“In the fall of 2001, deep in the jungle of Burma, a team of scientists is searching for rare snakes. They are led by Dr. Joe Slowinski, at forty already one of the most brilliant biologists of our time. It is the most ambitious scientific expedition ever mounted into this remote region, venturing into the foothills of the Himalayas. The bold undertaking is brought to a dramatic halt by the bite of the many-banded krait, the deadliest serpent in Asia. In the moment he pulled his hand from the specimen bag and saw the krait, Joe knew that his life was in grave and imminent peril. Thus began one of the most remarkable wilderness rescue attempts of modern times, as Joe's teammates kept him alive for thirty hours by mouth-to-mouth respiration, waiting for a rescue that never came.”
“A Snake Hunting Guide provides the reader with detailed information on how, when, and where to find snakes.Some of the topics covered include methods for finding snakes, tools used in snake hunting, and how to develop snake hunting sites.”
“From the legendary, fear-inspiring Western Diamondback rattlesnake to the tiny, harmless Plains blind snake, Texas has a greater diversity of snake species than any other state in the country. Recognizing the public's need for a complete guide to identifying and understanding Texas' snakes, two of the state's most respected herpetologists have joined forces to create this definitive reference to all 109 species and sub-species of Texas snakes.”
“The 15 authors who contributed to this handsome, four color volume discuss the biology, ecology, and geographic extent of serpents, including their physiology, evolutionary trends, reproduction, unique mode of locomotion, habitat, and lifestyle. The usefulness of serpents is highlighted; for example, their venom is often used medicinally. Unwarranted fear of snakes is allayed, snake legends are explained, and human relations with snakes down through the ages are critically reviewed.”
This morning around 10 am my cell phone rang and I saw that it was Mom. When I answered she asked “Are you busy?” I said no and she then said “Can you come over I have something I want you to look at”. “I was putting out my garbage and found a snake stretched out on the patio”. Those of you that keep up with my blog know by now that hearing the word “snake” gets my immediate attention. When I arrived, there basking in the sunlight was a DeKay’s brown snake (Storeria dekayi) named after the American naturalist James Edward DeKay. It had the girth of a #2 pencil and was approaching a foot in length. As I reached down for it, it flattened itself out, which is a defensive tactic performed in order to cause its body to appear larger. It remained in place not trying to bite at all, but it did, of course, musk me. These along with the rough earth snake are common around here mostly found in flower gardens where they feed on snails, slugs, and earthworms. My wife would love having this little fellow in her garden since lately she’s been fighting a running battle with slugs that have been decimating her flowers.
