LEE METCALF NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
PRELIMINARY AMPHIBIAN AND REPTILE INVESTIGATIONS: 1996

A Report to:

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge

RO. Box 257

Stevensville,MT 59870

Submitted by

Paul Hendricks

May 1997

Montana Natural Heritage Program
1515 East Sixth Avenue

P.O. Box 201800
Helena, MT 59620-1800

© 1997 Montana Natural Heritage Program

This document should be cited as follows:

Hendricks, P. 1997. Lee l^etcalf National Wildlife Refuge preliminary amphibian and reptile
investigations: 1996. I^ontana Natural Heritage Program. Helena, MT. 27 pp.

ABSTRACT

During summer 1996, field surveys of resident amphibians and reptiles were initiated on
Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge, Ravalli County, Montana. Studies were focused on three
projects: 1) compilation of available specimen and sight records for the area, 2) preliminary assessment
of Bullfrog {Rana catesbeiana) distribution and status, 3) preliminary assessment of Painted Turtle
{Chrysemys picta) distribution and status.

Five species of amphibian and seven species of reptile have been reported from the Bitterroot
Valley between Victor and Florence. Long-toed Salamander (Amby stoma macrodactylum). Tailed
Frog {Ascaphus truei). Western Toad {Bufo boreus). Bullfrog, Spotted Frog (Ranapretiosa), Painted
Turtle, Western Skink (Eumeces skiltonianus). Rubber Boa (Charina bottae), Gopher Snake
(Pituophis catenifer). Western Terrestrial Garter Snake (Thamnophis elegans), and Common Garter
Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) were recorded in the Bitterroot River floodplain, which includes Lee
Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge. In recent years few amphibians other than Bullfrogs have been
reported from the refuge.

Bullfrogs are abundant on the refuge; adults and transformed juveniles were noted in 10 water
bodies, and probably are present in several others. On 29 August, 449 frogs were counted in North
Slough during a census of the entire shore and adjacent water; the slough probably contained well over
2000 individuals. Sweeping with dip nets nearshore resulted in capture of only one group of 5 tadpoles,
suggesting that transformation of many tadpoles had already occurred. Many Bullfrog tadpoles were
seen that same day, however, at the Florence Bridge Fishing Access site, about 5 km north of the
refuge. Juvenile Bullfrogs with tails still present were seen in ponds near Bam Slough on 16 September.
Available information indicates that transformation occurs over several weeks.

Painted Turtles are found throughout the refuge (noted in nine water bodies in 1 996), although
they were not seen in some ponds with gravel bottoms (e.g.. Pond 2). No estimate of numbers was
made for any water body, but 28 adults were observed basking at one time in the Viewing Pond on 13
September. A trapping effort was conducted in September; 3 adult males were captured (all in or near
the Viewing Pond and Bam Slough), measured, and marked. Trapping probably occurred too late for
maximum effectiveness, but the methodology will work for future efforts. No data on nesting habitat,
clutch size, and nest success were gathered.

m

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Special thanks to Pat Gonzales and Sharon Browder (Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge) for
encouragement and interest in the project. The amphibian and reptile work at the refuge would not be
moving along without their help and enthusiasm. Lori Nordstrom (U.S.F.W.S., Helena) obtained funds
for this initial effort. Jim Reichel, Kerwin Werner, Bryce Maxell, and Julie York helped with the field
work, and shared ideas for sampling and future efforts. Turtle traps were obtained on loan through Joe
Ball (Montana Cooperative Wildlife Research Unit). Cedron Jones generated the distribution maps
from records in the Montana Natural Heritage Program database.

IV

INTRODUCTION

Many amphibian species in the western United Sates are experiencing dramatic population
declines (Blausteinetal. 1994, Phillips 1995). Alitanyofexplanations, including elevated predation
rates and introduced exotics, have been proposed, any or all of which could contribute to the
downward trends (Com andFogelman 1984, Phillips 1990).

Conditions at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge have caused concerns about the resident
native amphibian and reptile populations. First, nest predators (mammals and birds) are numerous on
the refuge; coupled with this is the impression that few hatchling Painted Turtles are recruited into the
local population. The concern is that predators are destroying most nests and young. Second, there is
a large population of exotic Bullfrogs on the refuge and general absence of native amphibians, even
though the refuge could support other amphibian species. The impact of Bullfrogs on native species is
not known, nor is there any quantitative data available on the size and extent of the Bullfrog population
on the refuge.

