The Monitor

April, 2008

From the Editor's Desk

Newsletter Material

This is YOUR club. The more you give into it, the more you will get out of it. Your opinions, suggesions and submissions are welcome. You may submit articles by email before the 10th of the month to luvcatz5@aol.com

President: Logan Randolph
Vice-President: Michele Patton
Secretary: Carrie Gardner Treasurer: Doreen E. Saccardo
Chairman of the Board: John Soto
Editor: Carrie Gardner
Co-Editor: Doreen Saccardo
Field Trip Chair: Doreen Saccardo
Webmaster: Carrie Gardner
Administrative Assistant Alexander Peters

NEXT MEETING:
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
RICK RICHARDSON ON KEEPING SNAKES
7:00 p.m.
Moccasin Lake Nature Park
Clearwater, FL 727-462-6024
~~~~~~~~DON'T MISS IT~~~~~~~~

Alton of Smelt Feed and Pet Supply is donating a #15.00 gift certificate every month for our raffle. His store is located at 4116 East 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605, 813-248-2359

If you would like to receive the League of Florida Herpetological Societies newsletter, it is now online. You can contact Victor at . Make sure he has your correct email address and don't forget to mention that you are affiliated with the Suncoast Herp Society.

Web Page info: Calendar page is updated all the time as is Adoptions and Advertisements.

If you would like to receive updates on the website via email, please scroll down to the bottom of the home page and join Yahoo! Groups. Choose to receive email or daily digest. I send out an email to the list every time a change is made.

If you have photos you would like added to the "Club Photos" page, please email Carrie to have them added.

Carrie's Notes

IMPORTANT INFO ALERT!! If you go to the Adoptions/Advertisements page on our website, you will find info on a place that takes in unwanted large reptiles (iguanas, tortoises, etc.). They are located in Nebraska, but assured us that they have the proper facilities and permits. They will even help with shipping costs. If you know of anyone who needs to find a home for a big reptile, please give them our website information.

Hidey Ho fellow herpers!

Senator Bill Nelson is coming down on the side of the people who would liket o ban large pythons. He has taken the USGS map to heart and is in the process of contacting the other states where "Burmese pythons can live" together with the ban. Please feel free to write or e-mail Senator Nelson, as I have done!

Please see the Calendar for information on the Repticon Show April 19-20, 2008 at the Manatee Civic Center. Suncoast Herpetological Society will have a table there!

REPTILES OF SPECIAL CONCERN: I called FWC about the reptiles of special concern...there are 6 animals: reticulated python, Burmese python, African rock python, amethystine python, green (not yellow) anaconda, and the Nile monitor. As of January 1, 2008, you must have a permit to own the above mentioned animals. The permits are combined with the Venomous animal application on FWC. The cost is $100.00, and this is whether you have one or 100. Dealers MUST see the permit before selling an animal to a person, and the Dealer is responsible for keeping records of who they sold what too (in other words, you should have documentation of the name, address, permit #, etc. and what animal you sold too). Also in effect Jan 1. is microchipping reptile of special concern that is over two and a half inches in diameter. That will be enforced on July 1, 2009 more strictly.

RED-EARED SLIDERS: As of right now, there is no rescue for red-eared sliders. However, I spoke to Jenny Novak from FWC and they are working on an adoption network for hopefully the beginning of next year. As of right now, they only option available for unwanted turtles is euthanizing.

The Reptile Shack - I discovered a wonderful reptile store on Hwy. 92 East in Lakeland. They have everything you can imagine...water monitors, gila monsters, and they even had a western diamondback and an eastern diamondback! If you're interested in checking the place out, it's The Reptile Shack, 3632 US Hwy. 92 E, Lakeland, FL 33801. Their phone number is 863-606-0223, and their hours are Tues-Sat: 11-6; Sunday 12-5. They also take in unwanted reptiles.

Doreen's Column

Hi there~~~

*****Last month Bill Schmeidecke was our guest speaker. He shared his successful breeding tips including using the family blender to grind up pinkies for small snakes, much to the dismay of his wife, Nancy. But at least WE all had a good laugh. See Carrie's recap.

*****We had a special treat from David Young of www.repster.com. He brought in Mexican food and t-shirts for all. (I still ate at Applebee's afterward---just to be social). He is a local guy from St. Petersburg offering a reptile site with a lot of information on it. I just tried going on it, but only the first page came up. Keep an eye on that site, I am sure there will be a wealth of information on it.

*****Because we had information about the Tampa Reptile Show at the Manatee Civic Center on April 19 and 20, 2008, we were offered a free table to promote the club. John Soto bought a table to sell stuff on and I plan to be there the whole weekend. Rick Richardson said he plans on being there on Saturday. We do not need a lot of volunteers for this event, since we do not have to actually "do anything" for the show promoters. But, if you would like to drop in and see things, you are more than welcome. There is no guilt on this one if you can't make it that weekend.

