LIGHTING

    For road cruising I use a rechargeable Stinger flashlight. These flashlights are not cheap but they are handy. There is no need to buy batteries and  you can snap it back into the car charger after each use.  I also use this light as a backup while walking rock cuts and to spot snakes in higher spots or in crevices.  The only drawback for the stinger however is that it only last around 1 hour on a FULL charge. For road cruising purposes however, any decent 6V light from Wal-Mart or Kmart will work fine. These lights although not as bright, last much longer than my Stinger.

    For walking rock cuts I use a portable florescent light and portable 12 V battery. This is the preferred method used by collectors of Gray-Banded Kingsnake (l. alterna). I have had lots of email from people asking me where to get this setup. The light is called the "Saf-T-Light Stubby 2", it has an on/off switch and a 5 ft. coiled cord, part number 1713-0004. Its price is $42.75 *.  The Battery Pack is a belt type pack w/a 12v-7a battery it comes with a charger, they say that it will last 5.5 hours on a full charge. As of yet, I have not operated it long enough to run it down. The part number on the battery pack and charger is 1780-0000. Its price is $89.95 *. There is a $6.00 shipping charge. So your total is $138.70 * for everything (and they do accept credit cards).  The number to General Manufacturing is 260-824-3440.  The above-mentioned setup is called their snake hunters kit. They otherwise do not sell direct (you would have to find a dealer).  Their web site is http://www.saftlite.com. Ask for David Reiff, Sales Manager, Email add:… sales@saftlite.com

* These prices where current as of April of 2003.