I sometimes think I might be winding down on the cool new things to see around here. I'm always glad to be wrong on that point.
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Male Pig Frog (
Rana grylio)
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This Two-toed Amphiuma (
Amphiuma means) was huge (~4.5 cm wide at head, probably 2.5-3' long). It took two crayfish out of my fingers. Their bite (referring to being handled by humans) has been described as "savage," with crushing strength and razor-sharp teeth. We made a couple attempts at capturing it after luring it partly out of its ambush spot, but perhaps it was best that we didn't get it in hand.
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Male Broadhead Skink (
Eumeces laticeps), another good biter.
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Northern Scarlet Snake (
Cemophora coccinea copei), an exciting find that I'd been looking forward to for quite some time. This is of course one of the neat coral snake mimics. Admittedly, I had to pause for a second just to make sure.
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This is a well-marked Eastern Hognose Snake (
Heterodon platirhinos). They put on an intimidating display, but they're all bark and no bite in my experience. Unfortunately, they're often killed when people mistake them for a venomous snake. Toads make up a large part of their diet.
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This young Eastern Mud Snake (
Farancia abacura abacura) was probably the coolest animal I've seen in quite a while. There's something satisfying about finally seeing something that you've been looking forward to for years. My friend Brandon spotted it, so a huge thanks to him.