****Well, I have secured guest speakers for April and May. Rick Richardson will be speaking in April on snakes as pets and Dan Costello of Lowery Park Zoo will be speaking in May. Don't miss these events. We also have some field trips in the works. Maybe a boat ride to Egmont Key at a discount price. Buzz is trying to work things out.

*****I received this email and thought you may be interested in it:

My 54-year-old male life-partner is an avid, amateur herpetologist. He has had in his home, as his "nonhuman companions," the following reptiles: water monitors, geckos, other lizards, and a variety of snakes, including, currently, two large Russian rat snakes. I have a winter home in the Tampa Bay area. He will be visiting me April 10-15. I would like to purchase for him, as a birthday gift, a personal guided herping tour. I am looking for someone who could spend a day with him going into swamps or the Everglades to see some of Florida's reptiles. I know the Seminoles have Everglade tours for the general public, but my friend is much too advanced in his knowledge of herpetology to go on a tour geared for school children. I would like to hire another herpetologist to give him a personal herping tour anywhere in Florida where they would be likely to find a variety of snakes and other reptiles. Any suggestions? Tom
Thomas K Zander
E-mail: TomZander@aol.com
Fax: 206-984-1193.

*****Continued thanks to Donnetta Hester who agreed to make the monthly calls. This really helps me a lot. Thanks again.

*****I checked the Florida League of Herp Societies, and still the same info. Luckily, our info is up there nice and clear and CORRECT. That's all we can expect at this point. I wrote to Victor asking about it and I will let you know.

*****We have been invited to participate in the 2008 Year of the Frog by hosting a Frog Watch USA training event. This event allows frog enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels to go out and gather information about frog and toad populations. This programs has volunteers from around the country to go out and listen for 3 minutes after sunset for frog and toad calls, identify and report the data to a website. Volunteers cam go out and listen at their convenience for as many times as they are able. The most successful and accurate Frog Watchers are those that had a formal Frog Watch USA training led by an educator and herpetologist. If we agree to host a Frog Watch training, we will be sent a training packet, with helpful info including powerpoint slides, flyers, sample schedules, etc. There is also an activity guide and toad related activities for children. Their National Wildlife Federation is also launching a yearly frog watching snapshot day on the first Saturday in May, the 3rd. This day will be devoted to listening to frogs and toads and trying to get as many people out frog watching on one day as possible. I will get more information on this program, and if we decide to get involved, we have to sign a Frog Watch USA workshop Facilitator Commitment form (the commitment part makes me nervous, but maybe I will have John sign the form). I am still waiting to hear from these people about a guest speaker. I will report when I know anything further.

*****31st annual All Florida Herpetological Event will be held in Gainesville on March 29 & 30, 2008. I checked their website and they have an impressive list of guest speakers. I have attended this event in the past and it was always fun and educational.

*****I just want to add continuing thanks to Carrie for keeping up with the website, I know that takes a lot of work with many frustrations. But she does an excellent job and it shows. Thanks Carrie.

April 25 ~~ Tom Reed
May 8 ~~ Ed Osborne
May 14 ~~ Curt Stanford

Happy Birthday to you!

*****I know we have new people attending our meetings, but I have not received any new birthdays. You can drop me an email at iguanadoreen@hotmail.com so I can add it to the list.

*****Have a herpy day!! Doreen~~

Speaker Recap By Carrie

Bill Schmeidecke was last month's speaker on colubrids. Colubrids are one of the largest snake families and are not venomous. He has bred colubrids specifically corn and rat snakes for years but is now getting out of it.

Corn and rat snakes are easy to take care of. Over the years, Bill was the first to breed the pure black Mexican rat snakes. Rick Richardson brought in the black Mexican rat snake that he had bought from Bill. She was a real beauty. And I guess she likes to be held. Rick says that she will splash her water and make a mess to get picked up. And they say that snakes have no personality! Over the years, Bill was also the first to breed a snow/blizzard (a.k.a. white) snake. Rick also had one of these, and he was very beautiful as well.

Bill brought a South Carolinian red corn snake. They are more expensive than our Floridian corn snakes (Buzz had a little female that he had rescued from a cat, and you could see a distinct difference) because they have more black and a real distinct Indian Corn pattern on the belly.

Out of all the substrates, aspen is the best. Never, EVER use cedar for a substrate because it is poisonous for snakes. They can even get sick eating animals who were kept on cedar. Also use filtered water with your animals, even on the rodents you raise for your snake. Tape water contains chloramines, which can be harmful.

Colubrids are most commonly kept in aquariums, but can just as easily live in tupperware containers.