Preliminary surveys were initiated in 1996 to gather together information on the amphibians and
reptiles on the refuge. First, museum and sight records were compiled for the Bitterroot Valley between
Victor and Florence; this region includes Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge. Additonal observations
of amphibians and reptiles in this area were recorded during field surveys in 1996, and place the refuge
in context with what is known about the regional herpetofauna (Hendricks and Reichel 1996). These
data were plotted on distribution maps generated from records in the Montana Natural Heritage
Program database. Second, a preliminary inventory of Bullfrog presence across the refuge was
conducted, and attempts were made to estimate numbers in isolated ponds. Third, a preliminary
inventory of Painted Turtle presence across the refuge was conducted concurrent with the Bullfrog
inventory; sites suitable for trapping and marking turtles were located and a pilot trapping effort was
begun.

METHODS, RESULTS, AND DISCUSSION

Amphibian and Reptile Species in the Refuge Area

Compilation of museum specimen and sight records resulted in 12 amphibian and reptile species
documented in the Bitteroot Valley area between Victor and Florence (see distribution maps). Included
species were one salamander (Long-toed Salamander), four ifrogsi (Tailed Frog, Western Toad,
Bullfrog, Spotted Frog), one turtle (Painted Turtle), two lizards (Northern Alligator Lizard, Western
Skink), and four snakes (Rubber Boa, Gopher Snake, Western Terrestrial Garter Snake, Common
Garter Snake). All species but the Northern Alligator Lizard have been reported in or immediately
adjacent to the Bitterroot River floodplain, where Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge is located. This
suggests that most or all of these species could occur on the refuge, given suitable conditions.

Records of amphibians and reptiles in the Montana Natural Heritage Program database for Lee
Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge include far fewer species (Bullfrog, Painted Turtle, Gopher Snake,
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake). This discrepency is probably an artifact rather than a real
ihistoricali absence from the refuge; most sightings probably never get reported or recorded. For
example, personnel at the refuge mentioned encounters with Long-toed Salamanders and Spotted Frogs
in recent years, but no file of amphibian and reptile observations is maintained (Gonzales pers. comm.).
Nevertheless, failure to observe these amphibians on the refuge during 1996, even though Long-toed
Salamander and Spotted Frog (as well as Bullfrog, Painted Turtle, Western Terrestrial Garter Snake,
and Common Garter Snake) were observed 5 km north at the Florence Bridge Fishing Access,
indicates the possibility of greatly reduced populations on the refuge.

Bullfrogs

To assess Bullfrog distribution on the refuge, visits were made to most ponds and water bodies
at least once during suitable weather. Most visits were made in late August and September, however,
which likely influenced impressions of presence and relative abundance.

Bullfrogs were found throughout the refuge, from Pond 13 in the north to Pond 3 in the south (n
= 10 sites). Bullfrogs probably occur in most water bodies of relative permanence, although it is not
known in what percentage reproduction occurs. Because adults burrow in mud to hibernate during
winter, ponds with gravel bottoms and little mud may not be occupied year-round by this species.
Originally, it was planned to sample an entire pond for Bullfrogs, but a suitable site was not located until
necessary field help was no longer available. Instead, entire shoreline counts were considered the most
likely method to provide an estimate of relative abundance. The entire shoreline of North Slough was
walked on 29 August (air temp. = 2PC, water temp. = IS.S'^C; 11:40-12:45). Five persons walked
different segments, sweeping the nearshore water for tadpoles and counting the number of adult and
juvenile frogs encountered from the shore to about 6 m offshore. During this survey 449 individual frogs
were counted (the majority were small adults and juveniles: SVL = 7-9 cm). Given the volume of the
slough and the area actually sampled, the count was estimated to be as much as an order of magnitude
low; North Slough population was considered to be at least 2000 individuals. The total Bullfrog
population on the refuge must be much larger, but the age/size structure of the population (or any
subpopulation) is unknown.

