Sssspring Ssssnake Processing

This is the time of year when Bryan's field work takes off as he continues to study den sites. We like to go out with him occasionally. Especially when we can soak in the 70 degree rays of the sun. There's always great excitement this time of year. Seeing flowers, leaves, and critters emerging from their long slumber. Snakes shedding their skins. We our shedding layers of clothes :)

We saw just under a dozen whip snakes and managed to catch two. Just to look at them up close. This one was a baby....

Bryan was focused on another kind of snake. His long-term study continues ~ learning about the Great Basin Rattlesnake.

Another day of herpin' .......

The processing of rattlesnakes includes weighing, measuring, identifying (pit-tagging) individuals.

Then they are returned to the den sites and released....

Safety first! It's really neat to learn about the ecology of our local, essential reptiles!