I just got back from an incredibly successful trip to San Mateo County! 16 snakes in total and 5 different species! I had been given a tip that there was a possible rattlesnake den that needed to be checked out, so I went early in the morning hoping the snakes would be sunning. While scrounging through some tall grass to look at a large piece of concrete, I soon found myself within feet of a mound of venomous serpents and knew I had found the den.

6 Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes were visible but as one slid under the large concrete, many began to rattle, so one can only imagine how many more there were.

Next I rummaged through a dump for a nursery and only further added to the excitement of today. 10 to 20 snake skins were found under a couple boards and I knew eventually the living snakes would come. Within the next 20 minutes I found 6 of the most beautiful coast garters ever seen (they had just shed), a large gopher snake, my first ever Santa Cruz garter snake and a rubber boa which I had never expected! The boa just made the day. However, not many photos were taken because I was on my own in the nursery and so I couldn't calm down the snakes and then back up to get a photo before they slithered off. Here are a couple though.

The other day I herped the city with a couple guys and I found my first SF Ringneck! That makes two species of snakes that I have found in San Francisco! Now I just need a Gopher Snake.

Also, recently I came across old photos of a salamander found in our yard! It wasn't the normal slender salamander, but instead a large Arboreal Salamander!