Only 5 tadpoles (TL = 5.5-7.0 cm) were collected during nearshore netting in North Slough,
indicating most tadpoles had already transformed in this pond. Bullfrog tadpoles were much more
abundant in one pond at the Florence Bridge Fishing Access site on the same day, indicating
transformation occurred at different times among (and within?) ponds. Transformed juvenile Bullfrogs
(S VL = 6.0 cm) with tails 4 cm long, and tailess juveniles of the same size, were present in a small pond
north of Bam Slough on 16 September (air temp = 15°C, water temp. = 14*^0). Transformation of
tadpoles in Missouri takes 1 1-14 months (WiUis et al. 1956), but time between hatching and
transformation is not known for Montana populations. Size at transformation in Oregon is 1 1 .5- 14.0
cm TL and typically occurs in August and September (Nussbaum et al. 1983) after tadpoles overwinter.

Painted Turtles

As with Bullfrogs, visits were made to ponds throughout the refuge to determine the distribution
of Painted Turtles. Turtles were found in nine large ponds and were absent from four ponds where
Bullfrogs were present. Three of these ponds were very small (< 60 m diameter or long) and
ephemeral, and the fourth (Pond 3) apparently has a gravel bottom with little accumulated mud. Painted
Turtles, like Bullfrogs, need ponds with deep mud bottoms in which to hibernate for the winter. It is not
known how much movement occurs between ponds, nor if some ponds are used for brief periods.
Number of turtles in any pond is unknown. On 1 3 September (air temp. = 22*^ C), 28 Painted Turtles
were counted basking at one time in Pond 5. Number of basking turtles at any time is limited by the
availability of basking sites (logs, rocks, open banks). Thus, the count for Pond 5 is a minimum estimate
of the resident population on that date.

Ten basking traps (Fowle 1996) were set in North Slough and Bam Slough on 9 September.
The traps in North Slough were moved to Pond 5 on 13 September. Traps were checked every 2-3
days and were retrieved on 23 September. Trap success was low. Cool and wet weather could have
contributed to this, and some traps had brittle netting through which some turtles apparently escaped.
More time might have been necessary for turtles to habituate to the presence of the traps, and trapping
might be more successful earlier in the summer. All of these factors need to be considered in future
trapping efforts.

All captured Painted Turtles (n = 3) were adult males. Each was given a unique set of marks
(see Appendix) by notching various combinations of marginal scutes with a triangular file (see Cagle
1939 and Fowle 1996 for discussions of marking procedures), weighed, and measured (plastron length
and width). Two males were caught in Pond 5 and one in Bam Slough; it is likely that turtles move back
and forth between these two water bodies. Weights (g) were 585, 740, and 765. Respective plastron
lengths (cm) were 16.2, 16.8, and 17.7; plastron widths (cm) were 10.7, 11.1, and 11.4.

No attempt was made to locate nests and follow their fates. No small juvenile turtles were
noted during trapping and surveys, but no systematic pond watches were made, which precludes
assuming their absence. These aspects of the life cycle need study to determine if recmitment in the
Painted Turtle population at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge is exceptionally low. Adult
survivorship is usually high in Painted Turtles, which are long-lived once they reach adulthood; nest loss

can be substantial (>50-60%), and hatchling mortality can also be high (see Gibbons 1968, Tinkle et al.
1981, Snow 1982, Christens and Bider 1987, Zweifel 1989, Lindeman 1991, Iverson and Smith
1993). It is unknown, at this time, if stage-related mortality is unusual on the refuge or typical of many
populations.

