Will Bird

The Eastern Black Kingsnake, Lampropeltis nigra The Eastern Black Kingsnakes was recently revised from what was a sub-species to a full blown species, Lampropeltis nigra. This snake has a relatively small range when compared to many other species that used to also be included in what was the getula complex. A considerable amount of variation occurs in this snake across its range. I appreciate this snake in all of its forms but can’t help but to like the ones that are the most black and also the most shiny. Many EBK retain a lot of pattern and others can have a dull look. The specimen pictured was found in a North-Central Kentucky county and exhibits the attributes that I most appreciate. Because the majority and most centrally located portion of this snake’s range is in Kentucky I have often wanted for this to be named the State Reptile of Kentucky. While it is true that most snakes are loathed by many people, this snake is one that the majority of local and rural people recognize as being beneficial. In time I also suspect that this species will catch the interests of those who like to keep kingsnakes. In addition to being attractive, easy to keep, and somewhat rare in collections, this species is also smaller than many of the other kings from the Eastern US and this makes it more attractive to keepers who have space-related issues. In my experience males make the best captives with fewer health complications and whose dispositions lend themselves to educational programs, live interactions, and handling.

Northern Pine Snake gallery photo by user orchidspider Northern Pine Snakes, Pituophis melanoleucus, have fascinated North American Snake Enthusiasts since before I was born and have been discussed with whispered breaths since my introduction to snakes at pet stores, shows, zoos, native wildlife agencies, universities, herp societies, internet groups, and every other facet of the snake world. Perhaps no locality or population garners more interest than the small and mostly isolated populations from Kentucky. No matter what population or locality, I have heard it said amongst the greatest minds on the subject that every single record for a specimen of Northern Pine Snake is note-worthy. I have been involved in research with this species in Kentucky for over 20 years and have been contacted with requests for DNA samples and any other data I can provide by those working on papers in efforts to publish updated information on every aspect of this snake’s biology throughout its range. In 2006 my colleague Phil Peak and I were able to document the first live specimen of Northern Pine Snake recorded from the isolated Mammoth Cave Region population since 1969. None live or dead have been recorded since. In Spring of 2018 we found the cast skin pictured above under artificial cover we set out as part of a survey project we are involved in. The ability to recognize and identify a cast skin that many would have ignored or not given a second thought about is what led to our ability to formally record this as a confirmed observation backed by photograph.