MINNESOTA

HERPETOLOGICAL

SOCIETY

NEWSLE'lTER Vol. 18 No.9 SEPTEMBER 1998

MINNESOT A HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY Newsletter Volume 18 Number 9

September 1998

The purpose of the Minnesota Herpetological Society is to; • further the education of the membership and the general public in care and captive propagation of

reptiles and amphibians; • educate the members and the general public in the ecological role of reptiles and amphibians; • promote the study and conservation of reptiles and amphibians.

MHS Board of Directors President Vice president Recording Secretary Membership Secretary Treasurer Newsletter Editor Member at Large Member at Large Member at Large Member at Large Member at Large

George Richard Barbara Buzicky BruceHaig Amy Peterson Marilyn Blasus NancyHaig Fred Bosman Laurie Grassel Gordon Merck Janell Osborn, D.V.M. Sarah Richard

(612) 639-6368 (612) 291-1132 (612) 434-8684 (612) 922-4066 (612) 925-4237 (612) 434-8684 (612) 476-0306 (612) 428-4625 (612) 566-2001 (612) 455-6540 (612) 639-6326

Herp Assistance Specific questions concerning amphibians and reptiles are best answered by contacting the follOWing individuals.

Please be reasonable about the time of day and hm ... frequently you call

Amphibians Greg Kvanbeck John Meltzer

Chameleons Vern & Laurie Grassel

Lizards Nancy Haig

(612) 388-0305 (612) 263-7880

(612) 428-4625

(612) 434-8684

Large Boas and Pythons Tina Cisewski (612) 856-2865

Terresrrial Turtles Fred Bosman John Levell

(612) 476-0306 (507) 467-3076

Amphibians and Reptiles in Minnesota Greg Kvanbeck (612) 388-0305 John Moriarty (612) 482-8109

Crocodilians Jeff Lang (701) 772-0227

Big Lizards, Monitors Bill Moss (612) 488-1383

Oth.er snakes Jeff LeClere John Meltzer

Aquatic Turtles Gary Ash John Levell

(612) 488-6388 (612) 263-7880

(612) 753-0218 (507) 467-3076

Special Committees; Adoption Chair

Sarah Richard Education Chair UP NORTH (Bemidji)

(612) 639-6326

Snakebite Emergency Hennepin Co. Regional Poison Center (612) 347 - 3141 Minnesota Poison Control System Local: (612) 221-2113 Out of State: (800) 222 - 1222

Sean Hewitt (612) 935-5845 Jeff Korbel (218) 586-2588

MHS Voice Mail (612) 624 -7065 E-mail: MinnHerps@aol.com Internet http://www.onrampinc.net/mhs/

The Minnesota Herpetological Society Newsletter is published monthly by the lVfumesota Herpetological Society to proVide its members with information concerning the society's activities and a media for exchanging information. opinions and resources. Prinled on recycled p.pel.

© Copyright Minnesota HerpetolOgical Society 1998. Contents may be reproduced for non-profit use proVided that all material is reproduced without change and proper credit is given authors and the lvtHS Newsletter citing; volume, munber, and date.

MHS Newsletter Volume 18 Number 9

I NEWS, NOTES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Upcoming Meeting Highlights The Vice-President's Report By Barb Buzicky

October Program: Herpin' New Mexico & Rattlesnakes

Speakers: Jim Gerholdt and Dr. Dan Keyler

This is reaUy a special treat this month as we have two great speakers who have been devoted members of the society for many years. They will be here to teU us about rattlesnakes in general, and we will hear about the Rattlesnake Museum they visited. Recently, they traveled to New Mexito and Utah for a "Real Herping" expedition, and they have come back to share with us many exciting stories and tales to tell. The rattlesnake has been hunted by various groups across the nation mostly from fear based beliefs. There are many groups working at abolishing the so-called "Rattlesnake Roundups." It's a real shame that these beautiful animals are hunted in such a way only to be put to a brutal death for no reason.

The first part of the talk will be on the New Mexico portion, and the second part wiU be about the museum and Cross Canyon in Utah. They have found and documented many different animaJs using various techniques and methodologies. There will also be many beautiful slides from the surrounding areas including the animals found. This will definitely be a night to remember. And, as an added feature, there will be a display of two special rattlesnakes for the audience to view.

There wiJI be a Mojave Rattlesnake and a Black Tail Rattlesnake. Let's celebrate the upcoming faU with a great kickoff for the Minnesota Herpetological Society and attend this next meeting. You will not be disappointed!

BAB

Date: October 2, 1998 Location: Borlaug HaU, Room 335, U of M. St. Paul Campus 7:00pm

Area Code Changes Just after we published the MHS White Pages the new area codes went into effect. If you were among the lucky ones please send your code change to the Membership Secretary c/o MHS, and let us know if you would like your new number published in the newsletter.

Renaissance Flowers

The bright additions of the hanging flower baskets on the Como Cottage out at the Renaissance Fair were donated by the friendly people at Dundee Nursery. If you get the chance, stop at the Nursery and show your appreciation One good turn deserves another.

Thank you, Dundee Nurseryl

State Fair Recap

If you didn't get a chance to visit the State Fair and see our new display in the DNR Building you reaUy missed out. The biggest changes were our new location­center front in the fish display waIl and the elegant new cage system designed and built by our very own Vern Grassel. Thank you Vern, for the many hours of labor you put into those cages.

Thanks also to Bruce Haig, Del Jones, and Gordon Merck for helping to set-up the display; George Richard for display set-up and finalizing the signage text and location maps; and to John Moriarty for rounding up many of the herps. Special thanks go to Jim Gerhold!, Merle & Jan Larson, Gordon Merck and John Moriarty for aUowing their animals to be on display.