LONG-TOED SALAMANDER - AMBYSTOMA MACRODACTYLUM

• 1995-1996 data

'-^ Pre-1 995 data

V^ Museum specimens

Montana Natural Heritage Program, January 19,1 997

TAILED FROG - ASCAPHUS TRUEI

• 1995-1996 data
O Pre- 1995 data

Museum specimens

Montana Natural Heritage Program, January 1 9, 1 997

WESTERN TOAD - BUFO BOREAS

Victor

• 1995-1996 data
O Pre-1 995 data
"M Museum specimens

Montana Natural Heritage Program, January 1 9, 1 997

BULLFROG - RANA CATESBEIANA

Montana Natural Heritage Program, January 1 9, 1 997

SPOTTED FROG - RANA PRETIOSA

• 1995-1996 data

O Pre-1 995 data

h< Museum specimens

Montana Natural Heritage Program, January 1 9, 1 997

PAINTED TURTLE - CHRYSEMYS PICTA

Victor

• 1995-1996 data
■^ Pre-1 995 data
>< Museum specimens

Montana Natural Heritage Program, January 1 9, 1 997

NORTHERN ALLIGATOR LIZARD - ELGARIA COERULEA

Victor

• 1995-1 996 data

O Pre-1 995 data

>r< Museum specimens

Montana Natural Heritage Program, January 1 9, 1 997

WESTERN SKINK - EUMECES SKILTONIANUS

• 1995-1 996 data

O Pre-1 995 data

V Museum specimens

Montana Natural Heritage Program, January 1 9, 1 997

RUBBER BOA - CHARINA BOTTAE

Victor

• 1995-1 996 data

O Pre- 1995 data

>T< Museum specimens

Montana Natural Heritage Program, January 1 9, 1 997

GOPHER SNAKE OR BULLSNAKE - PITUOPHIS CATENIFER

Montana Natural Heritage Program, January 1 9, 1 997

WESTERN TERRESTRIAL GARTER SNAKE - THAMNOPHIS ELEGANS

• 1995-1 996 data

O Pre-1 995 data

>T^ Museum specimens

Montana Natural Heritage Program, January 1 9, 1 997

COMMON GARTER SNAKE - THAMNOPHIS SIRTALIS

'o

Victor

• 1995-1996 data
O Pre-1 995 data
>< Museum specimens

Montana Natural Heritage Program, January 1 9, 1 997

SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE WORK

1) Develop and maintain a file of all amphibian and reptile observations on the refuge. Design an
observation form that can be used by all personnel, and encourage permanent and seasonal staff to
become familiar with the species in the area (about a dozen species total). Of interest to the refuge are
estimates of numbers of Bullfrogs and Painted Turtles in particular ponds, observations of turtle nests,
acts of predation observed on nests and adults, and sightings of amphibians other than Bullfrogs. Spot
counts of basking turtles in particular ponds, accompanied by weather conditions, can provide valuable
estimates of relative abundance when recorded over several years for the same sites. These kinds of
data do not require large blocks of time to obtain, but can be very useful for detecting changes that may
be occurring on the refuge.

2) Continue efforts to mark Painted Turtles and gather age (size) distribution data; initial efforts should
concentrate on one or two ponds (Pond 5 and Bam Slough). Locate turtle nests and monitor their
fates. Determine which predators prey on nests and hatchlings. Refuge personnel indicated that nesting
routinely occurs along the railroad tracks. This would be a good place to develop a nest-monitoring
program. At some time, with suitable funding, follow movements of radio-marked turtles to determine
distances moved and amount of movement between ponds. Radio-marked females could be followed
to nest sites, as well.

3) Continue efforts to estimate the size of the Bullfrog population on the refuge; continue shoreline
counts of Bullfrogs in North Slough. Determine when mating and egg-laying occur, time of
transformation for tadpoles, length of tadpole phase, food habits of adults, and habitat suitability across
the refuge (Are all water bodies used by Bullfrogs? Is Bullfrog reproduction successful in ponds
occupied by predatory fish?). Almost nothing is known about the biology of Bullfrogs in this region of
North America. A study of overwinter survivorship could provide insight about the factors restricting the
spread of this species in western Montana.

17

LITERATURE CITED

Blaustein, A. R., D. B. Wake, and W. P. Sousa. 1994. Amphibian declines: judging stability,

persistence, and susceptibility of populations to local and global extinctions. Conservation
Biology 8:60-71.

Cagle,F.R. 1939. A system of marking turtles for future identification. Copeia 1939:170-173.

Christens, E., and J. R. Bider. 1987. Nesting activity and hatching success of the Painted Turtle
(Chrysemys picta marginata) in southwestern Quebec. Herpetologica 43:55-65.

Com, P. S., and J. C. Fogelman. 1984. Extinction of montane populations of Northern Leopard Frog
(Ranapipiens) in Colorado. Journal of Herpetology 18: 147-152.

Fowle, S. C. 1996. The Painted Turtle in the Mission Valley of western Montana. Unpublished
Masters Thesis. University of Montana, Missoula. 101pp.

Gibbons, J. W. 1968. Population structure and survivorship in the Painted Turtle, Chrysemys picta.
Copeia 1968:260-268.

Hendricks, P., and J. D. Reichel. 1996. Amphibian and reptile survey of the Bitterroot National Forest:
1995. Montana Natural Heritage Program. Helena, MT 95 pp.

