I just recently returned from a two-week herping trip to Arizona, though I also spent a bit of time in Colorado and New Mexico.

I went with a girlfriend from Texas, and we just backcountry camped mostly and worked our way from the north to the south, and from the west to the east. On this trip, which was my fourth to Arizona, I saw five lifers! I'm almost glad I didn't find more so that I still have something to look forward to.

Just a few notes - for obvious reasons, I don't identify locales. I did buy my hunting license, which is what you need to herp Arizona, even if you're not keeping any. It's almost $150 as I recall, but they have a reasonably strong fish and wildlife department there that affords some protection to certain species, and I believe in doing my part to support that, as well as it's important that field herpers adhere to the local laws to avoid situations such as the one that Texas is dealing with now.

Also, I generally am as low-impact as possible. If I can find and leave an animal in situ, I take pride in being able to photograph it without having to disturb it at all. In the mornings, we would hike out a locale, and in the evenings, we would generally road cruise. There aren't a lot of roads in America without a lot of traffic, so I would generally move any of the snakes off the road that hadn't decided to leave after I was done photographing them. But, I always have my hook with me. It's excellent for helping safely flip boards, and I also use it as a walking stick. And, it's a nice tool to have, if required. I also have one in my truck at all times during the on-season in Canada too.

When I am in the field, I carry epipens, and an envenomation protocol. I wear boots up to my knees, and I always ensure someone knows where I am hiking. I try to be as safe as possible.

I do not keep any snakes at home, of any kind. I keep spiders as my terrarium hobby, but when it comes to reptiles and amphibians, I am a field herper exclusively. I have had snakes in the past, but with my busy schedule, I would rather invest that time and money into other herping excursions. Next year will be either South America (Bothrops, Lachesis) or India.


Ok, if you managed to read through my lengthy preamble, it's time for some pics!


Crotalus atrox



Crotalus cerastes cerastes



Crotalus scutulatus, neonate



Crotalus scutulatus, adult



Crotalus mitchelli pyrrhus



Crotalus tigris



Ok, the next post will have my lifers!