We could not host the display without volunteers to check on the animals each day, For making the effort to see that our animals were safe and weU cared for a big round of thanks to: Randy & Marilyn Blasus, Fred & Liz Bosman, Jim & Pam Gerhold!, Bruce & Nancy Haig, Mary jane Hommes, Alan & Neal Kwong, Merle & Jan Larson, Gordon Merck, John Moriarty and Lynn Pailer.

16800 Highway 55 Plymouth. MN 55446

Phone 559·4004

4225 County Road 42 Savage, MN 55378

Phone 894·8740

,tYlY( ~

MHS Newsletter Volume 18 Number 9

NEWS, NOTES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Presidential Pabulum By George Richard - MHS President

The level of esteell', respect and confidence enjoyed by the MHS is a great barometer of the societies image. Over the last few months I've been surprised by the amount of inquires to the MHS for almost every imaginable reason. Besides the generic critter care and homework help questions, recently we have had several rather out of the ordinary contacts.

First, the Ferret Society contacted the MHS via email looking for information on "How we dealt with Petco and got them to stop selling Iguanas". I wrote them a rather long and detailed history of our dealing's with the PetChains, stressing our commitment to public education as the key to change. I concluded the letter stating that "we were in the right place at the right time with the right company, but the war ain't over yet", not exactly the primer for civil disobedience I've been accused of carrying.

The next unusual inquiry was from the staff of Reptiles magazine. In the publishing world nothing is written in stone, but you may want to read the December or January issue of that publication carefully.

Another important contact was one that I initiated to the Iowa Herpetological Society at the direction of the MHS board. As some of you may be aware the IHS has just completed a major rebuilding and is working on re­establishing themselves their society. The next MHS occasional paper due out will be "Checklist of the Herpetofauna of Iowa" by Jeff LeClere. I'm sure you see the cormection.

The Iowa HerpetolOgical Society will co-sponsor this next occasional paper with us. Hopefully it will be published next month in time for the Midwest Symposium.

Annie Lancaster of the Tortoise Trust (speaker at our general meeting earlier this sununer) contacted us regarding help placing a large amount of small turtles now in their care (see elsewhere in this newsletter). There have also been several requests from environmental and various community action groups asking for MHS assistance with their particular cause.

All of these inquiries are because of one thing. our societies good reputation. The MHS enjoys the reputation of being an honest, truthful and generous group dedicated to herpetology and environmental causes. This is a tribute to those individuals who consistently volunteer their time, talents and ideas to our SOCiety.

It seems to me that the MHS is at a crucial point in its development. For the last several years we have stood poised at the step, ready to go from a fairly well organized, club-like, somewhat secret society to a more mainstream regional source of expertise and resources for groups and individuals interested in and promoting herpetology, herpetofauna and herptoculture.

Probably, not everyone agrees with my vision for the MHS and that's fine because I don't decide where we're going. you do. The question of where we are going. how we get there and even, if we want to go will be decided by those who show up.

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I'm not going to get on the volunteer soapbox again but we need in my opinion two things to remain a vibrant society.

1.) Volunteers who will get involved in the "business side" of the society. Hands-On(s) and Renfest are great valuable, educational, fun activities but someone has to run the Sales table, order T­shirts and perform the yearly audit too.

2.) Pitch-in rather than Bitch' n. It's easy to criticize and hard to actually do. If you complain that the board is making all the decisions, then come to a board meeting and voice your opinion. I have invited the general membership to attend almost every board meeting held during my administration. Get involved in a committee and help contribute your opinion tluough action.

Well that's about it. I'm not gonna make a long column out of a call for voltmteers (I tried though Nancy).

Just a couple little things and then those of you who are still reading this can get on to better things. The future of the MHS holiday banquet is seriously in question. At this point we have no committee, and probably no place to hold it. If you have an in for a hall or meeting place that's cheap (or free, free is good sometimes) and might work contact Gordon Merck (Committee chair).

Thanks to Franke, Dennis, Sean and all the committee members and individuals that made Renaissance Festival so successful this year. This is a major effort by the society and the public exposure

(continued on page 8)

MHS Newsletter Volume 18 Number 9

GENERAL MEETING REVIEW Veterinary Consequences of Bad Husbandry Speaker: Dr. Janell Osborn

Dr. Osborn is a born-again herpetologist as well as a veterinarian. She got back into reptiles a few years ago after not working with them for a while when her son informed her that he wanted a com snake. After that, she got an iguana and one thing led to another until she is now a committed member of the MHS board of directors and keeper of several reptiles.

She was called on her first reptile case even before she was licensed as a veterinarian. An eight foot boa was living on the bottom of a trailer in Wisconsin with no heat in it's cage. As could be predicted, it had an upper respiratory infection but was in reasonably good health otherwise. It improved considerably after it was transferred to a cage that offered heat and higher humidity (over 70%). Unfortunately, its owner was startled while handling it and dropped it. It died of a ruptured gall bladder as a result.

September's "Critter of the Month" Evan Muriss Black Roughneck Monitor Vamltus mdicollis

Craig Rewier Geckos

Stenodoctljlus, Pltelsumam. grandi

Hemitlleconyx, Caudicinchls,

Tropicolates,

Joy Nordquist Redfooted Tortoise Geocllelone carbonaria

SaraKnez Tomato Frog "Ren"

Dyscopllus guilteti

The second case discussed was of a baby boa in an elaborate cage with lots of sticks, stones, plastic plants, etc. The set-up was so elaborate that it rarely got cleaned. This reduced the esthetic appeal that the owner was trying for and exposed the boa to unhealthy conditions. Once the boa was housed in simpler, more maintainable surroundings, it did much better.

An iguana with a severely kinked spine (it looked like an accordion in Janell's pictures) had been raised in a nice cage with florescent lighting above a glass top. As a result, it received virtually no UV light and couldn't absorb calcium. It had metabolic bone displasia (kyphosis) so bad that it obviously felt pain when it was touched.

