5-07-13

Trip Details

Location: Jackson County, IA

Weather: About 74 degrees. Low Wind.

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Herpers: Jim Scharosch & Matt Ricklefs

Account by: Matt Ricklefs

We decided to get out for a trip after work and went to one of our favorite Timber spots.

As it was still fairly early for Iowa, some Timbers were still at the dens and some had dispersed. Out first sight was a Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) catching some rays right out of where they leave the den.

Photo by Jim Scharosch

Oddly enough it's a fairly small opening and we have searched around and it really is the only spot in this general rock face with a crevice that goes back to deep rock. We have always found that interesting. The snake pulled back into the crevice as we approached, so we moved on.

At a nearby outcrop where we have seen Timber Rattlesnakes before, we found yet another.

Photo by Jim Scharosch

It was dug in pretty well but appeared to be in the 20-24 inch range. We got a quick pic the best we could.

It was getting late quickly, but what followed was a couple of juvenile Milk Snakes (Lampropeltis triangulum).

Photos by Matt Ricklefs

I did get a picture of one where you can see Jim in the background taking pictures of another one.

Photo by Jim Scharosch

That was it for the day!

Happy herpin!!