is spring again…and the birds are a singing, lizards a leaping, boatmen a boating, and snakes…still sleeping? If the snakes are still sleeping, probably not for too much longer. Not too surprisingly, the incoming data on snakes slowed as the summer ended and the fall and winter came upon us—less folks in the Canyon, less active snakes. However, some additional photos have trickled in, some from as far away as Scotland, increasing my database to over 140 records of snakes in the Grand Canyon (triple the amount of records that I had last year at this time!). The new records and newer findings (i.e. distributions, etc.) were mentioned in the “Scaly Skin?” article last fall (bqr, Fall 99) so I won't repeat that information. Yet, I will again make the plea for additional records—I am still interested in learning about the snakes that folks encounter while in the Canyon (rim to rim, Glen Canyon Dam to Hoover Dam). The need for a voucher photograph is very important in order to verify the identification or documentation of the presence of a species. I greatly appreciate everyone's information and interest in this project and I look forward to hearing and seeing what you encounter in the Canyon this year! Please use the data sheet on the following page if you happen by any snakes. Happy rafting and maybe I'll see you down there!

Nikolle Brown

Snakes of the Grand Canyon Identification and Distribution

Date (M/D/Y): Time (of observation):
Observer(s):
Contact address and phone:

River Mile and Side:
Location name (if any):
Type of habitat (i.e. in the tamarisk, under/on a rock(s), on the beach, on the talus, on the trail, etc):


Location to river (estimated distance from it):
If the location was on a trail, please specify: Provide any additional information below: (such as general color of snake, in case it does not show in photo/slide; layer of rock formation where it was found; behavior, etc.)

P.S. If you want a response regarding the identification, please just ask and provide a return address (snail mail or
e-mail). Thanks for your contribution to our knowledge of the reptiles in the Grand Canyon.