A ball python with burns from a hot rock required daily soakings in a saline solution supplemented with antibiotics and vitamins. It healed nicely in a couple of months of intensive care. Ball pythons and iguanas both have a strong

Help A Hapless Herp

Due to massive quantities of unwanted iguanas, the MHS euthanized 22 iguanas during the month of August.

There are still 17 more iguanas needing homes.

Also needing homes are:

1 Spectacled Caiman 4 19 Burmese Pythons 1 4 '12 ' Nile Monitor 1 White throat Monitor

3

By Bruce Haig Recording Secretary

tendency to be burned by hot rocks or unprotected light bulbs in their cages. They do not seem to be aware that they are literally being cooked as they bask. Hot rocks are bad enough when they are new but get worse as they get older and the heating elements wear out. The heat becomes intensely concentrated in smaller areas so the animals are damaged more qUickly.

Janell brought a large pickled boa constrictor who's owner had insisted on feeding it live rats. It had been so badly bitten that large areas of it's spine were exposed and numerous scars from old bites showed that it had been fed live food for a long time. Despite Janell's efforts to save it, the boa died in less than 36 hours after she started working with it.

An obese snake is a sick snake. Snakes only do one thing at a time, eat, shed or crap. If the are not allowed to run around a while after digesting a meal, they will build up fat until their liver becomes so fatty it can not detoxify the blood.

Adopted at Aug/Sept Meetings:

2 Three-toed Box Turtles 1 Sulcatta Tortoise 3 Common Boas 1 Burmese Pythons 2 Bullsnakes 2 Painted Turtles 2 Savannah Monitors 1 Reticulated Python "various rescued turtlesll

If you are interested in any of these animals please contact the MHS Voicemail at (612) 624-7065 and press 2 for the Adoption Line.

MHS Newslelfer Volume 18 Number 9

BEHA VIORAL NOTE ON THE WESTERN FOX SNAKE, Elaphe vulpina. By Randy Blasus

In July 1993, I purchased a juvenile female Western Fox Snake from a pet store. I was told that it originated from a clutch of eggs laid by a wild caught female. This animal seemed to feed fairly well at first, but was by no means a pig and would occasionally skip meals in her first year. The snake was consistently offered food approximately every seven to ten days.

Through the following year, the snakes' feeding became more erratic and a preference for live pinkies and fuzzies was soon noted. The temperature regimes were modified up and down and caging was changed to a smaller structure due to her nervous disposition. If the animal was fed, any other movement in her surrounding could cause her to abandon the meal and refuse the food. Temperature changes seemed to provide little difference. Hibernation was not attempted in her first winter in favor of maintaining a continuously warm cycle to provide more opportunity for feeding. Hoppers were taken more consistently late in her second year, but still singly, while pinkies were still preferred (3 at each feeding). At most of these meals, only one or almost two items would be consumed. Growth during this time was modest, gaining about a third more in length from 11/93 to 11/94 (19.23" to 31.5"). A brief hibernation was attempted of two months where a number of other snakes (Bullsnakes, Kingsnakes and a Western Hognose) were housed in shoe and sweater boxes stacked together in a cool basement comer.

The snake's low appetite continued after leaving hibernation, occasionally taking larger meals (several pinkies, up

to 5 once). While the animals length was not closely monitored, it was obvious that growth had slowed and she exhibited a body style more like that of a Milk snake (Larnpropeltis sp.) slender with little bulk. In May of 1995, a problem was noted with the snake's fecal matter. On advice from an MHS member that wild caught Fox Snakes seemed to harbor parasites plus this evidence resulted in a trip to the vet. This produced a positive test for Strongyloides. The snake was dosed with PANACUR and the problem seemed resolved. Strongyloides is a parasite of the digestive tract and secondarily, the respiratory system. How or where the animal contracted this disease is unknown. Feeding resumed the same schedule until her second hibernation, which lasted for three months. Food still did not seem all that appealing even after this, her second forced fast.

In October of 1997, a male Western Fox Snake was obtained from the MHS as an adoption animal. This animal was isolated from the rest of the collection until hibernation to observe his health. This snake is a small adult, with a faded pattern. This past winter, these two animals were placed in a cool closet for three month along with six other colubrids all in separate shoe or sweater boxes. The temperature of this new site was not significantly different from past years. The two Fox Snakes were in close vicinity, her box on top of his. After the cooling cycle was over, the two snake cages were also kept close for convenience. The female has since consumed both hopper and adult mice. Even to the point of accepting, nay, greedily consuming three adult mice for her first two meals! Both feedings also took

4

place within one week! This unprecedented appetite was cause for note. The female has consistently taken adult mice ever since this episode started and while still somewhat thin, appears to be much more robust than any time previous.

As more background: Western Fox Snakes are known as problematical. That is to say they don't always make exceptional captives. From my experience and those I've talkedt, wild caught adult Fox Snakes are known as poor feeders, and tend to nervously rub their nose in captivity. This feeding behavior has also been noted in literature (Rossi, 1992 & Vogt, 1981). There are exceptions to this generality and I'm sure some keepers have tricks to ply that prove successful; also every snake is not of the same temperament. One example of this is another Fox Snake I'm attempting to breed with my male. This snake is a small adult with good bulk and has been a good feeder, readily taking adult mice. While she has been known to gorge herself, she will also periodically refuse food. Several Fox Snakes I've seen in captivity also seem smaller in total length than wild specimens I've observed (this includes the afore said female).

