Herpin' the Hills

     The Red Hills of Kansas support nearly 2/3rds of the 102 species of amphibians, reptiles, and turtles known to occur in the state. This rich fauna is second only to the very diverse region of southeast Kansas. It also harbors several of the state's sensitive species. 

     The region attracts herpers of all ages who chase after all things slithery, slimy and scaly.  Kids especially enjoy these critters. This is especially true for those who have been taught to appreciate and enjoy them. There is reason for some caution--two venomous snakes do occur here. But, if one is careful and knows how to distinguish the rattlesnakes, there is little risk.  There are recent records of a third venomous species, Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, near the state line ;but, this species is very uncommon here. It is unfortunate that some people learn from elders to be unnecessarily afraid of some of these animals and miss out on some fascinating wildlife and adventures.

      Groups such as the Kansas Herpetological Society http://ksherp.com/ have sponsored field trips to the Red Hills but there are many individuals who like to travel the backroads of this Kansas Outback at various times of the year to look for these critters. With many herps emerging from winter hibernation in early spring, April and May are popular periods to look under rocks and on roads for herps. In the summer, prime herping times are relegated more to the nighttime with many of the snakes in particular being nocturnal.  And with all the earlier rains this year, the toad population is at peak levels. It is a great year to be herping in the hills and other regions of Kansas as well.

      An excellent website for learning more about Kansas herps is the Kansas Herpetological Atlas http://webapps.fhsu.edu/ksherp/default.aspx administered by Sternberg Museum of Fort Hays Kansas State University.

The Ornate Box Turtle is the official state reptile of Kansas and a common
animal in the Red Hills.

The Kansas Herpetological Society has sponsored several field trips
to the Red Hills. Gracious landowners share their nature's bounty.

The Coachwhip is very fast as well as very interesting looking with
that distinctive scale pattern. 

The Eastern Collard Lizard looks ferocious and for a good
reason. It can inflict a painful bite with those strong jaws!

The Long-nosed Snake is one of the more colorful
animals of the Red Hills--and appropriately reddish.

The Red Hills region offers ample opportunity for surveys and special
studies as evidenced by this crew of students from Fort Hays State University.

The Western Massasauga Rattlesnake shown here is smaller than the Prairie Rattlesnake.
Both occur in the Red Hills and add a degree of excitement to the Kansas Outback.

Excitement exudes from a kid catching
that first Texas Horned Lizard.

Woodhouse's Toad is one of the most abundant amphibians
in the Red Hills as well as a very popular wild "hand pet." 

A Common Garter Snake has snatched a Plains Leopard Frog
in a wetland in the hills.

Find a friend and visit the Red Hills for an adventure of herping the hills of the Kansas Outback. Enjoy life!