Iverson, J. B., and G. R. Smith. 1993. Reproductive ecology of the Painted Turtle {Chrysemys picta)
in the Nebraska Sandhills and across its range. Copeia 1993: 1-21.

Lindeman, P. V. 1 99 1 . Survivorship of overwintering hatchling Painted Turtles, Chrysemys picta, in
northern Idaho. Canadian Field-Naturalist 105:263-266.

Nussbaum, R. A., E. D. Brodie, Jr., and R. M. Storm. 1983. Amphibians and reptiles of the Pacific
Northwest. University ofldaho Press, Moscow. 332 pp.

Phillips, K. 1990. Where have all the frogs and toads gone? BioScience 40:422-424.

Phillips, K. 1994. Tracking the vanishing frogs. Penguin Books, New York. 244 pp.

Snow, J. E. 1982. Predation on PaintedTurtle nests: nest survival as a function of nest edge. Canadian
Journal of Zoology 60:3290-3292.

Tinkle, D. W., J. D. Congdon, and P. C. Rosen. 1981. Nesting frequency and success: implications for
the demography of Painted Turtles. Ecology 62: 1426-1432.

Willis, Y. L., D. L. Moyle, and T S. Baskett. 1956. Emergence, breeding, hibernation, movements and
transformation of the Bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, in Missouri. Copeia 1956:30-41 .

18

Zweifel, R. G 1989. Long-term ecological studies on a population of Painted Turtles, Chrysemys
picta, on Long Island, New York. American Museum Novitates Number 2952. 55 pp.

19

APPENDIX 1
TURTLE MARKING FORM

20

TURTLE MARKING FORM

DATE:
LOCATION:

TEMPERATURE (AIR):

SEX:

MAX. PLASTRON LENGTH:

COMMENTS:

TEMPERATURE (WATER):

WEIGHT:

MAX. PLASTRON WIDTH:

INDIVIDUAL NUMBER:
3^.

7

APPENDIX 2

SUMMARY OF AMPHIBIAN AND REPTILE RECORDS

BETWEEN FLORENCE AND VICTOR

22

M ulti_ Species^ R eport

CNAME DATE SURVEY DATA TYPE BREEDING MUSEUM # COLLECTOR

COUNTY TOWNRANGE

LOCATION COMMENTS

LONG-TOED SALAMANDER AMBYSTOMA MACRODACTYLUM

1 25 1978 Observation P Dunlap, B.

Ravalli T10NR21W 25
East shoulder Little St. Joe,
6280 ft.

8 29 1996 MT960001 Observation B Werner, J.

Ravalli T10NR20W 12 SE
Florence Bridge Fishing Access
Site

TAILED FROG ASCAPHUS TRUEI

6 1 1955 Museum specimen P USNM 334419 Johnson, Roland

Ravalli T08NR21W 11
Big Creek

8 23 1984 Museum specimen P MVZ 191013 Good, D. A.

Ravalli
Larry Creek Road, ca . 0.25 mi.
below 1st jet. above Larry Cr.
Campground

6 28 1993 Observation P FS Personell
Ravalli T09NR21W 25

Silverthorn Creek 1-10 individuals

8 17 1993 Observation P FS Personell

Ravalli T08NR21W 1

McCalla Creek 1-10 individuals

3 30 1995 Observation P FS Personell

Ravalli T10NR21W 35

Bass Creek, below Barrier Falls Abundant.

7 18 1995 Observation P FS Personell
Ravalli T10NR21W 36

Bass Creek >50 individuals

7 10 1995 Observation P FS Personell
Ravalli T10NR20W 29

Larry Creek 1-10 individuals. Also observed

8-3-90 .

8 2 1995 Observation P FS Personell
Ravalli T10NR20W 20

Sweeney Creek 11-30 individuals. Also observed

9-21-95 .

8 31 1995 Observation P FS Personell

Ravalli T10NR20W 9

One Horse Creek 11-30 individuals

8 22 1995 Observation P FS Personell
Ravalli T09NR20W 18

Kootenai Creek >50 individuals. Also observed

8-18-93 .

9 2 1 1995 Observation B Torquemada, R.
Ravalli T10NR20W 20

Sweeney Creek >20 larvae

CNAME DATE SURVEY DATATYPE BREEDING MUSEUM # COLLECTOR

COUNTY TOWNRANGE

LOCATION COMMENTS

WESTERN TOAD BUFO BOREAS

1967 Observation B

Ravalli

Two large ponds, 1 mi. N. of Also observed in 1966.
Victor .

