Is herping season over?

[TucsonSnakeLover]

Ok, so I got a late start, am new to Arizona (came from Colorado - no snakes) and have no experience with local varieties. But, I have been looking everywhere I go.

I'm in South Tucson (Madera Canyon area) where it's even cooler than Phoenix (as I understand it) but am hoping I haven't lost my opportunity.

Rattlesnakes and other venomous are out of my league (at least right now) but am wondering if I can expect to come across any others.

Excited to be here,
Doug

[MRC]

I was in Tuscon this last weekend saw a few Tiger rattlers, 2-Diamondbacks, Lyres, Gophers. Its not over quite yet, with this warm weather we are having.

[JJFeldner]

some people down there. Unfortunately, the meeting of the Tucson Herp Society is tonight, Oct 21. The Tucson Herp Society meets on the 3d Tuesday at the AZGF offices on Ironwood. Go to the links page here and click on Tucson Herp Soc for more information. Also, if you read some of the older posts, you can get some opinions and info from experienced SO AZ herpers about the conditions and the "end" of the season. When you go to the links page, you might also try Tom Brennan's Website (http://www.reptilesofaz.com).

[J&R]

with the extended indian summer, reptiles are moving. This is one of three masticophis I had seen last weekend at 8,000'. Unfortunately this guy was just hit by a car coming in the oposite direction.

[SWHerper]

I live in NW Tucson. I'm about 30 minutes from Picacho Peak. I have still been finding herps even just driving to work and back!!! I haven't been out for a while but I'm planning a trip to either Sabino Canyon or something like that Sunday. Depends on my work schedule. If anybody wants to get out or ,more like it, NEEDS to get out...I'd be more than happy to go. Seems like alot of the herpers on the forums are more near the Phoenix area. I have a car and can drive. Been boring herping by myself these past years. I have still been finding hatchling Pits and seen some hit by cars.Longnose, Atrox, Masticophis etc.. are still being seen. I currently own 2 Sonoran Gopher Snakes, 1 Sonoran Whipsnake, 2 Longnose snakes, and a Boa Constrictor. Good luck this weekend!

[TucsonSnakeLover]

Thanks, JJFeldner, for the great information. I've got it on my calendar now.

SWHerper - sounds like a great time on Sunday but I'm not sure my schedule will allow it - I'm still unpacking boxes at this point. Have you made it to Madera Canyon? I found a rock rattler a couple of weekends ago and saw my first field tarantula - very cool! And I wasn't particularly keen on spiders until then ...

How many of "us" are in the Tucson area?

[SWHerper]

I haven't been to Madera Canyon to many times. I heard there were Pyros in them? Just wondering. I found my first Banded Rock rattler in the Chiricauhuas this last Labor Day. I was sooooo thrilled. The stories are true where you hear them before you see them. I'll post some pics. My target species up there were Madrean Alligator Lizards, Rock Rattler, and Twin-Spotted rattler (I don't usually use scientific names). Anyway...I usually pass Madera Canyon on my way to Sonoita. I camp out there once in a while. Just wait until you stay here for the monsoons next year...you'll be amazed at all the critters and herps you see. Until then...happy herping. Sorry about the large images.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-9/387320/LepidusKlauberi.jpg

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-9/387320/Masticophisbileanatus.jpg