Would you like to be a Slither Sleuth? Join the posse to round up records of
rare reptiles and amphibians.
With the completion of the Atlas of the Reptiles and Amphibians in Vermont
in 2000, two species once found in the state remained undocumented. The Atlas
survey was organized by herpetologist Jim Andrews, Chair of the Vermont Reptile
and Amphibian Scientific Advisory Group. Jim felt that two of these missing
species would show up in Windham County if residents were trained to recognize
them and would conduct searches. The two species, the Eastern Racer, a large
black snake, and the Fowler’s Toad, required different search techniques.
Learn more about these two species and how to find them:
Fowler’s Toad
Eastern Racer
BEEC volunteers have documented one population of Fowler’s toads, and
a lead from another led to the discovery of one population of Eastern Racers.
We hope to find more.
Fowler’s Toad Recognizing Fowler’s Toads
Fowler’s Toad (Bufo fowleri) is a close relative of the more common American
Toad (Bufo americanus). Most Vermonters are unaware that there are two species
of toad in Vermont and would not know to attempt to distinguish between the
two possible species when one was caught. However, when examined carefully
in the hand, Fowler’s Toad can be quite easily distinguished, and it
has a very different call from the American Toad. It is slightly smaller than
the American Toad with an unmarked (or single spotted) belly in contrast to
the black and white markings on the belly of the American Toad. The Fowler’s
also has more numerous small warts in each of the black spots on its back in
contrast to the few large warts of the American Toad. Its call is an unmusical
short bleat in contrast to the long melodious trill of American Toad.
Fowler's Toad
American Toad
Fowler's Toad Belly
American Toad Belly
Finding Fowler’s Toads
Volunteers recruited to search for Fowler’s toads conduct nighttime call
surveys. This involves driving a selected route on June and July evenings when
the weather conditions are right. Good toad conditions are hot nights (above
70° F) and rainy, or at least humid. You will know if the weather is right
if your neighorhood frogs are noisy. The researcher will drive VERY slowly,
pausing at half mile intervals to listen for calling amphibians. The Fowler’s
toad has a distinct nasal bleat.
If you would like to become a Slither Sleuth, email Patti
Smith
Eastern Racer The Racer is:
Black, with a solid gray underside and possibly some white under
the chin
Over 30 inches long
Slender
Quick-moving/nervous
Smooth scaled
Has pronounced “eyebrow ridges”
Any snake that is large (> 30
inches) and black is a species of interest.
Finding Eastern Racers
BEEC volunteers conducted a survey of Windham County residents in 2002 and
2003. The information gathered led to the location of one population of these
snakes, and some possible locations to conduct searches. Volunteers are needed
to search possible sites and to continue the survey.
If you would like to become a Slither Sleuth, email Patti
Smith
Other Species of Special Concern:
In Windham County we are also looking for reports of spotted turtles, marbled
salamanders, eastern ribbon snakes, and box turtles. All reports of reptiles
and amphibians are valued by the Atlas project. For a copy of the 2005 Atlas
of the Reptiles and Amphibians of Vermont, and to find out which species
still need to be documented in your town, visit the Vermont Reptile and Amphibian
Atlas site (http://community.middlebury.edu/~herpatlas/herp_index.htm).
If you would like to be a Slither Sleuth email Patti
Smith
