vol. 29 (2009), no. 8

MI ESOTA H RPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

EWSLETTER

Field Survey 2009 More photos pg 5 Renfest info page 3

August 2009

Leopard Gecko tips by Dr. Amy Kizer page 6

Dr. Bechtel obit page 9

Volume 29 Number 8

MHS Board of Directors Minnesota Herpetological Society President Jennifer Hensley [email protected] 763.862.8966 August 2009 Volume 29 Number 8 Vice President David Dewitt [email protected] 651.983.8272 MHS Voice Mail: 612.624.7065

Recording Secretary Jenna Rypka-Hauer [email protected]

Membership Secretary Ellen Heck [email protected]

Treasurer Nancy Haig

763.593.5414

[email protected] 763.434.8684

Newsletter Editor Kathy Claugherty iwannaiguana@gmaiLcom 651.771.2267

Members at Large

Heather Clayton [email protected]

Jeff LeClere Reptilia74@aoLcom 651.488.6388

Chris Smith [email protected]

Jared Rypka-Hauer [email protected]

Committees

Adoption Chair Sarah Richard realsarah@aoLcom

Education Chair Jan Larson

612.781.9544

[email protected] 507.263.4391

Web Master Anke Reinders [email protected]

Library Carmelita Pfar

Cover Photo:

Cover photo: Jeff LeClere, assisted by Carmelita Pfarr, sexes a Timber Rattlesnake for the rangers at the park. Cover and page 5 photos by Carmelita Pfarr.

Correction. In July's issue credit to "Serpent: an Ode" should read: by Pam Gerholdt

MHS Web Page: HTTP://WWW.MNHERPSOC .ORG

Group Email: HTTP://WWW.GROUPS.YAHOO.COM/GROUP/ MNHERPSOC

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.

The Minnesota Herpetological Society is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization. Membership is open to all individuals with an interest in amphibians and reptiles. The Minnesota Herpetological Society Newsletter is published monthly to provide its members with information concerning the society's activities and a media for exchanging information, opinions and resources.

General Meetings are held at Borlaug Hall, Room 335 on the st. Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota on the first Friday of each month (unless there is a holiday conflict). The meeting starts at 7:00pm and lasts about three hours. Please check the website for changes in schedules or cancellations.

Submissions to the Newsletter Ads or Notices must be submitted no later than the night of the General Meeting to be included in the next issue. Longer articles will be printed as time and space allows and 'should be in electronic file format if possible. See inside back cover for ad rates.

Submissions may be sent to: The Minnesota Herpetological Society Attn: Newsletter Editor Bell Museum of Natural History 10 Church St. SE. Minneapolis, MN 55455.0104 Please send email [email protected]

© Copyright Minnesota Herpetological Society 2009. Contents may be reproduced for non-profit use provided that all material is reproduced without change and proper credit is given authors and the MHS Newsletter citing; volume, number, and date.

Snake Bite Emergency Hennepin Regional Poison Center

800.764.7661

Newsletter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society August 2009 Volume 29 Number 8

nt The Minnesota Renaissance Festival is here! By Jennifer Hensley

Dust off those old thyme clothes, and get your animals ready! The Festival runs weekends from August 22nd through October 4th as well as Labor Day and Festival Friday, which is October 2nd

•

Cottage clean up and orientation will be held on Saturday, August 15th at 9 am, please plan to work and learn! I encourage all to come, as there have been some new changes implemented this year and this is where they will be communicated. The 2009 Core members list is as follows: Jacob Mee Bill Moss Anna Miller Heather Clayton

Ellen Heck Andrea Braucks Sage Backer Brandi Snyder

Josh Mahlow Judi Brumfield Kiai Backer Jeff Printy

Nancy Hakamaki Sarah Richard Liz Bosman * Curtis Zentz

Linda Bittner Richard Lucas Fred Bosman * Jennifer Hensley *

Christy Danathar Peter Kazeck * Renee Valios

Caitlin Holmstrom Marla Backer Chad Danathar

Ken Holmstrom Mike Backer Rachel Anding

Those with the asterisk next to your name: I have your badges and will be getting them punched for this season, all others either need to get a new badge or get their old one to me. For those wishing to get their badges punched and those needing new badges please watch the list serve at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mnherpsocrenfest/ and I will be posting information on where to get those done as soon as it is announced. All others who wish to work at Fest this year: Please make sure to email me at [email protected] by noon on the Wednesday prior to the weekend you wish you work. You can also let me know on paper at the monthly meeting, or call my cell phone at 612-309-2458. I need to make sure you are on the pass list or you will not be permitted to work that weekend or on to Festival grounds without paying full price for a ticket.

If you have any questions please join the list serve or email the above address. Thank you and I look forward to working with you all this year!

