7/8/2005
Narrowheaded Gartersnake (Thamnophis rufipunctatus) Field Research in the White Mountains, AZ
In July of 2005 I was a field technician for a study with AZ State University surveying the Blue River and Black River for Narrowheaded Gartersnakes (Thamnophis rufipunctatus), a protected and threatened species here in Arizona. This was our study area along the Blue River in the White Mountains.
Of course looking for this uncommon and protected species that is on decline throughout its
range in the state, we find the first one within 20 feet of our camp before we get our tents setup.
In addition to searching for these snakes on foot and catching by hand, these modified minnow
traps were used to capture snakes along the portions of the river where they are likely to hunt.
Habitat along the Blue River.
A Plateau Striped Whiptail (Aspidoscelis velox) along the edge of the river.
Evidence of busy beavers
A Blacknecked Gartersnake (Thamnophis cyrtopsis) hunting along the river rocks
A Blacktailed Rattlesnake near our camp (Crotalus molossus)
Searching for snakes on foot
Another Blacknecked Gartersnake.
This is a series of quickly shot photos of a Wandering Gartersnake (Thamnophis elegans arizonae)
trying to communicate to me its desire to be put down immediately.
Narrowheaded Gartersnake Study Page 2.