The reaction to this year's regime by my female seems to suggest a change in attitude. Because the only significant change from last year was the addition of the Male Fox Snkae; it seems plaUSible that he may have had an effect on her appetite. This is not easily proved, especially in this unscientific manner. But just bare with me for a minute. Fox Snakes are known to be communal hibernators (Jessen, 1993; Smitll, 1961; and Vogt, 1981). And, like

(continued on page 8)

MHS Newsleller Volume 18 Number 9

THE OPHIDOPHILE- SAY THAT AGAIN!? Part I

Anyone who has been to a Hands-On in the past knows that the most popuIar questions are: 'What is it?", "Does it bite?" and the ever favorite "Is it poisonous?". Well, at Renaissance Festival it's no different. In fact, we get some extremely unusual questions. At Festival the atmosphere is different. veeeery different. Nowhere else do we "test" our animals so rigidly. They endure the heat, the hwnidity and the drunks (usually 5 to 7 shift but not always. There's always that group that arrives from South Dah-kota via bus.) and that's just August. In September, we [usually] look forward to cooler temperatures. Last year, the last day of Festival, it snowed. The following are TRUE questions, statements and stories from individuals, sober or not. I divided them into loose categories.

We get questions like: "When do they become poisonous?"

"This snake is highly poisonous snake in the wild, Right?"

"Snakes breathe through their skin. Don't they?"

"Does it bite? If it did, wouId you be immune to the venom?"

"I didn't know snakes couId breathe out of water." Was a comment.

"In Texas, all of the poisonous and non-poisonous snakes breed together, so you have to kill all of them because you don't need them to breed."

An elderly woman approached us and told us a story. She claims that "My father hated 'gardener' snakes because they ate up all the strawberries. Of course, they only bit off half and left the rest. So we had to kill the snakes because they ate our strawberries. n

A young boy approached Michael Gaunt, who was holding a common boa constrictor, and asked if he was holding a rattlesnake. When he was told that it wasn't, he then went on to the next animal. He asked. "Is that a rattlesnake?" He was looking at an Argentine horned frog.

"My friend has a 30 foot boa constrictor." The retort was "Wow, that's larger than the record!" His reply was: "Must not have been that big, huh."

Regarding muItiple phases of corn snakes. The patron was advised of the normal corn snake being found in the wild in SE United States. Patron then points to amelanistic corn snake and asks, "and what part of world does that corn snake live in?"

About a snow corn snake: "Is that one older because it's white?" (As opposed to the other phases of corn snakes.)

"Does your snake really grow from both ends?" Was asked to Tina Cisewski, owner of Monty, a 14 foot Burmese python.

"Burmese pythons are the venomous pythons."

"Can venomous snakes be converted?"(depends on what religion they started with.)

"I was sitting with my snake watching TV. The snake took interest and started watching with me. I knew it was a great snake when it liked M*A"S*H best." Was from a bad "ZenalJ clone.

Inevitably at any Hands-On with my Bearded Dragon someone says: "Look, huge horny toad!" But at Festival it's been called a horny toad, a iguana, a monitor, a gila monster, a statue and dead (poke, poke, POKE) and even a tuatara. Owners of Beardeds will often get asked: "Does it breathe fire?"

5

By Sean P. Hewitt

You wouId think that everyone couId pick out a lizard. I have found out this isn't always true. Here's a typical scenario:

Patron: "What's that?" Volunteer: "It a Uromastyx." P: 1/ A what?" V: "A Uromastyx." P: "That's in the lizard family,

right?" V: "Yes,"

Or the new one for this year: Patron: "What's that?" Volunteer: "It a Uromastyx." P: "That's animal, right?"

A woman stood in front and exclaimed "Look at all the crocodiles!!" She was looking at a savanna monitor, a bearded dragon and a leopard gecko.

Regarding a fat-tailed gecko. "Chubby, spiky tail."

Patron: "Is that a gila monster?" Volunteer: "No, It's a Bearded

Dragon. 1f

P: "Well, a gile monster." V:rtNo.!I P: "same thing though ..... " V: "No, This is a Bearded

Dragon. 1I

Looking at a Legless Lizard. "Look, at the electric eel."

A "snake expert" said "large snakes have to be straight to defecate and the feces is in the form of white powder."

Smiley: (American Alligator) "I know this 70 year old who

has caimans. She has a 6 ft one that when it's hungry. It politely tugs on her bath robe." claims a young man.

"Alligators can outrun a horse in the quarter mile."

"Salamanders are bugs, aren't they." Looking at small alligator.

(continued on page 8)

MHS Newsleller Volume J 8 Number 9

so YOU THINK YOU WANT AN IGUANA? (THINK AGAIN)

The keeping of reptiles and amphibians are a growing trend in private homes. Therefore, they are a growing trend in today's pet market. Many pet stores have jumped on this bandwagon without understanding these creatures needs. This often leads to animals being placed in homes with owners that have little knowledge of their care or with people who were misled by pet storeowners. Sadly, these animals end up abandoned due to the lack of proper information.

In the herpetological community, those people who study reptiles and amphibians have noticed an accelerating number of such abused animals; one species in particular: the Common Green Iguana. These interesting lizards usually enter the pet trade as hatchlings or juveniles which are small enough to appear manageable to the average person at a price that causes impulse buys. They are often brightly colored and prehistoric in appearance, which enhances the initial appeal. But as the animal grows to adult size, the specific dietary needs, complicated vitamin supplements and unruly temperament are enough to make most of their owners become disenchanted with them. These iguana owners are unprepared to deal with these problems as they arise and feel they are forced to place the lizard up for adoption. Zoos, institutions, and herpetological societies are the usual recipients of these critters and there is a national overload of iguanas waiting to be adopted. Here, we briefly discuss the most common problems we feel potential iguana owners should be aware of before ever seriol/sly considering owning a green iguana.

By Jeff LeClere and Sean P. Hewitt

The purpose of publishing this article is to educate people on the potential hazards of owning an iguana and to dissuade impulse purchases; not on how to keep iguanas properly. Also, we do not endorse any product mentioned.

One of the most confusing aspects of owning an iguana is its dietary needs. Feeding an iguana a properly balanced cIiet is a commonly overlooked problem and, therefore, goes unresolved. Iguana are herbivorous, meaning they solely eat green leaves, grasses, flowers and overripe fruit in the wild. In captivity, most iguanas are not fussy eaters and will often eat unhealthy foods over nutritious ones. It is like giving a child the choice between a plateful of vegetables and plateful of candy. Like a child, most iguanas would chose "the candy". New information is still being investigated on the diets of iguanas.

