Snake Talk: Recent Episodes
Dr. Chris Jenkins
Faced with a world that instinctually persecutes snakes, Dr. Jenkins talks with the foremost experts on snake biology and conservation. The discussions range widely including topics such as snake ecology, snakebites, and captive breeding. All of the conversations have the same goal, to help the listener increase their knowledge and leave behind any irrational fears of snakes.
After more than 150 episodes of Snake Talk, Dr. Chris Jenkins takes a seat on the other side of the microphone for one final conversation.
In this special farewell episode, Tracy Karplus, Director of Communication at The Orianne Society and longtime producer of the Snake Talk Podcast, asks the questions as Chris reflects on the journey that shaped his career and lifelong passion for reptile and amphibian conservation. From a childhood fascination with snakes to his education, early field experiences, and the path that led him to co-found The Orianne Society, Chris shares the stories behind a life dedicated to conservation.
Whether you've been listening since the beginning or are discovering Snake Talk for the first time, this episode offers a fitting conclusion to Chris's remarkable journey, and a reminder of the message that has closed every episode:
"Snakes are animals too, and it's a privilege to see one in the wild."
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with legendary herpetologist Romulus Whitaker to explore a life that has been anything but ordinary. Raised in the United States, educated in India, and mentored by famed snake handler Bill Haast, Rom followed his passion for reptiles across continents and cultures before returning to India to help transform wildlife conservation in the country.
Over the past five decades, Rom has founded and helped build some of India’s most influential conservation organizations, including a snake park, a crocodile conservation center, and a pioneering venom extraction program operated by members of a local Indigenous community. Along the way, he has handled countless snakes and crocodiles, survived remarkable adventures, and played a central role in changing how people view and conserve reptiles.
Read Rom’s biography, and be sure to check out The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, The Agumbe Rainforest Research Station, The King Cobra Conservancy, and the Global Snakebite Initiative.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
Romey Swanson spent his childhood bringing frogs and snakes home in his pockets. Years later, that fascination with wildlife led him on an ambitious quest across Texas: to find as many reptile and amphibian species as possible in a single “big year.”
In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with Romey, Executive Director of the Devils River Conservancy, to discuss his journey from wildlife-obsessed kid to conservation leader. Inspired by the birding world’s legendary “big year” competitions, Romey set out to document all 230-plus species of reptiles and amphibians in Texas, taking him deep into deserts, swamps, rivers, and backroads across the state. By the end of the effort, he had documented an astonishing 177 species, more than 30 above the previous known record! They also discuss the Devils River Conservancy and the effort to conserve hundreds of thousands of acres within one of Texas’s most ecologically important watersheds.
Connect with Romey at the Devils River Conservancy.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
In this episode of the Snake Talk Podcast, discover what happens when a lifelong love of art collides with a fascination for snakes. Dr. Chris Jenkins sits down with Samantha Mancino, a tattoo artist who has built an international reputation for her stunning snake-inspired work. Sam shares stories from her unconventional journey into tattooing, from growing up immersed in art to road-tripping across the country while learning the craft along the way. She also reflects on how encountering her first wild rattlesnake left a lasting impression that continues to shape her art today.
Connect with Sam at Kingsnake Tattoo.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
In this episode Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Sarah Baker, who is an Assistant Professor of Biological Science at McNeese State University. They discuss her time studying Massasauga Rattlesnakes specifically their metabolic rate and various aspects of their reproductive biology. They then talk about her transition to working with turtles and the population ecology work her lab is engaged in with Diamondback Terrapins and Box Turtles.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
What draws a researcher to the murky, hidden world of amphibians?
In this episode of the Snake Talk Podcast, Dr. Chris Jenkins sits down with Maddie Zickgraf, a Master’s student at the University of Alabama and The Jones Center at Ichauway, to explore the winding path that led her into the world of amphibian ecology and the strange, secretive species that now define her work. Maddie’s passion for herps was sparked by childhood days exploring creeks in Pennsylvania. That curiosity grew into a focused academic pursuit, taking her across the country and into a range of field experiences from studying Pacific Giant Salamanders to Chiricahua Leopard Frogs.
These experiences ultimately led her to a technician position at the Herpetology Lab at The Jones Center at Ichauway, where she worked with Gopher Tortoises and deepened her connection to southeastern ecosystems. It was during her time at Ichauway that Maddie became fascinated by the movement ecology of sirens and amphiumas, two large, cryptic amphibians that often coexist in ephemeral wetlands. While researching and trapping these elusive species, she began asking new questions about how they move through and persist in these dynamic environments, a curiosity that now shapes her Master’s research.
Connect with Maddie at The Jones Center at Ichauway.
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Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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In this episode, Dr. Chris Jenkins sits down with Dr. Thilo Beck, a recent graduate of the University of the Witwatersrand. Originally from Germany, Thilo moved to South Africa in pursuit of greater snake diversity, and found himself studying one of the continent’s most fascinating species, the Cape Cobra.