3


MHS member Richard Bonk has designed an informative sign that is installed at the Minnesota Arboretum! Below is a portion of it. Be sure to see it next time you visit. For more Arboretum info go to: www.arboretum.umn.edu What's Happening to Our Frogs?

In August 1995, a group of kids from the New Country Middle School in LeSueur, Minnesota, discovered frogs that didn't look like normal frogs. Some of the frogs had missing or extra legs. Some were missing eyes or had other deformities. They were very worried about the frogs and, encouraged by their teacher, contacted the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Thanks to the concerned efforts of these kids, a lot of research has been done to find out what is causing these deformities.

So far, the top candidates are man-made chemicals found in the water like the pesticide methoprene, which is used for mosquito control. Still, no one knows for sure what is causing the deformities--and there are many theories. Pesticides, toxic metals and other water borne pollutants, ultraviolet radiation, bacteria, viruses, parasites or some combination of these factors are among the proposed causes.

Fewer Frogs Worldwide!

In addition to the frog deformities, frog populations have been declining dramatically worldwide. Recent discoveries are startling: more than a third of all amphibians - most of which are frogs and toads - have already been lost, and more are disappearing every day. Some think the decline in numbers is caused by loss of habitat, such as wetlands, meadows and forests. Others think it's because our environment isn't as clean and healthy as it should be. Recent evidence points to a fungus as the major culprit. .

Experts think of frogs as sentinel species, and are concerned about what the abnormalities might mean for humans. It is logical that frogs would be among the first species to'feeltheeffects of chemicalsinrthe water. -From eggs floating on the surface of a pond, to wriggling tadpoles, to adults, many frogs spend their lives immersed in water. These animals easily absorb pollutants through their skin, and are highly sensitive to hormones and other chemicals that disrupt metamorphosis. Environmental factors that affect frogs may have more subtle effects in other species - including us.

Frogs' impact on the world's ecosystems is great. Frogs sit right in the middle of the food chain, and without them, other creatures are disappearing, too. We are only beginning to understand what life might be like without them.

Don't Let Frogs Croak! What you can do:

If you find deformed frogs in Minnesota this summer, you can send in your findings to the Thousand Friends of Frogs at Hamline University: htt//www.hamline.edu/cgee/frogs/ and help scientists gather more information about the deformed frogs in Minnesota.

Sign design by Richard Bonk: www.richardbonk.com

Leap Frogs

This is not a happy story about the frogs singing in the start of Spring But with a heavy heart I need to tell you that frogs are disappearing at an alarming rate It may be a hole in the ozone, or it may be a bug, or maybe us humans pulling out the rug. Some people say its only a frog, but like the canary in the coal mine, if the frogs disappear its also our fate.

Jan Andreasen

4


r in' i e at the urvey!

I wasn't there so I can't say ... but this looks like more fun than work! From top left, clockwise: Pete Kazeck, Erica Hoaglund and Chris Smith photographing herps; members getting ready to go out for a morning herpwalk; Beau Larson, Jeff LeClere, Melissa Stites, and Blake Sheldon kicking back; Caitlin Carver, Melissa Stites, Amber Tatreau, and Beau Larson out herping.

5


Leopard Gecko husbandry by D Amy Kizer Leopard geckos are a popular reptile pet that generally does well in captivity. A

common problem I see in leopard geckos is ophthalmic (eye) disease. Eye problems are often related to husbandry, and leopard geckos seem to be particularly prone. Leopard geckos possess moveable eyelids which may also predispose them to eye infection because of the higher possibility of foreign bodies to become trapped within the eyelid tissue.

Geckos kept on sand substrate can get sand grains trapped in the eye that may initially cause blepharospasm (squinting, keeping eyes closed). If the grain is not removed infection can ensue. Signs of infection include swelling of the eye, eye discharge, or the animal is unable to open its eyes. Because leopard geckoes rely on vision for hunting prey, another sign can be anorexia. If left untreated the infection can cause permanent damage to the eye and can even spread throughout the body which is life threatening. Oysecdysis (shedding problems) can also be a cause of eye infections as remnant pieces of shed can become trapped in the eye. Too humid or too dry conditions may also be a possible cause.

In my experience initiating treatment as soon as possible results in the best prognosis. Treatment involves examining the eye (sometimes the aid of magnification is necessary) and looking for any foreign body. Fine forceps and/or flushing the eye with saline can be helpful to remove any irritating materials. If the infection has been present for sometime there is often a thick capsule of pus that needs to be removed. It is important to look at the exudates under the microscope to see if bacteria and/or yeast are present. Sometimes we need to culture the material in order to determine the infecting organism and which antibiotic will be most effective.

In most cases antibiotic drops or ointment is necessary as well as frequentflushing with saline. Sometimes oral antibiotics and/or force feeding is necessary as well. In extreme cases enucleation (eye removal) is necessary to prevent systemic infection.

