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First field observation - SD

lilwing89

lilwing89

New member
I live in an area with a seemingly diverse range of species that I would like to observe this summer. With recent warm weather, I'm planning a field observation today or tomorrow.

I live in the southeast corner of SD. Here are some websites containing information about various species in my state:

http://gfp.sd.gov/wildlife/critters/amphibians-reptiles/snakes/default.aspx

http://gfp.sd.gov/wildlife/critters/amphibians-reptiles/snakes/snake-special-interest.aspx

I'd be happy to find any snakes around here, but I'm particularly interested in spotting hognoses and milksnakes. In town here, various kinds of garters and sometimes other herps can be found, especially in summer when the sidewalks overflow with frogs and toads. There is a wooded area just south of town that follows the river. What kinds of places should I look? My idea of observation is going out in the afternoon and checking around rocks and logs and maybe the shore along the river.

Please give suggestions :)
 
I'm on the other side of the state. :)

Though the habitat is quite a bit different, one thing that I've found to be true no matter where I go herping is near water is always a good place to start.
Over here in the hills I've found Wandering Garters, Red-sided Garters and Eastern Yellow-bellied Racers and Smooth Green Snakes in close proximity to creeks, rivers and lakes.
Near prairie dog towns I've found Bull Snakes, Eastern Yellow-bellied Racers and Prairie Rattlers.
Your best bet is to go when there have been quite a few warm days in a row.
Both Milks and Hoggies are pretty shy. You might wanna flip logs and rocks to better find them but remember to return things to the way you found them so they have a home to go back to.
 
Black Hills, eh? Are you friends with Terry at reptile gardens?

Thanks for the advice. Unfortunately it didn't get warm enough for spotting and I was busy anyway. Maybe I will get a chance this weekend or next week.

Up north, my parents see a lot of rattlers and bull snakes. I've never seen either around here, but I'm sure there are a few.
 
I have met and talked to Terry once. I love Reptile Gardens. I haven't been since they opened back up this year yet.
I'm actually new to the area... again. I've been visiting this area since I was young and I moved out here a couple of years ago, then back to CA, and then back here.
There is some great herping to be done here in SD. Have you gotten your free reptile and amphibian field guide from sdgfp? I got mine from their website.
 
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