Thilo dives into his research on the thermal ecology of Cape Cobras, exploring how these snakes interact with their environment and regulate their body temperature. He also unpacks what his findings reveal about the future—how shifting climates could influence behavior, distribution, and survival for snakes in a rapidly changing world.
Connect with Thilo at the Tswalu Foundation.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Sam Schenker from North Carolina. Sam is a high school student who has already done an incredible amount of work to advance her career as a herpetologist. Multiple herp focused ecotourism trips led to interests in research and photography. Sam started by taking a Master Herpetologist class and then began working with a conservation organization in Ecuador. She also works with former Snake Talk guest, Dr. Reynolds, at University of North Carolina Asheville. They discuss Sam’s journey and where she hopes the future will take her.
Connect with Sam at the Khamai Foundation, or on her website, Scale Snaps.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Jade Samples and Eva Kerr, recent graduate students from the University of Georgia (UGA) who both study rare amphibians that breed in isolated wetlands. During their time at UGA, Jade and Eva collaborated on statewide surveys to better understand where these elusive species occur and what environmental factors shape their distribution.
Jade shares insights from her work on Striped Newt reintroductions, exploring the factors that influence whether restored populations succeed. Eva dives into her research on Gopher Frogs, examining gene flow in different landscapes and describing the ecological model she developed to simulate how disturbance can influence their populations and long-term persistence.
Connect with Jade and Eva at Dr. Maerz’s Herpetology Laboratory at UGA.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with Cameron Ketchum and Ariana Coles, undergraduate researchers at the University of Northern Colorado, to discuss their undergraduate research on snake venom. The conversation focuses on efforts to characterize rattlesnake venom across the Americas and how this work can help make antivenom more efficient.
Connect with Cameron and Ariana at the University of Northern Colorado.
Looking to learn more about venom? Check out Snake Talk 117 | Snake Venom with Dr. Stephen Mackessy.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
How do weather, habitat, and season influence a snake’s ability to fight disease?
In this episode, Chris Jenkins sits down with Catherine Hanks, a graduate student in ecology at the University of Georgia, to talk about her path into graduate school, from studying tropical ecology in Costa Rica to finding the right lab as an undergraduate. They also dive into her thesis research on the immune capacity of Eastern Indigo Snakes and what it may reveal about how these iconic snakes respond to Snake Fungal Disease in the wild.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Shane Ngwenya, an aspiring herpetologist beginning graduate studies in South Africa. Shane reflects on his childhood as a herder, where encounters with snakes were once rooted in fear and conflict, and how a growing fascination with the natural world ultimately reshaped his perspective.
That turning point came during a formative field course in Kruger National Park led by faculty including Bryan Maritz, a previous Snake Talk Podcast guest, whose mentorship helped inspire Shane’s path into herpetology. Shane discusses his honors research examining gecko communities across diverse habitat types and offers insight into the rich reptile and snake communities of Kruger. The episode also looks ahead to his upcoming graduate work, which will explore how elephant exclusion fences influence reptile habitat and community structure in protected landscapes.
Connect with Shane at the University of the Western Cape.
Looking to learn more? Check out Snake Talk 19 | Snakes of Africa with Dr. Bryan Maritz.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Samuel Kerwin, a PhD student at the University of Northern Colorado. Samuel shares how his fascination with snakes and venom evolved and led him to graduate school research. They dive into his master’s research on venom production in rattlesnakes, including how acidity plays a critical role in venom storage and safety, before exploring his PhD work on innovative snakebite treatments. This includes the potential development of an oral pill that could dramatically improve access to care and reduce morbidity from snakebite worldwide.
Connect with Samuel at the University of Northern Colorado.
Looking to learn more about venom? Check out Snake Talk 117 | Snake Venom with Dr. Stephen Mackessy.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
Shop Snake Talk merch.
If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Stephanie Agnew, a graduate student at the University of Ottawa, to discuss her path into graduate school and the lessons she learned along the way, offering practical advice for others hoping to pursue a career in herpetology and wildlife research. The conversation also explores Stephanie’s research on gartersnake physiology and how animals respond along urban gradients (the gradual shift from natural and rural habitats to increasingly developed, human-dominated landscapes) revealing how urbanization can influence snake behavior and physiological responses.
Connect with Stephanie at the University of Ottawa.
Looking to learn more? Check out Snake Talk 125 | Black Ratsnake Ecology with Dr. Gabriel Blouin-Demers.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Kim Sash, Tall Timbers’ Biological Monitoring Coordinator, and Ashlynn Canode, 2024 Orianne Society grant recipient, to explore how Florida’s snake communities have changed over the past two decades. They revisit a large-scale snake inventory first conducted 20 years ago, now being repeated, to compare species presence, abundance, and ecological shifts.
The discussion highlights notable trends, including apparent declines in coachwhips and banded watersnakes, alongside dramatic increases in cottonmouth populations. They conclude by examining ongoing efforts to monitor Snake Fungal Disease and invasive parasites and what these emerging threats mean for future snake conservation.