They breed readily and for the most part, eat well too. If they don't, you can do what Bill does. Throw some pinkies in a blender and make pinkie smoothies! Babies can eat 1 oz. of food, so you suck up the pinkie smoothie in a syringe and just shoot it in their mouths, making sure you avoid the glottis...the opening at the front of the snake's mouth. I would also suggest that when you make the "smoothies", make sure people who might be disgusted by this procedure are not ANYWHERE near the kitchen - or wherever you do this. It sounds like, from how Nancy, Bill's wife, reacted, that she would get along REAL well with my Mom! And of course, REPLACE THE BLENDER. I don't blame Nancy for not wanting to make her "Strawberry Smoothies" in the same blender that produced pinkie smoothies. Not very appetizing.

And finally, cleaning tip 101. You can clean out the snake enclosures with Windex. You can even use it to freshen up the snake, should they need it.

Thank you Bill for the interesting, and sometimes funny talk and for sharing your colubrids with us. Special thanks to Rick and Buzz for also bringing theirs!

Moccasin Lake Nature Park

Moccasin Lake Nature Park maybe become victim to our current economy and necessary budget cuts. We are asking our members to contact the Mayor and Council regarding the future of the park.

Moccasin Lake Nature Park has been around for 25-years and SHS started meeting there shortly after.

The Purpose of Moccasin Lake Nature Park is to provide an Environmental and Energy Education Center by:

• Dedicating ourselves to the safe, economical and efficient operation of Moccasin Lake Nature Park.

• Providing visitors with a natural and tranquil retreat that is managed in an environmentally sensitive manner.

• Administering an energy responsible nature park and facilities that will serve as a model of resource conservation.

• Continually developing educational programs and exhibits that inform all segments of the population about the natural environment and their role in the preservation and conservation of our natural resources.

• Protecting and maintaining a zoological collection, the ecological communities, and nature trails.

• Promoting the use of renewable energy systems through demonstrations and working exhibits.

•Insuring that the needs of all cultures and populations are satisfied through creative programming and facility design.

• Providing the public and private sectors an opportunity to become involved and assist the nature park in fulfilling its purpose.

Cliff passed this out last month:

Moccasin Lake Nature Park
An Environmental and Energy Education Center

Please keep all of your thoughts and comments positive, focusing on the importance of Moccasin Lake Nature Park's Mission. The park provides Environmental and Alternative Energy Education to the public as well as preserving and conserving the native wild lands that make up the park and are the actual classroom. Please stress the importance of our 25-year role in providing "Green Initiative Education" to Clearwater's citizens and school students of all ages and academic backgrounds. Again, please keep your comments positive and from the heart. Our Mayor and Council members did not ask to be put into this position of having to make such drastic cuts in the City's services and facilities. The State Legislature has mandated it to them. They are seeking the input of citizens to aid them in making their decisions about the upcoming cuts and deductions in city facilities and programs. Your voice is crucial to making sure that Moccasin Lake Nature Park continues to exist. It may also assist us in returning to a full 5 person staff should increased budget funding become available in the future. Thanks for your concern in this matter.

Current Council Members:

Frank V. Hibbard (Mayor) - Seat 1
John Doran (Vice-Mayor) Seat 2
George N. Cretekos - Seat 3
Carlen A Petersen - Seat 4
Paul F. Gibson - Seat 5

To contact City Mayor, all Council Members, and City Manager at one time by e-mail:

1. Go to www.clearwater.com
2. Scroll down and click on "CONTACT US, Issue Tracking System, Facility Locations, Contact Information"
3. Click on "Government" Tab at top of page
4. Click on "Mayor and City Council" on the yellow highlighted area under the Government Tab. This will take you to the Mayor and City Council Page.
5. On the left side of the page there is a blue highlighted area. Go to the bottom of the blue highlighted area and click on "Contact the Mayor and City Council."
6. On the Home page, click on "Send Comments to City Mayor and Council."
7. The address of the City of Clearwater's mayor and Council Members is as follows:

Office of Mayor
Offices of the City Council
P.O. Box 4748
Clearwater, FL 33758-4748
Telephone: Mayor: 727-562-4050
Council Members: 727-562-4042
Fax: 727-562-4052

Thank you for your help in this matter!

Michele's Musings

Snakes are venomous, not poisonous.

What is the difference between venom and poison?

Poison is something that YOU have to drink or eat in order for you to get sick. Venom has to be injected into your body before it can cause you harm.

So, there are no poisonous snakes, only venomous ones.

Some amphibians; Cuban tree frogs & cane toads for example; are poisonous. They secrete poison either through their skin or from glands on the top of their heads (parotid glands). Always make sure you wash your hands after touching a frog (or any other animal). If you rub your eyes or touch your face it may cause pain, temporary blindness or inflammation.

Over 8,000 people are bitten by venomous snakes in the United States each year. On average, fewer than 10 snakebite deaths are reported. In fact more people die from wasp and bee stings then from snake bites.

Ciao!

Carrie

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