Do you remember when you were young and your mom told you to take your vitamins? Well, guess what? Iguanas in captive conditions require supplemental vitamins and minerals added to their food, especially those who are young and those who are gravid (pregnant). Being deficient in Vitamin D3 seems to be the cause of many chronic health problems in iguanas. Simply supplementing the diet with this vitamin is not enough to prevent the most common disease suffered by green iguanas: metabolic bone disease. Iguanas need full spectrum lighting and vitamin D3 to make it possible to absorb calcium. Natural sunlight is far better than any manufactured light bulb and the beneficial UVB rays are filtered out

6

through glass or plastic, therefore, the sunlight must be direct to be effectively utilized. Very few light bulbs, fluorescent induded, emit these necessaty UVB rays. Those that do carry UVB rays (such as Vita-lites) needs to replaced every six months even if the light is not burned out. If this sounds like a mess or a hassle, it is. Adding calcium to the diet is necessary, but you must be sure that the calcium/ phosphorus ratio is 2:1 or you will run into more problems.

Salmonella is another big worry when it comes to iguanas, and reptiles in general, but in this case, should not be considered a huge risk when purchasing an iguana. The media has unnecessarily overexposed all reptiles as the source. In truth, chicken and eggs are a high source. The salmonella bacteria can also be transmitted to humans by cattle, pigs, dogs, cats, flies, ducks & their eggs, rats and mice. Remember to make it a practice to wash your hands with soap after handling any animal and DO NOT store or prepare food near an iguana.

Temperament is probably the leading cause of orphaned or abused iguanas. As hatchlings (baby iguana) and juveniles, most iguanas tend to be quite quick, but docile. As the animal matures and enters the equivalent of the "teenage years" in humans, males and females alike become very aggressive. As a rule of thumb, 2 to 3 foot iguanas are unruly. Some will respond well to frequent handling to "tame them down", but most need to simply grow out of this phase. Most beginning iguana owners have neither the patience nor the knowledge that the lizard may grow out of this. Males are

MHS Newsletter Volume 18 Number 9

so YOU THINK YOU WANT AN IGUANA? (THINK AGAIN)

usually worse tempered and become territorial in their cage and also during the breeding season as adults. A lot of people are unaware that their cute little iguana has the potential to reach 6 feet in length and weigh 15 pounds or more. A lot of times this is because the pet store they bought it from either did not know this fact or, quite often, neglected to tell the customer. We have had many people tell us that pet store personnel said that the iguana would only get as big as its enclosure.

This is FALSE. Iguanas will outgrow a cage that is too small as

By Jeff LeClere and Sean P. Hewitt

they approach adult length. de Vosjoli (1992), a popular herpetological writer, recommends an enclosure 1 1/2 times the length of the iguana in length and 2/3 the length in width. Do you have a spare bedroom? You do? Good. You'll need it for the iguana.

In conclusion, we feel better choices can be made for beginner lizards, such as, the bearded dragon, water dragon, leopard gecko or blue-tongued skink. This notion is supported by the overwhelming number of unwanted iguanas from people who were uneducated or mislead.

7

Iguanas can make good pets and we do not feel that 110 aile should own iguanas, but these lizards are clearly not for beginners. If you are still considering owning an iguana, please read from at least three different sources of information long before making your purchase. Also, join a local herpetological society, if possible, andj or consult with iguana owners who have experience dealing with these complex and yet fascinating lizards.

MHS Newsletter Volume 18 Number 9

Continuations

Pabulum from paxe 2

and the chance to educate the public is enormous, Good Job!!

Lastly the new Minneapolis animal control ordinance is about to come before the city council for hearings. This is a very progressive ordinance, which was written and drafted with MRS assistance. If you live in the city of Minneapolis contact your council member and voice your support for it. This ordinance would eliminate the "wild by nature" clause that makes most collections illegal and if adopted could serve as a model for other communities that are considering revising their statutes. We owe a big debt of thanks to the Animal Control Ordinance committee. GWR

I Fox Snake from paxe 4

many of her serpentine kin, individual female snakes attempt to ready themselves for breeding and egg deposition by acquiring nutritional resources. This requires considerable effort on the females' part. The most dramatic example of this is demonstrated by far northern or montane rattlesnake populations. The female rattlesnakes do not feed when they are gravid, and as a result, take from two to three years to once again attain breeding fitness (Russell, Bauer, 1993). The presence of the male Fox Snake may be effecting the female. Whether this is by scent, pheromones, or some other behavior is unknown, but it appears to have induced this particular female to marshal her resources for the trial ahead, especially in her sub-optimal state.

Once again, this reaction may be an individual response to new stimuli, a coincidence, or a phase of maturity by this female. At the very least, I believe that this is an interesting behavior change. It also

proves one thing; you never know what to expect. I had at one time thought of selling this animal due to her finicky nature. Now, however, this new development has provided a very interesting phenomenon I now want to watch more closely and has renewed my commitment to working with this animal. In fact, I now find her the most fascinating animal I own. You just never know.

Bibliography: Jessen, Tom. 1993. Fox Snake Hibernation Den in Blue Earth County. MN Herp. Soc. N.L. Volume XIII Number 5: 11-14pp.

Rossi, John. 1992. Snakes of tile United States and Canada, Keeping Tllem Healtlly ill Captivity. Volume 1 Eastern Area. Malabar. v-209pp.

Russell, Anthony P. & Aaron M. Bauer. 1993. Tile Amphibians and Reptiles of Alberta. Calgary. V-264 pp.

Smith, Philip W. 1961. The Amphibians and Reptiles of Illinois. Illinois Natural History Survey Bulletin. Volume 28: 1-298pp.