Even with treatment some geckoes never seem to fully recover and may have recurrent eye issues for the rest of their life.

Dr. Amy Kizer practices at Lexington Pet Clinic in Eagan 651-452-5450. She is also the consulting veterinarian for Underwater Adventures at Mall of America. She has a special interest in reptile medicine and surgery.

6


Due to illness, I was not able to attend the membership meeting in July. Graciously, George Richard took notes so that I could complete my duties as recording secretary and write an article on the meeting's speaker.

Allen Blake Sheldon has been doing serious photography for 30 years. His photographs appear in professional publications such as Natural Wildlife, Natural History and National Geographic. The rarest animal he photographed was the crocodile lizard.

Blake displayed many of his fantastic photos of turtles, snakes, frogs and salamanders. He also went over the equipment and techniques he uses. His main equipment is an SLR camera with a macro lens and an independent flash. He discussed both composition and use of flash in the wild as well as in captivity. He suggests wearing waders when photographing in the wild and freezes maple leaves for props with captured reptiles and amphibians.

A good suggestion Blake gave was to write an article when submitting photos for publication. This way, they already have something to publish with the pictures rather than have to try to find a story that fits the pictures.

June 6, 2009 Meeting MHS Board of Directors

Board Present: Jennifer Hensley, Dave Dewitt, Nancy Haig, Ellen Heck, Chris Smith, Kathy Claugherty, Jeff LeClere, Jenna RypkaHauer Absent: Jared Rypka-Hauer, Heather Clayton The meeting was called to order at 6: 17pm.

Opening remarks - The June meeting had 104 counted in attendance and made more than 100 dollars on the raffle.

Secretary's Report Minutes read and accepted as corrected. Ellen Heck moves to accept, Chris Smith 2nd , motion passed._

Treasurer's Report Report reviewed.

Membership Report Report reviewed.

Vice President's Report Report reviewed.

Ren Fest Committee The report is pending dimensions of the cottage.

Old Business New librarian - The key has already been handed over to Missy Hicks.

New Business Summer Grant Requests - Three grant requests were submitted and reviewed. It was decided to send back Emily Love's request due to lack of information. Amy Luxbacher requested $1500 and Matthew E. Gifford requested $1422. It was moved and seconded to accept both Amy and Matt's proposals for the full amount requested; motion passed.

Book Deal - John Moriarty presented a letter to Jennifer Hensley requesting $2000 to help underwrite an autobiography of Walter Breckenridge. It was moved and seconded to allocate $2000 towards the Breckenridge book project; motion passed.

September and October's board meetings - Ren fest will coincide with the board meetings these months. October's meeting will be cancelled.

Jeff LeClere moves to adjourn, Ellen Heck second. Meeting adjourned at 10:27pm.

7


A SKINKS TALE

Full of eggs, her time draws near She seeks a haven, her treasure to deposit The right spot to her is clear

A stone nestled in dry grass Where the sun's warmth will lend a hand As warm summer days roll past

Carefully she excavates Digging, pushing until it pleases her Then settling in, she waits

Soon one by one eggs are laid Eight precious promises for the future In this chamber she has made

When the sun moves across the sky She moves her eggs to the warmest spot Always she guards, time goes by

As one month, then two passes Inside each egg near replicas grow Then one warm day each egg hatches

Eight tiny skinks with tails of blue Fine light lines run down their glistening backs

And so the cycle starts anew

By Pam Gerholdt

8

updated 6:27 p.m. CT, Wed., July 8, 2009 NEW YORK - A runway at John F. Kennedy International Airport was shut down briefly Wednesday morning after at least 78 turtles emerged from a nearby bay and crawled onto the tarmac. Grounds crews eventually rounded up the wayward reptiles and deposited them back in the brackish water farther from airport property, but not before the incident disrupted JFK's flight schedule and contributed to delays that reached nearly 1 1/2 hours.

The invasion began unfolding, slowly, at around 8:30 a.m., when an American Eagle flight crew reported seeing three turtles while taxiing out for departure. Before long, a chorus of pilots was radioing the tower to report turtles either on the end of a runway that juts out into the water, or approaching on the grass. "Apparently, this is something the tower has experienced before," said Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Jim Peters. "I guess it's the season for spawning."

He identified the turtles as Diamondback terrapins, a species common to Jamaica Bay, which surrounds the airport. The turtles appeared to be about 8 inches long and wei,gh 2 to 3 pounds each. Jets hit turtles a few times each year at JFK, usually in the final days of June or earliest days in July, according to the FAA's wildlife strike database. There have been no recent reports of the strikes causing any damage to an airplane.