Learn more about the research, land stewardship, and fire ecology work happening at Tall Timbers by visiting their website.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
Dr. Jenkins sits down with photographer, filmmaker and field naturalist Mark Lotterhand to explore his astonishing discovery that weasels are dragging Timber Rattlesnakes out of their winter dens—and eating them. The conversation traces Mark’s early fascination with snakes and how it grew into a passion for photography, eventually leading him to experiment with drones and remote cameras to capture elusive behaviors in the wild. They also dive into Mark’s new book, In Search of New England’s Pit Vipers, a collection of thrilling field stories featuring Timber Rattlesnakes and Copperheads and the adventures behind documenting these remarkable species.
Watch Mark’s weasel video.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Originally released in 2020. Revisited for 2025 as one of our most downloaded episodes, and just as fascinating and relevant today as when it first aired.
Dr. Steven Beaupre has dedicated his career to studying one of North America’s most iconic species, the Timber Rattlesnake. In this episode, Dr. Beaupre joins Dr. Jenkins to share his journey to becoming a leading expert in rattlesnake physiology and ecology. Together, they explore what makes Timber Rattlesnakes so remarkable, from the function of their heat-sensing loreal pits to the complex ways physiology shapes their behavior and survival. The conversation highlights how decades of research are helping inform conservation for this misunderstood predator.
Connect with Steven at Arkansas State University's Graduate School.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Stan Lake to discuss his new book, Toad in a Glass Jar. Their conversation follows two intertwining paths — Stan’s experiences serving in the Army in Iraq and his life as a naturalist and content creator passionate about reptiles and amphibians. Together, they explore how these threads weave through his journey and culminate in a deeply personal collection of reptile and amphibian poetry. The discussion also touches on Stan’s broader creative work, including Catching Creation, his books, and his music videos — and features a clip from his song “Ain’t No Copperhead.”
Connect with Stan at www.stanlakecreates.com.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Bryan Fry for a globe-spanning conversation about his adventures working with some of the world’s most venomous snakes. Bryan dives into his studies on venom, from how it evolved, to why it varies across a species’ range, to the medical challenges posed by these differences. Along the way, he shares unforgettable stories from the field, including surviving 28 venomous snake bites from species across multiple continents. From science to sheer adventure, this episode is packed with jaw-dropping moments. Listen in to find out what happened!
Connect with Bryan on his website.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
Dr. Jenkins sits down with rattlesnake expert Mike Cardwell for a deep dive into one of North America’s most fascinating and misunderstood species—the Mohave Rattlesnake. Mike’s path is anything but ordinary: a childhood passion for snakes led to a 30-year career in law enforcement, before he returned to science to study rattlesnakes full-time. Together, they explore the natural history of the Mohave Rattlesnake—where they live, what they eat, how they move, and how they reproduce. The conversation then turns to one of the most intriguing aspects of the species: venom. Mike explains how venom characteristics vary across their range and shares key findings from his own studies on populations with dramatically different venom types. They wrap up by diving into his book on Mohave Rattlesnakes as well as what new discoveries will appear in the upcoming second edition. This episode blends science, storytelling, and personal journey—you won’t want to miss it!
Connect with Mike on his website.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Drs. Eric Hileman and Meaghan Clark for an in-depth look at the Eastern Massasauga. They begin with the species’ natural history and conservation status before diving into long-term research from Michigan populations. Their studies reveal concerning levels of inbreeding, which are linked to reduced survival and lower breeding rates. The episode closes with a discussion of recovery strategies and what the future may hold for this imperiled rattlesnake.
Connect with Eric at West Virginia University, and Meaghan at Michigan State University.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Whitney Robles—author, historian, and curator—to explore her book Curious Species: How Animals Made Natural History. Rather than focusing solely on the work of famous natural historians, Robles highlights how animals themselves have shaped our knowledge of the natural world. Among the four species featured in her book are Timber Rattlesnakes, whose feared reputation has deeply influenced both scientific understanding and cultural attitudes. Together, they discuss how fear and fascination intertwine in shaping natural history, and Robles shares how her own field experiences, including encountering a gravid rattlesnake while pregnant, reshaped her perspective on these remarkable animals.
Connect with Whitney on her website, and find her book, Curious Species: How Animals Made Natural History.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
What can tiny island lizards teach us about surviving a changing world? Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Christian Cox, Associate Professor at Florida International University, to explore the surprising answers. Christian’s research spans the colorful world of reptile evolution—why some snakes and lizards look and behave the way they do, how size and shape vary between the sexes, and what feeding habits reveal about survival. But at the heart of this conversation is his decades-long study of Anole lizards living on hundreds of islands in a massive lake linked to the Panama Canal. These natural experiments reveal how reptiles respond to sudden environmental shifts, offering clues to how wildlife may adapt in the face of climate change.