VOg!, RC. 1981. Nah<ral History of Ampllibians and Reptiles of Wisconsin. Milwaukee Public Museum, WI.205pp.

Wanted for MHS Newsletter

Our Newsletter was created as a place for Members to share their information and opinions concerning natural history, captive care or husbandry, and future concerns relating to amphibians and reptiles. If you would like to contribute, Email me at:

Bruchaig@citilink.com Or send your article to: MHS newsletter editor C/o Bell Museum

Nancy Haig -Editor

8

Ophidiophile from page 5

Turtles: Woman looking from a

Leopard Tortoise to an Iguana: "That's the tortoise in its shell and that's the tortoise out of its shell!"

"I have a shell from a 4 foot snapping turtle I got back in 1979."

"I used to catch snapping turtles by stringing turtles, letting one snap onto the tail of the other until I had a big chain."

A man came up to the table and was looking at the Hawksbill sea turtle. After he figured out it was dead, he starts inquiring about the Hawksbill so I gave him the basic information. Then he asks if there are any larger sea turtles. I told him that some species could get up to six feet in length. He'S "Wow, that must be 400 or 500 years old. And this one (pointed to the Hawksbill) must be least 150." The only thing I could say was UNo, sir.1I

A woman staggers up to me and clears her throat and asks very seriously: "When do turtles become tortoises?"

At Renaissance Festival, we even allow people to bring out their non-scaly "pets". I've seen tarantulas, millipedes, macaws, parrots, ferrets, hermit crabs and even a cockroach.

"Is that a Chihuahua?" to a ferret. Also "Is that a pheasant?"

"My friend has a 33 pound ferret. II

In Minneso-dah. And just imagine we're at the

top of the food chain.

Check out the Calendar of events for a clairvoyant look at "Hands-On" events. If anyone is interested, give your Education Coordinator a call or if you are attending the next meeting find any other Board member or myself. We will be glad to help.

Thanks.SPH

MHS Newsleller Volume 18 Number 9

APPEAL FOR EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE

Tortoise Aid International

For our June Meeting we were fortunate to have Annie Lancaster of the Tortoise Aid Intemational. speak to us about worldwide efforts to save turtles and tortoises. Now she is pulHng out an appeal for help with a crisis VerI) close to home.

These are excerpts from Iter Intemet postings describing the situation.

Mon, 14 Sep 199815:33

Hello to all, I just got wind of 2 separate

busts carried out over the past 2 days, over 900 baby RES (red-eared sliders-ed) were seized ...

No details yet, but news crews have been to 2 separate animal shelters to film these animals. One individual had over 600 of them ... 13 of which have since died,

Another, at a street fair, was selling them for $10.00 a piece with the infamous critter carrier, officers thought she had about 40. After being prompted by an Animal Rights Activist (BIG brownie points for "Action for Animals, Oakland CAli ) police sitting in a nearby restaurant came over to take a closer look, and unearthed an additional 160 turtles, found stuffed into a cardboard box ...

Tue, 15 Sep 1998

Hi There, For right now, I have advised

on proper set-up for 199 remaining turts at #1 shelter ... those turts are being held as state's evidence right now .. charges pending ...

Shelter #2, which has 883 ... still awaiting word ... that is gonna be a trip to deal with ... oh boy! ... yikes

Wed, 16 Sep 199812:28

Hello to all, I have been contacted both by

the County Health Department Veterinarian as well as the State Veterinarian ...

The baby RES in custody now at animal shelters (over 700 of them that I posted about previously) will be destroyed unless they can be placed according to county guidelines.

... If I am to accept these turtles, I need each and every turt rescue group to contact me, I have contacted a few already myself ...

An emergency appeal for funds is being sought by ME. I have not got the financial resources to accept these turtles ... this is a LOT of turtles folks ...

These animals, if I cannot accept them, WILL BE EUTHANIZED by the state. The Dept of Fish and Game already tried to order them euthanized, the Health Dept. Veterinarian here stood his ground and told them NO ... in no uncertain terms, he wished to attempt rescue efforts FIRST.

If you wish to help these turtles, please contact me. Any and ALL financial help would be Greatly appreciated. I really do not want to see them killed. It's not their fault, they're just little turtles.

I have had an offer of help from a few turtle lovers... who assist wildlife at the Santa Clara valley Humane Society ... which is great.

13:06

Hello to all, I will have custody of these

anirnals TOMORROW! OH GAWD!

NO EUTHANASIA, YAY!

Anyone know what the word uharried" means! !!!!!I!

9

19:09

Hello again to all ... Paperwork cleared thru the

Health Dept., turtles to be released to my custody by Anirnal Control tomorrow morning.

I am going to have SO many turtles here! OHMIGA WD!

If any of you know of any wholesale sources for items such as brine shrimp, tubiflex worms, etc .. .l can get small crickets ... these are BRAND new hatchlings, not more than 2 or so weeks old. Egg tooths still present.. .. some appear to have pipped 8 or 9 days ago ... they're farm turts allright. GRRRRRR.

BTW, these animals were brought to the SF Bay Area ... from SoCal (LOS ANGELES SPECIFICALLy) ... there are more, but no one knows where yet ...

Heads up CTTC!!! I bet there is a ton of them down your way as well ... maybe make some arrangements just in case?? They're coming out of the woodwork here. Another 5 turned into the local shelter here today ...

Wondering ... what will TOMORROW bring? The otller 200 from the other animal shelter???

I have been asked by a few people to post an address for people who wish to assist these turtles ...

Annie Lancaster 5667 Snell Ave #448 San Jose, CA 95123-3328 USA

More information conceming tltese turtles can be obtai/ted from Annie's Email: Scorps1@phc.net

Please help out if you can.

