW base of Amity Hills, Yamhill County.

10/16/86 T12S R5W Sec. 9 NEI/4; adult under board on south slope o@ "Golf Course Hill" at S edge of Corvallis, Benton County. Open, grassy hillside at edge of oakwoods. 1130 hours on semi-cloudy, moderately warm day.

05/08/87 T21S R21 Se Cih'N.S W 1/4; small adult crossin , Nor nlZ 170 ad, 4.5 miles NW of Westfir, Lane County. Mixed fir, oak, and maple at bottom of steep slope. Willamette River below road. 1630 hours on semi-cloudy, warm day.

Sharptall snake 05/07/84 T5S R4W Sec. 21; One small adult under (Contia tenuis) tallen post on upper S. slope of Amity Hills, Yamhill County. West end of open grassy area at edge of oak woods. Sunny day followin4 rainy period.

05/24/84 T5S R4WbyS'R@,@Aoad,One juvenile under 6 -oa rd W. of turnoff to Amity Vinyards, SW base of Amity Hills, Yamhill County. By fence at edge of overgrazed pasture below rocky slope and oak woods. Partly sunny day following rainy period.

10/16/86 T15S R2W Sec. 8 NEI/4; small adult under smaTT, fTat sedimentary rock by quarry above Pierce Creek on Kampher Ranch, 8 miles S of Brownsville, Linn County. Open, grassy, steep southern slope with scattered oaks and fir.

-45- Appendix B. Continued.

Species Date Location

Sharptail snake (cont.) 1630 hours on Semi-cloudy, moderately warm day.

10/17/86 T12S R5W SEc. 9 NE1/4; small adult under small, flat piece of sedimentary rock on S slope of "Golf Course Hill" at S edge of Corvallis, Benton County. Open, grassy slope at edge of oakwoods. 1700 hours on overcast, cool day.

Ringneck snake 05/07/84 T4S R5W Sec. 33; One adult under rock (Diadophis punctatus) at W. base of Bbundy Butte, Muddy Valley, Yamhill County. Rock ledges at edge of oak woods, near seasonal stream.

05/27/84 T9S RII Sec. 11; One juvenile under rocT on S. slop e of Stout Butte, 2 miles W. of Mahama, Marion County. Rocky slope in oak woods.

04/22/86 T15S R5W Sec. 18 SW1/4; two adults under rocks on 5 slope of "Rattlesnake Hill" on Nature Conservancy preserve, 2.5 miles W of Ferguson, Lane County. Steep, open, rocky slope at edge of oakwoods. 1630 hours on semi-cloudy, moderately warm day.

05/24/86 T21S '1' Sec. " NEI/4; adult under TTat rock on stee P, rocky slope of hill at upper end of First Creek drainage, 1 mile N of Hamilton Creek School, 2.5 miles SE of Lebanon, Linn County. Mixed oak, madrone, fir, and pine woods. 1530 hours on semi-cloudy, moderately warm day.

Western rattlesnake 05/17/84 T9S RlE Sec. 15; Two adults at dens on (Crotalus viridus) S. slope of Stout Butte, 2 miles W. of Mahama, Marion County. One individual at den by quarry at SW end of butte; other at den at top edge of rim at SE end of butte. Habitat, basalt ledges and talus with poison oak and scattered small oak trees.

-46- Appendix B. Continued.

Species Date Location

Western rattlesnake 05/27/84 Locality same as for above. One adult (cont.) at quarry den at SW end of Stout Butte.

U0 41/0q 1143 K6W 3ec. 12; One adult at den by. quarry in Golden Valley, N. side of road, 2.5 miles E. of Lebanon, Linn County. Habitat, sedimentary rock ledges above small, seasonal creek. Poison oak and a few small oak trees. 10/07/86 T15S R5W Sec. 18 NE1/4; two adults in crevice of denning site of rock ledge on S slope of "Rattlesnake Hill" on The Nature Conservancy preserve, 2.5 miles W of Ferguson, Lane County. Steep, open, rocky hillside at edge of mixed oak/fir woods. 1730 hours on warm, sunny day.

10/08/86 T21S R1W Sec. 17 NE1/4; small adult at denning site on high, rocky ridge on upper First Creek drainage, I mile N of Hamilton Creek School, 2.5 miles SE of Lebanon, Linn County. Rock ledges in opening amid mixed oak, madrone, fir, and pine woods. 1230 hours on warm, sunny day.

10/08/86 T15S R2W Sec. 8 NE1/4; adult in denning site near quarry above Pierce Creek on Kampher Ranch, 8 miles S of Brownsville, Linn County. Sedimentary rock ledges on open, grassy S slope with scattered oaks and fir. 1630 hours on warm, sunny day.

10/09/86 T13S R2W Sec. 33 SW1/4; adult in rock ledges on hillside to N of Northern Road, 1.5 miles E of Brownsville, Linn County. Small opening in mixed oak, madrone, fir, and pine woods. 1500 hours on warm, sunny day.

10/16/86 T16S R3W Sec. 16 NE1/4; small adult on S slope of Rock Hill, 3 miles N of Coburg, Lane County. Large rock ledges with scattered oak and

-47- Appendix B. Continued.

Species Date Location

Western rattlesnake madrone. 1600 hours on a semi-cloudy, (cont.) moderately warm day.

