Daniel Parker, Director of Media for USARK FL, will speak at the Calusa Herpetological Society meeting on Thursday, June 4th at 7pm at the Calusa Nature Center in Ft. Myers, FL.
The subject of his talk will be Backyard Reptiles and Amphibians of SW FL: ID and Safety. He will also give a short USARK FL update.
In the current time, our turtles are faced with greater threats than ever before. Habitat destruction, road mortality, drowning in traps, and overcollection all take their toll, while government bureaucrats, politicians, and extreme animal rights activists seek to limit or end captive breeding of all or many species.
You can do your part to help save turtles by supporting the conservation of wild turtles and their habitats while also joining organizations that promote responsible captive breeding like USARK - United States Association of Reptile Keepers, USARK FL, United States Aquarium Association, and TURTLE and TORTOISE PRESERVATION GROUP.
The Striped newt (Notophthalmus perstriatus) is state listed as a Threatened Species in Florida. It may not be kept or bred in captivity without a permit. However, its habitat receives no special protection.
Striped newts have specific habitat requirements. They may occur fairly dry sandhill or scrub habitats and breed in ephemeral (temporary) wetlands that lack predatory fish. Striped newts have a spotty distribution in parts of north and central Florida. The species is close to extirpation in Georgia.
The biggest threats to Striped newts in the wild are destruction and mismanagement of habitat. New populations have been discovered in surprising locales in recent years. However, some populations are likely being lost before even being discovered.
USARK FL will be releasing a 3 part documentary on the MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife Holy Thursday Massacre this week on Youtube. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/8uTChlo7YW0?si=C3nvl...
On April 6, 2023, a legal pet Boa owned by Bill McAdam, was misidentified as a Prohibited species and killed with a penetrating bolt gun. A subsequent necropsy revealed the snake was gravid and carrying 32 offspring.
Over 30 pythons (both Reticulated and Burmese pythons) belonging to Chris Coffee were also killed. These had been legally possessed prior to FWC’s 2021 rule changes that reclassified certain species as “Prohibited.” Coffee had attempted to comply with the new regulations.
We are not publicizing this issue simply to open old wounds or incite hatred against FWC. We are doing this as a reminder that when onerous policies are passed, resulting in overreaching enforcement actions, it affects real people and real living things. In this case, the mental and emotional trauma inflicted upon Bill McAdam, Chris Coffee, and their families is incalculable. This process has deprived Coffee of his life savings, his valuable collection of animals, and has even resulted in his family becoming homeless.
Policies are implemented by people, in this case the people who work at FWC. Even the most honest and competent people make mistakes. We know that there are good people at FWC with good intentions. However, when policies are written in such a way that they do not anticipate the worst possible outcomes, especially when the input of the people that they affect is not considered in the process, the results can be disastrous.
In this case, FWC's rules have not succeeded in reducing wild populations of invasive species. In fact, it is likely that the populations of pythons, iguanas, and tegus have only increased since the rules were passed. However, these rules have upended the lives of people and caused untold heartache. This has resulted in negative media attention and political backlash for FWC. If it is genuinely interested in creating policies that work, FWC must consider reptile keepers as partners, not as adversaries.
As for Chris Coffee and Bill McAdam, FWC should be absolutely eager to take care of them, whatever that takes.
This Eastern mudsnake (Farancia abacura abacura) was photographed eating a Two-toed Amphiuma (Amphiuma means) in Polk County, FL.
The Eastern mudsnake is a large nonvenomous aquatic snake that specializes in feeding on aquatic salamanders like Amphiumas and Sirens. Juvenile mudsnakes are known to feed on tadpoles and salamander larvae. Mudsnakes are common in wetlands and vegetated water bodies throughout the state of Florida, though their nocturnal and aquatic habits make them infrequently seen. Herpers sometimes encounter them crossing roads at night.
Mudsnake populations are undoubtedly reduced from historic levels due to habitat alteration and fragmentation. Destruction of wetlands for development, high traffic roads, and the spraying and removal of the aquatic vegetation which is essential to all aquatic reptiles and amphibians present an ever-increasing threat to mudsnakes in Florida.
From Phys.org: "The dorsal scales of the ball python (Python regius) might offer a new physical solution for bacterial resistance. Analysis of the structure and composition of these scales has revealed sharp, regularly spaced microprotrusions—or, very tiny spikes—along the surface. The researchers posited that these spikes might act as protection against bacterial infections based on their size.