MHS Newsletter Volume 18 Number 9

The 14th Annual Midwest Herpetological Symposium

October 16 -18, 1998 Best Western Waterfront Plaza Hotel, Indianapolis, Indiana,

Hosted by The Hoosier Herpetological Society

FRIDAY: OCTOBER 16 4:00 PM- 10:ooPM

• REGISTRATION

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM • VENDORS NIGHT

Open to the public

10:00PM-? • HOSPITALITY SUITE OPEN

for symposium attendees only

SATURDAY: OCTOBER 17

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM • REGISTRATION & LECTURES

6:00 PM- 7:15 PM • BANQUET

7:15 PM - 8:30 PM • FEATURED SPEAKER:

DR. SHERMAN A. MINTON

8:30PM-? ?

• AUCTION • HOSPITALITY SUITE OPEN

Mter auction

SUNDAY: OCTOBER 18

Behind the scenes tour of the Desert-Biome at the Indianapolis Zoo.

For Hotel Accommodations contact:

Best Western Waterfront Plaza Hotel 2930 Waterfront Parkway, West Drive Indianapolis, Indiana 46214 (317) 299-8400 Fax (317) 299-9257

For Reservations call 1-800-528-1234 Mention symposium for a $62.00 room rate

10

LECTURES:

Jeff Wines: "Cyclura at the Indianapolis Zoo."

Ron Humbert: "The Box Turtles of North America. Their Natural History, Current Survival Status and Comments on Captive Husbandry."

Dr. Michael J. Lannoo: "Issues understanding the Politics of Amphibian Declines and Malformities."

Mike Wood: "Captive Propagation and Maintenance of Gaboon and Rhino Vipers."

Dr. Sherman Minton: "Who, When, and Where­Early Days of Herpetology in the Midwest."

Tom Weidner: "Looking Back, Looking Ahead - A lifetime of Keeping Boas and Pythons."

Dr. Bernard Bechtel: "Abnormal Snakes."

Prof .. Daryl Karns: "Ecology of Hornalopsine Snakes in Malaysia and Thailand."

Jim Harrison: "Radio Telemetry Field Studies in Brazil/'

Full Registration: $48.00 unit Sept.1, 1998 $63.00 after Sept. 1, 1998

Banquet: $23.50 Contact:

Holly Carter H.H.5. Secretary 625 Lakeview Drive Zionsville, IN 46077

Make check or money order payable to: Hoosier Herpetological Society

MHS Newsletter Volume 18 Number 9

M.H.S. BUSINESS September Board of Directors Meeting

Treasurer's Report of August 1998 Prepared by Marilyn Brooks Blasus

By Bruce Haig, Recording Secretary

The MHS Board of Directors met September 12, at the St. Paul Campus Student Union. A quorum was present.

Sarah Richard was very busy during the last month with the adoption program. There were 52 transactions during the month including the euthanasia of 22 iguanas but not considering 18 box turtles that came up from Iowa and were adopted by MHS members. There were 17 iguanas still available for adoption at the general meeting amongst other animals.

The club will be ordering 2 dozen sweatshirts and 6 dozen T-shirts to be available for sale at the October general meeting.

Vern Grassel is due a huge thanks for all the work that he put into the cages for the State Fair exhibit. It will be used for many years in the future. The exhibit was much appreciated and all animals have been safely returned to their owners. Many members helped in organizing, setting up and tending the animals during the fair.

There were 80 people at the September general meeting.

Presented and accepted: Membership Report, Recording Secretary Report and Treasurers Report.

Beginning checkbook balance:

Income: Membership: Raffle Sales Rodent Sales Donations Fines Misc. (Marketfest)

345.00 0.00

10.00 562.50 248.57

0.00 0.00

Total income:

Expense: Newsletter 400.00 Misc. prt./post. 9.90 Program 50.00 Library 0.00 Supplies 0.00 Refreshments 0.00 Sales costs 320.40 Donation 0.00 Other ( DNR display) 165.49 Other (Renfest) 262.22

Total Expense: Net income/(loss)

Ending checkbook balance: Funds allocated to unpaid expenses Funds available

MRS Coming Events

12,152.35

1,166.07

1,208.01 (41.94)

12,110.41 308.12

11,802.29

Oct. 2,1998 MHS General Meeting. Speakers: Jim Gerholdt, Dr. Dan Keyler. 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M, St. Paul Campus, 7:00p.m

Oct. 3, 1998 MHS Board of Directors Meeting. Student Union, U of M, St. Paul Campus, 7:00p.m.

Oct 16-18, 1998 Annual Midwest Herpetological Symposium. Indianapolis, Indiana

Nov. 6, 1998 MHS General Meeting, Speaker: Jeff Lang Nov. 7, 1998 MN ZOO Tour -FROGSI Dec- Holiday Banquet

Hands-On Aug 15-Sept 27. Weekends Minnesota Renaissance Festival. Contact Dennis Daly (331-8606 or 918-5064)

or Franke Forstner (235-3964) you must preregister by the Tues. eve. before the weekend you want to attend.

Contact Sean Hewitt (612) 935-5845 for further information of Hands- On events.

11

MHS Newsleller Volume 18 Number 9

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISEMENTS

For Sale: Oassified ads are free to the membership. Deadline is the night of the general meeting to be included in the next newsletter. Contact Nancy Haig 434-8684 to leave ad or mail to: MHS Editor, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St., SE, Minneapolis, MN, 55455

1.0.0= male, 0.1.0 = female, 0.0.1 = unsexed, cb = captive bred, 000 = or best offer, += times run.