Connect with Christian at FIU.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Alabama is a hotspot for snake diversity—and Jimmy Stiles knows it better than almost anyone. In this episode, Dr. Jenkins talks with his friend and colleague, a PhD candidate at Auburn University, about the state’s rich ecosystems, legendary herpetologists, and the incredible snakes that call Alabama home. They go deep into Eastern Indigo Snake reintroductions, venomous snake trainings, and how education and outreach are shaping the future of conservation.
Connect with Jimmy at the Wetland and Riparian Ecology Lab at Auburn University.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Hiral Naik, Research and Conservation Manager for Save the Snakes, for a fascinating discussion on venomous snakes and human-wildlife conflict in South Africa. Based in South Africa, Hiral recently completed her PhD on the ecology of venomous snakes and the dynamics of human snakebite incidents. The conversation begins with an overview of South Africa’s geography, climate, and the resulting distribution of its diverse venomous snake species. Hiral shares insights into the natural history and behavior of species like the Puff Adder and Mozambique Spitting Cobra, before diving into the complex issue of snakebite and how species ecology affects its prevalence and severity.
Connect with Hiral at Save the Snakes.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Laurie Vitt, Emeritus Curator at the Sam Noble Museum, for a fascinating journey through a career spent exploring some of the most remote and biodiverse regions on Earth. Their conversation traces Laurie’s path from his early days in the mountains of Montana to years of fieldwork in the rainforests of South America. Along the way, they recount stories of months-long expeditions, living in tents in remote places while documenting tropical biodiversity. From encounters with Alligator Lizards and Bushmasters to the striking Emerald Tree Boa, this episode is full of adventure, discovery, and herpetological insight.
Connect with Laurie at the Sam Noble Museum.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Graham Reynolds to explore the fascinating trajectory of his career—from a childhood fascination with nature to a professional focus on reptiles, tropical ecosystems, and island biodiversity. They dive into what makes islands such unique and important places for biodiversity, and why island species are among the most threatened in the world. Dr. Reynolds shares stories from his work on Caribbean boas, including the discovery of new species and insights into their ecology and conservation. The episode concludes with a discussion on the role of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and its efforts to protect snake species globally.
Connect with Dr. Reynolds at the University of North Carolina at Asheville, and be sure to check out his books, Boas of the West Indies, and Boas of the World.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with Randy Babb, a lifelong wildlife enthusiast from Arizona with a passion for reptiles and amphibians. Randy spent his career with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, but his adventures have taken him far beyond the American Southwest. Since 2006, he has made annual trips to Vietnam, surveying national parks across the country in search of herpetofauna. He has also worked with National Geographic on projects throughout Latin America and taught in Panama. Together, they dive into Randy’s global field experiences, with a special focus on the remarkable snakes and varied landscapes of Vietnam.
Check out Randy’s books: Snakes of Arizona, and A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians in Arizona.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with herpetologist Samantha Dillon to talk all things Indigo Snakes. A Florida native, Samantha has a deep-rooted passion for these iconic reptiles and a long-standing involvement in habitat restoration efforts. Now a master’s student at Texas A&M University, she’s focused on studying Texas Indigo Snakes and Texas Tortoises. Together, they explore the ecology of Texas Indigos—covering their distribution, movement patterns, habitat preferences, fascinating ties to tortoises, and reproduction. If you're a fan of Eastern Indigo Snakes, you won’t want to miss this deep dive into their western cousins.
Connect with Samantha at Texas A&M University.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Neil Ford, Professor Emeritus at the University of Texas at Tyler, about his lifelong passion for snakes and his impactful career in herpetology. The conversation begins with Neil’s childhood discovery of his first snake and follows his journey through decades of research and teaching. They dive into his work on pheromone trailing, the effects of diet on snake reproduction, and other fascinating studies. The episode also highlights the origins of the Snake Ecology Group meetings and Neil’s recent book on life as a field biologist. This is a must-listen for anyone interested in the science—and stories—behind snake ecology.
Dr. Neil Ford's Book – https://www.amazon.com/Journeys-Field-Biologist-Adventures-Critters/dp/1733329935
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Liang Luo, Professor at the University of Kentucky and an expert in Chinese folklore, to explore the rich cultural history of snakes in Chinese tradition. The conversation begins with the Legend of the White Snake—one of the four most iconic stories in Chinese folklore—and delves into Dr. Luo’s book on the topic. They also discuss the significance of the snake in the Chinese Lunar Calendar, with a special focus on the Year of the Snake. This episode offers a fascinating blend of mythology, history, and cultural insight.
Connect with Liang Luo at the University of Kentucky.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Stephen Barten, a veterinarian with decades of experience working with reptiles. They begin by discussing the unique challenges and rewards of being a reptile veterinarian, before diving into a series of fascinating case stories—ranging from routine treatments to rare and unusual medical situations. The conversation then shifts to Dr. Barten’s work with Veterinary Expeditions, highlighting the remarkable places he’s traveled and the diverse reptile species he’s encountered around the world.