To determine whether snake scale topographies contributed to microbial defense, the team tested whether the scales effectively suppressed E. coli and S. aureus adhesion and biofilm formation.
The team measured bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on the snake scales and compared it to adhesion and biofilm formation on smooth polystyrene after 48 hours at 37°C. To ensure that effects were due to the physical features of the scales, they also tested ground, sterilized python skin in bacterial cultures."
Excited to announce that one of our Jacksonville volunteers will go live on WhatNot for a special fundraiser benefiting USARK-FL!
During the live stream, 50% of proceeds will go straight to USARK-FL to support their ongoing work protecting the rights of responsible reptile keepers in Florida — fighting for fair laws, education, and conservation efforts that benefit our entire community.
This is your chance to:
Tune into an awesome live session with Stuffed animals and some reptile vibes
Contribute to a great cause while enjoying the stream
Help ensure reptile keepers' voices are heard!
Live details: Date & Time: Saturday, March 21 starting at 1PM EDT Hosted by: Anslee | pageantsandpythons
Download/join WhatNot, follow [pageantsandpythons], and hop in live. Share this with your reptile friends — every bit of support counts!
Scientific American reports: "When merrymakers gather in the streets of Dublin for Ireland’s annual National St. Patrick’s Day Parade, one green-clad group won’t be there: snakes.
Saint Patrick, a fifth-century missionary from Roman Britain, is primarily known for spreading Christianity within Ireland. His other claim to folklore fame, however, comes from his supposed role as an exterminator—he’s said to have chased all the snakes out of Ireland with an ornate shepherd’s crook known as a crozier.
A haven for those with ophidiophobia, Ireland has zero native snake species. This snake-free status predates Saint Patrick, though. In fact, the fossil record suggests the island has never hosted wild serpents—or many other reptiles, for that matter.
“We really only have two reptiles,” says Collie Ennis, science officer at the Herpetological Society of Ireland and biodiversity officer at Trinity College Dublin. “We’ve got one native land reptile—that’s the common lizard.... We also have an introduced reptile in Ireland called the slow worm, and it’s a type of legless lizard.”
Most scientists agree that the most recent ice age, which ended approximately 11,700 years ago, is the reason for Ireland’s lack of reptile diversity. By the time glacial ice from the era receded and temperatures warmed enough for the ectotherms, Ireland had broken off from the European continent and was inaccessible to roaming reptiles.
Even today, Ireland is simply too cold for most snakes. Because reptiles cannot warm themselves internally like mammals can, they tend to prefer warm temperatures between 70 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit (21 and 38 degrees Celsius) and can be rendered immobile or perish from lengthy cold spells. Ireland’s native common lizard (Zootoca vivipara) and the introduced slow worm (Anguis fragilis) are both much hardier and able to hibernate through the winter."
USARK Florida
Daniel Parker, Director of Media for USARK FL, will speak at the Calusa Herpetological Society meeting on Thursday, June 4th at 7pm at the Calusa Nature Center in Ft. Myers, FL.
The subject of his talk will be Backyard Reptiles and Amphibians of SW FL: ID and Safety. He will also give a short USARK FL update.
www.calusaherp.org/Speakers/month_meeting.htm
#reptiles #herplife #herpetology #florida
www.calusaherp.org/Speakers/month_meeting.htm
4 days ago | [YT] | 8
View 0 replies
USARK Florida
Be sure to follow USARKFL on Palmstreet!
We will be holding a Palmstreet sale to support your freedoms to keep reptiles this Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 7pm EST!
We will be coming to you live from Repticon Orlando, but you can only bid online at the Palmstreet app.
✨ Don’t miss out!
We will auction off a CSerpents Incubator geckos, lizards, snakes, tortoises, invertebrates, products, and merch live:
palmstreet.app/l/cLvbXlib
Please contact media@usarkfl.net to donate items.
Thanks so much for your support!
1 week ago | [YT] | 11
View 0 replies
USARK Florida
We will be holding a Palmstreet sale to support your freedoms to keep reptiles this Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 7pm EST!
You can only bid online at the Palmstreet app.
palmstreet.app/l/cLvbXlib
Please contact media@usarkfl.net to donate items.
Thanks so much for your support!