04/15/87 T15S R5W Sec. 18 NEI/4; two adults in crevice ot denning site in rock ledge on S slope of "Rattlesnake Hill" on The Nature Conservancy preserve, 2.5 miles W of Ferguson, Lane County. Steep, open, rocky slope at edge of mixed oak/fir woods. 1530 hours on sunny, warm day. 04/26/87 T18S R3W Sec. 19 SE1/4; three adults in rocky ledges on S slope of Spencer's Butte, at S edge of Eugene city limits, Lane County. Apparent denning site in rocks near trail at bottom of steep, rocky slope. Surrounding woods of fir and oak. 1830 hours on hot, sunny day.

-48- Appendix C. Distribution maps for the herpetofauna of the Willamette Valley.

Key to characters used on the distribution maps:

0 = Records made during this inventory 0 = Historical records

-49- ver

Lower Willamette Valley Upper Willamette Valley

NORTHWESTERN SALAMANDER (Ambystoma gracile) VW 7@_05

T 0

Lower Willamette Valley Upper Willamette Valley

LONG-TOED SALAMANDER (Ambystoma macrodactylum) T 0

Vd

1@7

Lower Willamette Valley Upper Willamette Valley

PACIFIC GIANT SALAMANDER (Dicamptodon ensatus) Li

c

- 0391, W@;y K iii

L

ON-,

Lower Willamette Valley Upper Willamette Valley

OLYMPIC SALAMANDER (Rhyacotriton olympicus) TO

c Bub W.Mb

MN4

Lower Willamette Valley Upper Willamette Valley

ROUGHSKIN NEWT (Taricha granuloma) Bub Wdbim

K' NMI',

7

N-

Lower Willamette Valley Upper Willamette Valley

DUNN'S SALAMANDER (Plethodon dunni) T 0

Q,

ffoen@ ... N

@b Wdb

Lower Willamette Valley Upper Willamette Valley

WESTERN REDBACK SALAMANDER (Plethodon vehiculum) @- "Or @zw-. v T 0 N

ZZ

Rdi 12

Lower Willamette Valley Upper Willamette Valley

ENSATINA (Ensatina eschscholtzi) C T 0

cx)

Lower Willamette Valley Upper Willamette Valley

CLOUDED SALAMANDER (Aneides ferreus) H.b

IN

Lower Willamette Valley Upper Willamette Valley

WESTERN TOAD (Bufo.boreas) c

C)

LIOM

Lower Willamette Valley Upper Willamette Valley

PACIFIC TREEFROG (Hyla regilla) All,

t

01

Lower Willamette Valley Upper Willamette Valley

RED-LEGGED FROG (Rana aurora) T

ffub

Lower Willamette Valley Upper Willamette Valley

SPOTTED FROG (Rana pretiosa) N

0

Rub c

MM7

Lower Willamette Valley Upper Willamette Valley

FOOTHILL YELLOW-LEGGED FROG (Rana boylei) c T 0

Lower Willamette Valley Upper Willamette Valley

BULLFROG (Rana catesbeiana) In,

moor,

b./

71

Lower Willamette Valley Upper Willamette Valley

WESTERN POND TURTLE (Clemmys marmorata) 4

.db

K"

Valley Lower Willamette Valley Upper Willamette

PAINTED TURTLE (Chrysemys picta) c 8.b

Lower Willamette Valley Upper Willamette Valley

'WESTERN FENCE LIZARD (Sceloporus occidentalis) C T 0

\In

co K lam

Lower Willamette Valley Upper Willamette Valley

WESTERN SKINK (Eurneces skiltonianus) X/

c H.b

Upper Valley Lower Willamette Valley Willamette

SOUTHERN ALLIGATOR LIZARD (Gerrhonotus multicarinatus) 12

xn

c

Vwdb

it

J

,A

Lower Willamette Valley Upper Willamette Valley

NORTHERN ALLIGATOR LIZARD (Gerrhonotus coeruleus) Ptl

J Elz@`

-

Lower Willamette Valley Upper Willamette Valley

RUBBER BOA (Charina bottae) ver q@

ND

1k.

c H.b Vmdb

am

7

Lower Willamette Valley Upper Willamette Valley

RINGNECK SNAKE (Diadophis Punctatus) 0

Lower Willamette Valley Upper Willamette Valley

SHARPTAIL SNAKE (Contia tenuis) I- f

c Sub

IZ SO uW

Lower Willamette Valley Upper Willamette Valley

RACER (Coluber constrictor)

I T 0

Rub V..db

g.. L

1.7 Joel

Lower Willamette Valley Upper Willamette Valley

GOPHER SNAKE (Pituophis melanoleucus) A?

Wif

@

Lower Willamette Valley Upper Willamette Valley COMMON GARTER SNAKE (Thamnophis sirtalis) T

soft

c

cob

Valley Lower Willamette Valley Upper Willamette

WESTERN TERRESTRIAL GARTER SNAKE (Thamnophis elegans) aver

T

Lk

c H.b .db

co K

Lower Willamette Valley Upper Willamette Valley

NORTHWESTERN GARTER SNAKE (Thamnophis ordinoides) L

Hub W.d

Lower Willamette Valley Upper Willamette Valley

WESTERN RATTLESNAKE (Crotalus viridis)