Connect with Stephen on his website, Instagram or Bluesky.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
Dr. Jenkins sits down for part two of his conversation with Dr. James Emerson of Texas State University. In this episode, they dive into James’ research on Crotalus ornatus, the recently reclassified eastern species of Black-tailed Rattlesnake found in the Trans-Pecos region of Texas. Despite its unique status, C. ornatus remains largely understudied. James shares insights from his fieldwork, including movement patterns, habitat use, diet, and more.
Connect with James at Texas State University.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Ian Breland to explore the world of ecotourism with snakes. Growing up with a passion for reptiles and adventure, Ian channeled these interests into founding Serpentine Expeditions, a company that takes travelers around the world in search of snakes, and other reptiles and amphibians. They discuss the incredible destinations, what travelers can expect, accommodations, local cuisine, and much more. If you have a love for snakes and a thirst for adventure, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!
Connect with Ian at Serpentine Expeditions.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
Dr. Jenkins sits down with James Reid, Executive Director of the Global Snakebite Initiative, to discuss his journey from TV producer to global snakebite advocate. James’ documentary, Minutes to Die, was a turning point in his career, leading him to focus on addressing the critical issue of snakebite envenoming worldwide. They explore the Global Snakebite Initiative’s efforts to support countries around the world by educating communities on snakebite prevention and first aid, training rural healthcare providers in effective treatment, and advancing technologies to improve snakebite care.
Connect with James, and watch Minutes to Die, at Global Snakebite Initiative.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Gabriel Blouin-Demers, a professor at the University of Ottawa’s Department of Biology, to explore the fascinating world of the Black Ratsnake (Pantherophis obsoletus), one of the most commonly encountered snake species in eastern North America. Drawing from Gabriel’s extensive research at the northern edge of the species’ range in Ontario, they begin by discussing the unique landscape where these snakes thrive. The conversation then delves into the Black Ratsnake’s natural history before focusing on Gabriel’s research, which highlights the critical role edge habitats play in various aspects of the species’ ecology.
Connect with Gabriel at the University of Ottawa.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
In this episode of Snake Talk, Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Michael Dreslik from the Illinois Natural History Survey. With a career dedicated to wildlife research in Illinois, Mike has led several long-term studies, including one focused on the Massasauga (Sistrurus catenatus), one of the most threatened rattlesnake species in the state. Together, they explore the ecology of these fascinating snakes, ongoing conservation efforts, and the challenges they face for survival.
Connect with Mike at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Lynne Isbell from the Anthropology Department at UC Davis to discuss primate vision and the role snakes have played in its evolution. They cover a range of topics, including how primates' eyes work and how venomous and predatory snakes have driven the ability of primates to quickly identify these threats.
Connect with Lynne at UC Davis, and check out her book, The Fruit, the Tree, and the Serpent: Why We See So Well.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. James Emerson from Texas State University to discuss the fascinating ecology of Gray-banded Kingsnakes (Lampropeltis alterna). Their conversation begins with an exploration of the Trans-Pecos region, celebrated for its remarkable snake diversity. They delve into the first telemetry study on Gray-banded Kingsnakes, sharing insights into their movements, habitat preferences, and the factors that shape their behavior.
Connect with James on LinkedIn.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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If you like what you’ve been hearing on this podcast, consider supporting The Orianne Society today.
Join Dr. Jenkins as he sits down with Dr. Rich Burger to talk about the ecology of Reticulated Pythons. Known for their massive size and their roles in the pet and skin trades, little is known about these pythons and their biology in the wild. Rich shares insights from his work at the Danau Girang Field Centre in Borneo, where he studied these snakes in palm oil plantations and remnant patches of forest. From their diet (including humans!), to their movement, habitat use, and predators, this episode uncovers the mystery of one of nature’s most awe-inspiring reptiles.
Connect with Rich on LinkedIn.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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In this episode, Dr. Chris Jenkins sits down with Dr. Jelka Crnobrnja-Isailović, a snake biologist from Serbia, to share her extraordinary journey. Jelka recounts her early fascination with amphibians and reptiles, research on newts and lizards, and a strong desire for working with snakes. Against the backdrop of her PhD studies, Jelka faced the upheaval of the Yugoslav Wars, navigating the challenges of pursuing science in a nation fractured into new borders. Despite these hardships, she built an inspiring career as a researcher and professor in Serbia, dedicating her work to the conservation and study of vipers in the Balkans.
Connect with Jelka on LinkedIn.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Lauren Fuchs, a Ph.D. candidate and recipient of an Orianne Society research grant, to explore her unique journey into snake research. Lauren transitioned into herpetology after earning a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and working in that field for years. In this episode, they delve into Lauren’s fascinating research on how landscape disturbances impact the skin microbiomes of snakes and their susceptibility to Snake Fungal Disease. The conversation begins with an overview of microbiomes and Snake Fungal Disease, examining their intricate relationship, before transitioning to how changes in the environment may influence this dynamic.