6 16 1995 Museum specimen B MTHP 4013 P. Hendricks
Ravalli T08NR20W 19

0.9 mi. NE of Victor, on W. lOOO's of tadpoles, 1 egg mass,
side of HWY 93

7 19 1995 Observation P Jakober, M.
Ravalli T10NR20W 31

On Bass Creek Trail #4, ca . 1 4 adults
mi. above trailhead

7 18 1995 Observation P Torquemada, R.

Ravalli T10NR20W 31

Bass Creek Trail #4 4 adults

7 5 1995 Observation P Hoy, J.

Ravalli T08NR20W 13

Hoy's yard Also observed 22 Aug 1995, 24 Aug

1995, 10 Sept 1995

7 18 1995 Observation B Torquemada, R.

Ravalli T10NR20W 32

Bass Creek >20 larvae

7 18 1995 Observation P Torquemada, R.
Ravalli T10NR21W 36

Bass Creek Trail #4 2 adults

8 15 1995 Observation P Hoy, J.
Ravalli T09NR21W 13

Kootenai Cr. Trail

9 15 1995 Observation P Jakober, M.
Ravalli T10NR20W 29

In Larry Cr., just above upper 1 adult
road crossing of FS RD 1316

BULLFROG RANA CATESBEIANA

6 4 1966 Observation B
Ravalli

Near Stevensville in shallow
ponds .

1995 Observation P Henry, C.

Ravalli T09NR20W

Lee Metcalf Refuge Lots of bullfrogs seen.

7 12 1995 Observation P P. Hendricks
Ravalli T09NR20W 11

Lee Metcalf NWR, 3 mi. N. of 2 adults.
Stevensville

8 14 1995 Observation P Hendricks, P.
Ravalli T10NR20W 12

Florence Bridge Fishing Access 12 adults

Site (pond W. of road and S. of Hwy)

CNAME DATE SURVEY DATATYPE BREEDING MUSEUM # COLLECTOR

COUNTY TOWNRANGE

LOCATION COMMENTS

BULLFROG RANA CATESBEIANA (cont.)

8 29 1996 MT960001 Observation B Werner,

Ravalli T10NR20W 12 SE

Florence Bridge Fishing Access
Site

SPOTTED FROG RANA PRETIOSA

7 18 1995 Observation P Torquemada, R.
Ravalli T10NR21W 7

Bass Creek 1 adult

8 1996 Observation Corn, S.
Ravalli

Florence, Tie Chute Creek

8 29 1996 MT960001 Observation P Werner,

Ravalli T10NR20W 12 SE

Florence Bridge Fishing access
Site

PAINTED TURTLE CHRYSEMYS PICTA

Ravalli
See map in Black

7 19 9 3
Ravalli
Along HWY 93, just

6 10 19 9 5
Ravalli
Lee Metcalf NWR, 2
Stevensville

6 29 1995 Observation P Hoy, J.
Ravalli T09NR20W 15

Lee Metcalf Refuge at picnic 5 counted, but more living there;

area parking lot pond hatched eggs found, but no small i

turtles .

7 12 1995 Observation P P. Hendricks
Ravalli T09NR20W 11

Lee Metcalf NWR, 3 mi. N. of 6 adults.

Stevensville

8 14 1995 Observation P Hendricks, P.
Ravalli T10NR20W 12

Florence Bridge Fishing Access 4 adults

Site (pond W. of road and S. of
Hwy)

6 28 1996 Observation P Hendricks, P.
Ravalli T09NR20W 11 NW

Whistlers Pond, Metcalf NWR Adults basking on logs in pond

8 29 1996 MT960002 Observation P Reichel,J

Ravalli T10NR20W 35 SW

North Slough, Metcalf NWR

NORTHERN ALLIGATOR LIZARD ELGARIA COERULEA

7 26 1963 Museum specimen P MVZ 187467 Teberg, E. K.
Ravalli

Ca . 300 yds. beyond end of rd . ;
Bass Creek Trail

Specimen

P

r e p o r t e

d

1970

Observation

P

T .

, C

. Ge n du s a

N. of Victor

2

individuals

observed .

