Fall Herping Conclusion

***AN ENTIRELY FISHLESS POST***

Hyla versicolor

Things are rather cold now. Well before the time I'm writing this the chances of going out and finding much in the way of amphibians and reptiles had already predictably diminished. For the first time in years I'm feeling pretty depressed about that. When I was little, the distinct lack of bugs and snakes and frogs made the winter months a drag. Now I have fishing, which is perfectly wonderful though sometimes physically uncomfortable here in New England in the winter months. But I'd found my way back to herping, gradually at first but then quite suddenly this year, and I'm feeling deprived to the extent that my planning of possible winter trips is taking snake finding opportunities into consideration rather than just fish. But it wasn't a bad fall for me here in CT looking for herps, especially considering I'm basically starting from scratch with this pastime. Though I've always been a habitual roller of rock and logs and catcher of snakes and turtles, my technical knowledge when it comes to finding snakes is still limited.

Pantherophis alleghaniensis

This fall got me into the swing of things. I saw more timber rattlesnakes than in the previous six years total, found my first Eastern hognose snake, and caught and photographed plenty of other species of snake, salamander, and frog that I have plenty of times previously.

Ambystoma opacum

Instead of just rolling the occasional log or lifting the odd board, I went out specifically to find new locations with discarded boards or tin, collapsed structures, and other trash and some natural sight where careful lifting could reveal any number of species. It payed off to some degree. I found snakes, though none of the species I was really seeking.

Storeria dekayi

More often that not I only found the typical assortment of local salamanders, the most abundant two species being red backed and northern two lined.

Eurycea bislineata

Plethodon cinereus

Milk snakes remained elusive. Smooth green snakes remained elusive. And I never saw a copperhead this year. But I saw at least one timber rattlesnake every time I went looking for them, and I do not get tired of being around these animals. They are so incredible. Just to sit next to one for a few moments absolutely makes my day every time.

Crotalus horridus

This winter, perhaps more than any other I can remember, I'll be antsy for the days to get longer and warmer and the ground to thaw.
I love winter fishing.
But not enough to pretend I wouldn't rather tomorrow be the first day of March.

Until next time.

Fish for the love of fish.

Fish for the love of places fish live.

Fish for you.

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