Read more about Lauren’s research.
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In this episode, Dr. Chris Jenkins welcomes Andrea Colton, the newest member of The Orianne Society team. Andrea, an Associate Conservation Scientist specializing in turtle conservation biology, shares her journey into the world of herpetology. From her childhood fascination with zoos to gaining hands-on experience through a variety of field technician roles, Andrea reflects on the experiences that led her to pursue a master’s degree in herpetology. The conversation wraps up with an exploration of her current work at The Orianne Society, including exciting ecology projects focused on Spotted and Box Turtles.
Check out Andrea’s blog, Herp Journal.
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Dr. Jenkins dives deep into the world of snake venom with renowned expert Dr. Stephen Mackessy. They begin with Steve’s early experiences working with venomous snakes, including a memorable bite from a Southern Pacific Rattlesnake. The conversation then explores the complexities of venom: what it is, its composition, how it varies across a species’ range, and how it changes throughout a snake's life. They also discuss the remarkable medical and practical applications of snake venom, including its role in developing life-saving medicines for humans.
Connect with Stephen at The University of Northern Colorado.
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In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with Tony Daly-Crews, the founding Executive Director of The Rattlesnake Conservancy. They explore the origins of the Conservancy and the journey that inspired Tony to establish it. The discussion dives deep into the organization's impactful research and educational programs, including the assisted migration of Ridge-nosed Rattlesnakes as a response to climate change and the development of standardized venomous snake-handling training. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!
Connect with Tony at The Rattlesnake Conservancy.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Andrew Holycross to discuss one of the rarest rattlesnakes in the United States. They start by talking about the species' distribution, which is primarily in Mexico, and focus on the two subspecies found in the United States: the Arizona and New Mexico Ridge-nosed Rattlesnakes. The beginning of the podcast covers the natural history and ecology of the species, including movement, habitat use, genetics, and diet. They then discuss the various threats that have led to the New Mexican subspecies becoming endangered and declines in the other subspecies. Finally, they talk about the future of these Sky Island Rattlesnakes in the face of climate change, including management techniques such as genetic augmentation and assisted migration.
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In this episode, Dr. Chris Jenkins sits down with Dr. Bryan Hamilton and Colton Irons to explore one of his favorite species—the Great Basin Rattlesnake. Dr. Jenkins spent nearly a decade studying this species in the Upper Snake River Plain of Idaho, while Bryan and Colton focus on the same species in a vastly different environment—high-altitude mountain regions reaching up to 13,000 feet in elevation. Tune in as they dive into the ecology of the Great Basin Rattlesnake and compare how the species adapts to these two contrasting landscapes.
Read more about the Great Basin Rattlesnake Study.
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In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Rich Seigel of Towson University, a leading figure in reptile ecology. Rich's work, including books that greatly influenced Chris' path as a snake ecologist, is explored along with his journey from New York City to the swamps of the South and Midwest, and finally to Towson. The discussion highlights the critical value of long-term research, focusing on projects involving species like massasaugas and terrapins. With Rich's vast experience in snake ecology and conservation, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.
Connect with Rich at Towson University.
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Join Dr. Jenkins as he sits down with Dr. Michael Caldwell, a professor at the University of Alberta, to discuss their recent media-highlighted discovery of 38-million-year-old snake fossils in Wyoming. Their in-depth conversation starts with the surprising discovery of an early snake fossil in an Israeli museum, challenging our understanding of snake origins. They delve into various taxonomic groups, exploring the relationships between lizards and snakes, possible scenarios for snake evolution, and what the Earth was like when snakes first appeared. Despite the complexity and many Latin names, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in snakes.
Connect with Michael at the University of Alberta.
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In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Henry Mushinsky, Professor Emeritus at the University of South Florida, for a deep dive into his career. They explore his early passion for herpetology, shaped by his childhood adventures catching watersnakes in the bayous of Louisiana. However, a move to Florida and the region's development pressures shifted his focus toward conservation biology. Dr. Mushinsky shares compelling stories from his time in Florida, including his efforts to conserve gopher tortoises in rapidly developing landscapes and his collaboration with Disney to protect rare sand skinks.
Connect with Henry at the University of South Florida.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with returning guest Noah Fields to talk about “flashy” colubrids. They start by discussing the colorful, large, and awe-inspiring characteristics that draw people to some of these snakes. Then, they delve into both kingsnakes and milksnakes, including their distribution, species vs. subspecies, and natural history. The conversation transitions from Scarlet Kingsnakes in unusual places to milk snakes living in the North. They finish the episode by focusing on Eastern Kingsnakes, specifically field herping for them, their natural history, and their conservation status in the Southeast.
Connect with Noah on YouTube.
Check out Noah’s photos 1, 2 and 3 of the Eastern Kingsnake feeding on the Eastern Ratsnake, referred to in the podcast.