1 week ago | [YT] | 8
View 0 replies
USARK Florida
On this World Turtle Day, we celebrate Florida's beautiful and fascinating native turtles.
Clockwise from upper right: Florida softshell turtle (Apalone ferox), Florida box turtle (Terrapene bauri), Ornate diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin macrospilota), Suwannee alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys suwanniensis), Spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata), and Peninsula cooter (Pseudemys peninsularis).
In the current time, our turtles are faced with greater threats than ever before. Habitat destruction, road mortality, drowning in traps, and overcollection all take their toll, while government bureaucrats, politicians, and extreme animal rights activists seek to limit or end captive breeding of all or many species.
You can do your part to help save turtles by supporting the conservation of wild turtles and their habitats while also joining organizations that promote responsible captive breeding like USARK - United States Association of Reptile Keepers, USARK FL, United States Aquarium Association, and TURTLE and TORTOISE PRESERVATION GROUP.
All photos by Daniel Parker
#worldturtleday #turtles #herplife #oneteamonefight #savetheturtles
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 22
View 0 replies
USARK Florida
The Striped newt (Notophthalmus perstriatus) is state listed as a Threatened Species in Florida. It may not be kept or bred in captivity without a permit. However, its habitat receives no special protection.
Striped newts have specific habitat requirements. They may occur fairly dry sandhill or scrub habitats and breed in ephemeral (temporary) wetlands that lack predatory fish. Striped newts have a spotty distribution in parts of north and central Florida. The species is close to extirpation in Georgia.
The biggest threats to Striped newts in the wild are destruction and mismanagement of habitat. New populations have been discovered in surprising locales in recent years. However, some populations are likely being lost before even being discovered.
Photo by Daniel Parker
#amphibian #conservation #herplife #nature #newt
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 13
View 0 replies
USARK Florida
USARK FL will be releasing a 3 part documentary on the MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife Holy Thursday Massacre this week on Youtube. Watch the trailer here: https://youtu.be/8uTChlo7YW0?si=C3nvl...
On April 6, 2023, a legal pet Boa owned by Bill McAdam, was misidentified as a Prohibited species and killed with a penetrating bolt gun. A subsequent necropsy revealed the snake was gravid and carrying 32 offspring.
Over 30 pythons (both Reticulated and Burmese pythons) belonging to Chris Coffee were also killed. These had been legally possessed prior to FWC’s 2021 rule changes that reclassified certain species as “Prohibited.” Coffee had attempted to comply with the new regulations.
We are not publicizing this issue simply to open old wounds or incite hatred against FWC. We are doing this as a reminder that when onerous policies are passed, resulting in overreaching enforcement actions, it affects real people and real living things. In this case, the mental and emotional trauma inflicted upon Bill McAdam, Chris Coffee, and their families is incalculable. This process has deprived Coffee of his life savings, his valuable collection of animals, and has even resulted in his family becoming homeless.
Policies are implemented by people, in this case the people who work at FWC. Even the most honest and competent people make mistakes. We know that there are good people at FWC with good intentions. However, when policies are written in such a way that they do not anticipate the worst possible outcomes, especially when the input of the people that they affect is not considered in the process, the results can be disastrous.
In this case, FWC's rules have not succeeded in reducing wild populations of invasive species. In fact, it is likely that the populations of pythons, iguanas, and tegus have only increased since the rules were passed. However, these rules have upended the lives of people and caused untold heartache. This has resulted in negative media attention and political backlash for FWC. If it is genuinely interested in creating policies that work, FWC must consider reptile keepers as partners, not as adversaries.
As for Chris Coffee and Bill McAdam, FWC should be absolutely eager to take care of them, whatever that takes.
1 month ago | [YT] | 75
View 5 replies
USARK Florida
This Eastern mudsnake (Farancia abacura abacura) was photographed eating a Two-toed Amphiuma (Amphiuma means) in Polk County, FL.
The Eastern mudsnake is a large nonvenomous aquatic snake that specializes in feeding on aquatic salamanders like Amphiumas and Sirens. Juvenile mudsnakes are known to feed on tadpoles and salamander larvae. Mudsnakes are common in wetlands and vegetated water bodies throughout the state of Florida, though their nocturnal and aquatic habits make them infrequently seen. Herpers sometimes encounter them crossing roads at night.