Observation

P

P .

Hendricks

T 9NR2 OW

1 5

mi . N . of

6

adults .

CNAME

DATE

COUNTY
LOCATION

SURVEY DATA TYPE
TOWNRANGE

BREEDING
COMMENTS

MUSEUM #

COLLECTOR

WESTERN SKINK

8 2 3 19 8 4
Ravalli
Larry Creek Road,
Below first jet.
Cr . Campground

RUBBER BOA CHARINA BOTTAE

EUMECES SKILTONIANUS

Museum specimen

ca . 0.25 mi .
aobve Larry

MVZ 191020 Good, D. A.

3 2 2 19 10

Ravalli

Stevensville

6 19 9 2
Ravalli
Kootenai Creek

Museum

specimen

Observation
T09NR21W

P USNM 044265 Birdseye,C.

Biological Survey found dead

P Gos lin , D&B

1 1

7 18 1995 Observation

Ravalli T10NR21W

On Bass Creek Trail at
wilderness boundary

7 18 19 9 5
Ravalli
Bass Creek Trail

Observation
T10NR20W

#4

P

3 6
adult

P

3 2
adult

Jakober ,

M .

Torquemada ,

R .

7 3 1 19 9 5
Ravalli
Larry Creek

Observation
T10NR20W

PINE OR GOPHER SNAKE

PITUOPHIS CATENIFER

P Odegard , C .

3 N W

Boa 18" long in the road to Little
St. Joe. Adjacent slopes are east
facing & mostly forested.

8 19 9 4
Ravalli
Burnt Fork Rd .

Observation
T08NR19W

P Gos lin , D&B

4
snakes, also observed June 1992

19 9 5
Ravalli
Lee Metcalf Refuge

8 11 19 9 5
Ravalli

Hoy ' s yard

9 6 19 9 5
Ravalli

Hoy's neighbor's

9 2 5 19 9 5
Ravalli
Hoy ' s yard

Observation

P

T 9NR2 OW

e

3

snakes

Observation

P

T 8NR2 OW

1 3

Observation

P

T 8NR2 OW

1 4

yard

Observation

P

T 8NR2 OW

1 3

Henry ,

C .

WESTERN TERRESTRIAL
GARTER SNAKE

THAMNOPHIS ELEGANS

Hoy, J.

Hoy, J.

Hoy, J.

4 2 9 19 10
Ravalli
Stevensville,
3725 ft.

Museum specimen

W of, Bass Creek

USNM 044269

CNAME DATE SURVEY DATA TYPE BREEDING MUSEUM # COLLECTOR

COUNTY TOWNRANGE

LOCATION COMMENTS

WESTERN TERRESTRIAL THAMNOPHIS ELEGANS

GARTER SNAKE (cont.)

7 12 1977 Museum specimen P USNM 205139 B u s a c k , V i s n a w , s

Ravalli

Kootenai Creek, 4 mi above
Bitterroot River

1995 Observation P Henry, C.

Ravalli T09NR20W

Lee Metcalf Refuge

7 12 1995 Observation P P. Hendricks

Ravalli T09NR20W 28

Along HWY 93, 1.7 mi. N. of St. 1 adult.

Marys Peak Road

7 14 1995 Observation P Hoy, J.

Ravalli T08NR20W 13

Hoy ' s yard

7 24 1995 Observation P Hoy, J.

Ravalli T08NR20W 14

Hoy's property

7 10 1995 Observation P Hoy, J.
Ravalli T08NR20W 14

Hoy's neighbor's yard 8 snakes counted sunning themselves.

Small den .

9 23 1995 Observation P Hoy, J.

Ravalli T08NR20W 13

Hoy's property

8 29 1996 Observation P P. Hendricks

Ravalli T10NR20W 12 SE

Florence Bridge Fishing Access 1 adult

Site

COMMON GARTER SNAKE THAMNOPHIS SIRTALIS

8 2 3 1984 Museum specimen P MVZ 191304 Good, D. A.

Ravalli

Ca . 300 m. beyond end of rd.,
Bass Creek Trail

5 26 1996 Observation P Hassack, B.

Ravalli T10NR21W 36 NW

1-2 mi up Bass Ck Trail

8 29 1996 Observation P P. Hendricks

Ravalli T10NR20W 12 SE

Florence Bridge Fishing Access 1 adult

Site