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Join Dr. Jenkins as he sits down with Michael Ring from the Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary. Discover the inspiring journey from their humble beginnings as the Phoenix Herpetological Society to their growth into a renowned sanctuary. Learn about their core mission of rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming reptiles, and explore their extensive animal collection, including one of the world’s most comprehensive crocodilian collections and a large population of Sulcata Tortoises.
This episode delves into their dedication to education, teaching people about suitable reptiles for pets, and the importance of conserving native reptiles. Michael and Dr. Jenkins discuss the Sanctuary’s vital role in conservation, from maintaining assurance populations of rare species to conducting field research with local reptiles. Packed with valuable insights and fascinating information, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
Connect with Michael at the
Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary
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Join Dr. Jenkins as he sits down with María Elena Barragán-Paladines from the Quito Vivarium to explore the remarkable work being done in education, outreach, and conservation. Dive into the world of one of the planet's most fascinating creatures, the Chocoan Bushmaster, as María Elena provides an in-depth look at the Choco region and the distribution of these elusive snakes.
Learn about the challenges facing the bushmaster and the broader natural environment in the region, particularly in Ecuador. They discuss the general ecology of bushmasters and a groundbreaking new project aimed at understanding the species' ecology. Discover how you can get involved and support their vital conservation efforts.
Connect with María Elena at Vivarium de Quito.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Michael Starkey, Founder and Executive Director of Save the Snakes. They begin the discussion by talking about Michael's path to conservation - it is an inspiring story that is somewhat different from most. They then delve into the work of Save the Snakes, focusing on conserving snakes around the world using a combination of conservation science, outreach, education, and community conservation. If you are interested in snake conservation, you will not want to miss this episode.
Connect with Michael at Save the Snakes.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with returning guest Dr. Emily Taylor to discuss some exciting new developments in the world of snakes. First, they delve into her new book, "California Snakes and How to Find Them," which explores each species in California and offers field herping advice for encountering the state's diverse snake population. Then, the conversation shifts to a Prairie Rattlesnake den and gestation site in Colorado. This site is home to thousands of rattlesnakes, and Emily is installing a live streaming camera that will enable viewers to observe the snakes in real time.
Connect with Emily at California Polytechnic State University. Purchase California Snakes and How to Find them. Check out Project RattleCam!
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Clint Guadiana, Curator of Reptiles and Amphibians at Gladys Porter Zoo and one of the field herping experts for extreme south Texas, a region known for its unique biodiversity and a popular destination for field herpers. They discuss field herping in the region, the "Big 5" species for which the region is famous, the tin stacking technique that Clint developed (which significantly increases the number of snakes he finds) and the Gladys Porter Zoo, including its reptile and amphibian collection and the conservation work it focuses on.
Connect with Clint at the Gladys Porter Zoo.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Justin Kobylka from Kinova Reptiles to talk all about breeding Ball Pythons. Despite catching wind of Justin's recent feature in the New Yorker Magazine, Dr. Jenkins wanted to have a more in depth conversation with him. In this episode the conversation spans Justin's journey to the top of the Ball Python breeding world, market insights, breeding processes, designer morphs, ethical sourcing, and the significance of captive reptiles in today's world.
Read the New York Magazine article.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Peyton Niebanck to discuss the lengthy journey toward becoming a snake biologist. Peyton, a technician with The Orianne Society working on surveying Indigo Snakes, shares insights from the early stages of her career. They delve into Peyton’s college experience and the various activities she pursued to bolster her prospects in the field. They explore the peaks and valleys of her past four years, during which she has traversed the country, undertaking seasonal positions to accumulate experience. Finally, they examine her endeavors to secure a permanent position or gain admission to graduate school.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Jeff Ettling to talk about the conservation of Armenian Vipers. They start with a discussion of vipers from the region and how there is relatively high diversity and endemism in this part of West Asia. They discuss aspects of Armenian Viper research including spatial ecology, prey availability, genetics, and the impact of human disturbance. Then they focus on conservation programs including the protection of land, captive breeding, and reintroduction. If you are a viper fanatic you are not going to want to miss this one!
Connect with Jeff at the Jacksonville Zoo.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Bob Ashley of the Chiricahua Desert Museum to discuss his recent book titled A Photographic History of Snakebite Treatments: Bad Medicine, Snake Oils, Potions, Elixirs and Kits. They talk about Bob’s collection of snake bite kits and the experiences that led up to the idea for the book. They then break down how the book is structured discussing each section. Finally, they talk about the content of the book including an overview of the history of snake oils, snakebite kits, and antivenoms.
Listen to Bob's first episode on Snake Talk: 58 | Bob Ashley, Snake Entrepreneur and Founder of the Chiricahua Desert Museum.
Purchase A Photographic History of Snakebite Treatments here and here.