Baby Corn Snakes, CB Aug. 98, red, black and buff varities. $10., Rubbermaid Stock Tank- 100 gal. $30., Galvanized Stock Tank- 100 gal. $30. Ann PorwoIl489-7853+

1.1 Albino Prairie Kingsnakes, Normal Pattern, proven adult breeding pair. Gorgeous light tan and crearn colored. They have been bred in '97 & '98. $65. Ea. / 120 pr., 1.0 Striped Prairie Kingsnake. Adult, dark black stripes on greenish gray background. $45., 0.1 Black Pinesnake. '96 John Meltzer beauty, dark shiny black, $60., 0.1 Pacific Gopher Snake, Adult, striped with very pretty highlights, great feeder, $60., Ball Python 2 W appears to be male, nice docile, feeds on hoppers. $60. Randy Blasus (612) 925-4237+

Hatchling Com Snakes. Amerethrystic $10., Normal $10., Snow $20., Ghost $25., also Adults, Normal $40., Snow $60., Breeding pair of Everglades Rat Snakes $100. Call Mark 481-D127+

" !':

NEED ROOM! Must sell 1.0 Taiwan Beauty (Elaphe taelliura friesei) cb 9/97 beautiful and docile, $75. abo., 1.0 Everglades Ratsnake cb 95, gorgeous $35 obo., 0.1 Ban Python cb 98 voracious feeder $40 obo., 0.0.1 juvenile Iguana, perfect condition, learning to talk- FREE. Hurry and call Mike Burpee 894-8722 +

Baby Veiled Chameleons, $35.00; Sandfire Bearded Dragon Hatchlings, $65.00; Sandfire Bearded Dragons Juveniles, $125.00; Trio of White's Tree Frogs, Adult, $40.00. Call Vern, 428-4625++

Baby Snake Sale. All C. B. in August 98. Com Snakes, $20.-$30.; California Kingsnakes (Banded -Desert Phase) $40.; Mexican (Sonoran) Black Kingsnakes, $40.­$50. Can after 6 P.M. and ask for Scott. (612) 757- 9766 ++ Common Boa Babies. Born4-21-98, feeding well, shed, father has aberrant striped pattern. $75 each. Contact Michael @ (612) 754-8241 or varanidae@aol.com ++

4.2.0 CB 98 Ban Python, eating froz/thawed $40.00, Nice 5/98 0.0.5 Leopard Geckos $20.00, 0.0.2 Boa's 3/98 $35.00, 1.0.0 Savannah Monitor $75.00, Call Sarah, (612) 202-3567 ++

.. Dr. Ja",.11 O.born, DVM . EngMBII SP<lt

Frozen Rabbits - all sizes. Prices very reasonable- pinkies to adults. Jim Daluge (612) 295-2818

Wanted: All the shed snake skins in the world. Needed for giveaways at educational programs contact Bob Duerr 541-0362

MHS Rodent Sales Mice Pinkies $7.00 dozen

Fuzzies $7.00 dozen Hoppers $8.00 dozen Adults $10.00 dozen

Rats Sm. Pups $12.00 dz. LgPups $18.00 dz. Juvn Rats. $24.00 dz. Adults $15.00 six

$30.00 dz.

For pick up at monthly meetings only. Orders must be placed at least one week in advance of date of meeting at which the frozen rodents are to be delivered. Place orders with Tina (Rat Girl) Cisewski at (612) 856-2865.

All proceeds go toward the operating costs of the society. The MRS is a completely volunteer run, non-profit organization.

Dutch

"HfJrPefocultuiarHOuSecall,· . (612) 5$9-5476

.II.'. Rabbit Shack

['

.. ,.

VeteMaly ~lciI1e for Repllt!ls and .Amj1Iilbioos

12

d2. . \!

'f', ~":' '. Poli'"

Wl>erll Spots Are Tops

JIM DALUGE 8700 Jab.r Ava. N.E. Moollcollo. MN 55362

(612) 295·2818

Advertising Policies MHS Ad Policy: The MHS assumes NO RESPONSIBILITY regarding the health or legality of any animal, or the quality or legality of any product or service advertised in the MH5 Newsletter. Any ad may be rejected at the discretion of the Newsletter Editor. Due to space limitations, unpaid and complimentary advertisements are subject to occasional omission.

Classified Ads: All active members are allowed a classified ad, run free of charge as space permits. Ads may be run (3) consecutive months, after which time they may be resubmitted. Corresponding members are allowed a complimentary business card advertisement monthly as space permits.

Display Ad Rates: Ad Size per Month % page $10.00 1fz page $20.00

full page $40.00 Business card advertisements may be purchased at $5.00 per ad, per month.

Submissions: All advertisements should be submitted to the MHS Editor, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Deadline is the night of the General Meeting for inclusion in the next newsletter. Make checks payable to: Minnesota Herpetological Society

MRS Meeting Location

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA- ST. PAUL CAMPUS

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~ ~ COOt. CENI ••

BUFORD

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C ,r--_ .... -.. -Meetings are the 1,1 Friday of the month.

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Rm. 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M st. Paul Campus Start time: 7:00 p.m. MHS Voicemall: (612) 624 - 7065 Internet: hltp:llwww.onrampinc.netlmhsl

Minnesota Her etological Society Membershi Application

New Renewal Membership # Ty Check #

Name __________________________________________ _

Addre~ ___________________________________________ _

City _____________________ State Zip ______ _

Phone ______________ email List in MHS Directory? __ Yes __ No

Herp related interests _________________________________________ _

Active Memberships: ___ Sustaining ($SOlyr) __ Contributing ($30Iyr) __ Basic ($15Iyr)

Corresponding Memberships: ___ Gold Commercial ($100Iyr 2 full pg. ads) ____ Silver Commercial ($75Iyr 2 1/2 pg.

ads) ____ Bronze Commercial ($50Iyr 2 1/4pg ads) ___ Basic Commercial ($25/yr 2 Bus cards)

Required check info Drivers Lic # State DOB Please enclose the proper payment with your application. MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: MINNESOTA ----­HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY. Membership is for 12 months from the date of approval, a receipt will be sent only upon request. MAIL TO: Minnesota Herpetological Society, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Please allow 6 - 8 weeks for pr~ing.

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH STREET SE,

MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55455-0104

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

... ~.~

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POSTMASTER: DATED MATERIAL

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Non-Profit Rate u.s. Postage

PAID Mpls,MN

Pennit No. 2275