Submitted by Pete Kazeck

Have an interesting or funny story you would like to share with MHS members? Submitting articles, photos, drawings, poetry, husbandry tips, or cage building ideas to your newsletter is a wonderful way to be involved with the Society. You can email items to the Newsletter Editor at [email protected]. Or give your item to a member of the Board who will pass it along to me. It's easy and fun, and don't worry about copywriting, I will help with that. A big "Thank-you" to everyone who submits for the newsletter. Your contribution is what makes this publication so special! - The Editor


In Memory of

Dr. H. Bernard Bechtel, of Valdosta, died suddenly on Friday, July 10, 2009 in Gainesville, Fla., in route to visit family. He was born on October 2, 1922, near the small western Pennsylvania village of New Enterprise. While he was still an infant, the family moved to Johnstown, Pa., where his father obtained work in a dairy. He attended public schools in Johnstown, graduating from Johnstown Central High School in 1940, and began to attend the University Pittsburgh Johnstown Center This was interrupted when he enlisted in the Army Air Force, where he became an aerial gunner. He participated in 30 missions over Germany as a gunner on B-17s.Foliowing the war he completed his pre-medical studies at Juniata College in Huntington, Pa. He received his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia in 1950. In his senior year he was elected Alpha Omega Alpha, the national history medical fraternity. Following an internship at Reading General Hospital in Reading, Pa., he established a general practice in Johnstown. In 1955 he married Elizabeth Reimet of Moorestown, N.J. In 1956 he accepted a residency in dermatology Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis. He practiced dermatology in Johnstown from 1959 until 1963, when he and his wife, Bette, moved to Valdosta, where he practiced until he retired in 1997. He was Diplomat in The American Academy of Dermatology. From a very early age, Dr. Bechtel was an avid student of reptiles and amphibians, and was a herpetologist as well as being a dermatologist, and was actively involved in all three of the national herpetological societies. He published a book and numerous publications, mostly pertaining to his area of expertise in snake genetics, for which he was widely known. Bette was his partner in this and became a recognized herpetologist on her own after their marriage. Dr. Bechtel is survived by his wife, Bette Bechtel of Valdosta; sis~er, Alma Mountain of Johnstown, Pa.; two nephews, Joe Mountain of Fort Pierce, Fla., land Ned Mountain'of Sautee Nacoochee, Ga.A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2009 in the chapel of Carson McLane Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the service until 3 p.m. Dr. Bechtel has requested no flowers. Donations may be made to his favorite charity, The National Nature Conservancy, 4245 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 100, Arlington, Va., 22203-1606. Condolences to the family may be conveyed on the obituary page at www. mclanefuneralservices.com - Carson McLane Funeral Home

This was Kathy Love's post on Cornsnakes.com.

Some newer corn fans may not realize it, but Dr. Bechtel was the first to breed albino snakes of any kind (as far as I know) and to kickstart the whole herpetocultural hobby with his production of the first amel corns, back before "herpetoculture" was even an accepted word.

He was always generous with his knowledge and specimens, in order to help other budding herpers with their various projects. He gave us our first amel black rat back in the '80s, which became the founder of our "bubblegum rat" line that we produced for so many years.

9


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10

Minnesota Herpetological Society Membership Application

New Name

Renewal Others on membership

Membership # Address

Type City, State, Zip

Check # Phone # Email

List in directory? Yes No

Herp related interests

Active Memberships: Sustaining ($60/year) Contributing ($40/year) Basic ($20/year)

Corresponding Memberships: Commercial ($25/year, 2 business card ads/year)

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 processing.

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 MHS 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. Display Ad Rates:

Ad Size per Month ~ page $10.00 % 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

Mice Pinkies: Fuzzies: Hoppers: Adults:

Rats! MRS Rodent Orders

$7/dz $7/dz $8/dz $10/dz

Rats VVeaned: $ 17/dz Sm. Adults: $18/ dz Med Adults: $24/ dz Lg Adults: $30/dz Jumbo: $36/dz

For pick-up at monthly meetings only! Orders must be placed 10 days in advance of the meeting in order to guarantee availability-Orders may be placed at the meeting for the following months order, or by emailing your request to: [email protected]

Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104

Address Service Requested

I , Mem# 152 Exp: 11/1/2009

Sally Brewer-Lawrence : 1990 Iglehart Ave.

St. Paul, MN 55104

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA- ST. PAUl CAMPUS

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Next Meeting:

Friday August 7, 2009 Room 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M St. Paul Campus

MHS Voice Mail: 612.624.7065

MHS Web Page: www.mnherpsoc.org

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage

PAID Mpls,MN

Permit No. 2275

vol. 29 (2009), no. 8

Documents

mhs newsletter

university of minnesota

newsletter ads

general public

pam gerholdt mhs web

carmelita pfarr

general meetings

conservation of reptiles