Mudsnake populations are undoubtedly reduced from historic levels due to habitat alteration and fragmentation. Destruction of wetlands for development, high traffic roads, and the spraying and removal of the aquatic vegetation which is essential to all aquatic reptiles and amphibians present an ever-increasing threat to mudsnakes in Florida.
Photo by Daniel Parker
#mudsnake #reptiles #floridawildlife #conservation
2 months ago | [YT] | 18
View 0 replies
USARK Florida
Python Skin Structure Wards Off Bacteria
From Phys.org:
"The dorsal scales of the ball python (Python regius) might offer a new physical solution for bacterial resistance. Analysis of the structure and composition of these scales has revealed sharp, regularly spaced microprotrusions—or, very tiny spikes—along the surface. The researchers posited that these spikes might act as protection against bacterial infections based on their size.
To determine whether snake scale topographies contributed to microbial defense, the team tested whether the scales effectively suppressed E. coli and S. aureus adhesion and biofilm formation.
The team measured bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on the snake scales and compared it to adhesion and biofilm formation on smooth polystyrene after 48 hours at 37°C. To ensure that effects were due to the physical features of the scales, they also tested ground, sterilized python skin in bacterial cultures."
Read full article here:
phys.org/news/2026-03-python-scales-host-microstru…
#python #ballpython #snakessavelives #snakesofig #snakes
2 months ago | [YT] | 10
View 0 replies
USARK Florida
Excited to announce that one of our Jacksonville volunteers will go live on WhatNot for a special fundraiser benefiting USARK-FL!
During the live stream, 50% of proceeds will go straight to USARK-FL to support their ongoing work protecting the rights of responsible reptile keepers in Florida — fighting for fair laws, education, and conservation efforts that benefit our entire community.
This is your chance to:
Tune into an awesome live session with Stuffed animals and some reptile vibes
Contribute to a great cause while enjoying the stream
Help ensure reptile keepers' voices are heard!
Live details:
Date & Time: Saturday, March 21 starting at 1PM EDT
Hosted by: Anslee | pageantsandpythons
Download/join WhatNot, follow [pageantsandpythons], and hop in live. Share this with your reptile friends — every bit of support counts!
Stream link:
www.whatnot.com/live/20d8b5c2-1924-46b8-b41f-158a0…
Learn more about USARK-FL: usarkfl.wildapricot.org/
Let's rally together for reptile rights in FL!
#USARKFL #ReptileKeepers #WhatNotLive #FloridaReptiles #Advocacy
2 months ago | [YT] | 3
View 0 replies
USARK Florida
Scientific American reports:
"When merrymakers gather in the streets of Dublin for Ireland’s annual National St. Patrick’s Day Parade, one green-clad group won’t be there: snakes.
Saint Patrick, a fifth-century missionary from Roman Britain, is primarily known for spreading Christianity within Ireland. His other claim to folklore fame, however, comes from his supposed role as an exterminator—he’s said to have chased all the snakes out of Ireland with an ornate shepherd’s crook known as a crozier.
A haven for those with ophidiophobia, Ireland has zero native snake species. This snake-free status predates Saint Patrick, though. In fact, the fossil record suggests the island has never hosted wild serpents—or many other reptiles, for that matter.
“We really only have two reptiles,” says Collie Ennis, science officer at the Herpetological Society of Ireland and biodiversity officer at Trinity College Dublin. “We’ve got one native land reptile—that’s the common lizard.... We also have an introduced reptile in Ireland called the slow worm, and it’s a type of legless lizard.”
Most scientists agree that the most recent ice age, which ended approximately 11,700 years ago, is the reason for Ireland’s lack of reptile diversity. By the time glacial ice from the era receded and temperatures warmed enough for the ectotherms, Ireland had broken off from the European continent and was inaccessible to roaming reptiles.
Even today, Ireland is simply too cold for most snakes. Because reptiles cannot warm themselves internally like mammals can, they tend to prefer warm temperatures between 70 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit (21 and 38 degrees Celsius) and can be rendered immobile or perish from lengthy cold spells. Ireland’s native common lizard (Zootoca vivipara) and the introduced slow worm (Anguis fragilis) are both much hardier and able to hibernate through the winter."
Read full article here:
www.scientificamerican.com/article/the-real-reason…
#stpatricksday☘️ #snakes #ireland #reptilesofinstagram
2 months ago | [YT] | 13
View 2 replies
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