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For the 100th episode of Snake Talk, Dr. Jenkins interviews Harry Greene, author of Snakes: Evolution of Mystery in Nature, a book that significantly influenced Dr. Jenkins' choice to work with snakes. In this episode, we trace Harry's career path from his childhood adventures of discovering lizards on his family farm, to his military days studying snakes in European museum collections, and ultimately to his esteemed position as a professor at Cornell University. Don't miss Harry's captivating tale of encountering a truly colossal snake in the wild!
Connect with Harry at Cornell University.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dustin Smith from the North Carolina Zoo to discuss a conservation program for Virgin Island Boas. They begin by discussing Dustin’s career trajectory and the dedication required to succeed in the zoo field. Next, they delve into the natural history of Virgin Island Boas, covering aspects such as their distribution, habitat, reproduction, diet, status, and threats. Then, they explore a comprehensive program aimed at conserving the boas, which includes field surveys and monitoring, captive breeding and reintroduction, as well as the control of invasive predator populations.
Connect with Dustin at the North Carolina Zoo.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Stephen Mullin to discuss his career as a herpetologist. While many academics concentrate on specific questions in science, landscapes, or species, Steve has chosen to be a generalist, exploring various questions in diverse landscapes and species. The conversation delves into the distinctions between being a generalist and a specialist. They also cover stories and research projects involving a broad spectrum of species, including hognose snakes, kingsnakes, and mangrove snakes.
Connect with Stephen at the Mullin Herpetology Lab.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Jake Socha from Virginia Tech University to delve into the biomechanics of flying snakes. They begin the discussion by exploring how certain flying lizards inspired Jake to embark on the study of snakes. They discuss the general natural history of flying snakes before delving into the specifics of their biomechanics. The biomechanics discussion encompasses everything from launch to landing. You won't want to miss this one!
Connect with Jake at The Socha Lab.
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Chris discusses Pygmy Rattlesnakes with Dr. Terry Farrell, a professor at Stetson University in Florida. Drawing on his extensive 30-year experience in studying the ecology of Pygmy Rattlesnakes, Dr. Farrell shares information about this common yet understudied snake. Their conversation encompasses various aspects of natural history, including habitat, diet, movements, venom, and more. Additionally, they talk about long-term population monitoring in Florida. Dr. Farrell also shares his personal experience, detailing how his prolonged interaction with the snakes led to the development of a sensitivity and allergy to their venom.
Connect with Terry at Stetson University.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Blake Adams and Caleb Goldsmith. Blake and Caleb work for The Orianne Society where their primary focus is on the restoration and management of snake habitat. The discussion kicks off with an exploration of the Longleaf Pine ecosystem that dominates the southeastern coastal plain. The natural disturbance regimes that historically preserved this ecosystem have been disrupted, necessitating active management to sustain snake habitat. They delve into the restoration of native grasses and forbs, and the crucial roles played by prescribed fire and forestry in maintaining snake habitat in the region.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Alison Rabosky, the Curator of Herpetology at the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, to talk about museum collections of snakes. They begin by talking about Alison’s research on color patterns and mimicry in lizards and snakes. They delve into the acquisition and management of museum collections, and highlight a recent acquisition that now positions the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology with the largest collection of snakes in the United States, if not the world. The conversation also addresses criticisms faced by natural history museums, emphasizing their significant contribution to understanding snake biology and conservation.
Connect with Alison at the University of Michigan.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Jenna Palmisano, a Ph.D. Candidate studying parasites in snakes. Focusing on pentastomes, they discuss the species native to North America and how they are different from the exotic invasive pentastome found in Florida. The parasite is thought to have come into North America from exotic snakes that are spreading across Florida, but the parasite has been found much farther north than the snakes that may have brought them in. They discuss how human activities have likely facilitated the move north and ways to potentially deal with the issue. You are not going to miss this one, these parasites have the potential to impact snakes across North America.
Connect with Jenna at the University of Central Florida and read more about her research.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. James Bogan, Director of the Orianne Center for Indigo Conservation and Central Florida Zoo. They have an in depth discussion of Cryptosporidium (Crypto) in snakes. First, they talk about the disease itself and how it impacts snakes. Second, they discuss how to test for it and treat it. They also discuss how Crypto has been found in the captive population of indigo snakes that is being used for their conservation and how they have effectively managed it to prevent its spread within the captive colony and into the wild. If you are interested in snakes either in the wild or captivity, or if you are interested in conservation or diseases this is one you don’t want to miss.
Connect with James at the Central Florida Zoo.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Matt Buehler, a Ph.D. Candidate studying indigo snake genetics. They begin with how Matt found himself working with indigo snakes and cover some interesting steps in his career including studying Sea Kraits. They start the discussion of indigo snake genetics by talking about what has already been done, including a study using mitochondrial data that showed there are two clades of Eastern Indigo Snakes and a second study showing that there is gene flow between the clades. They talk about Matt’s research, including looking at population structure of indigo snakes and understanding the indigo snake genome. The results from all these studies are important for developing reintroduction strategies.
Connect with Matt on his website.
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Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Matt Patterson from New Hampshire. Matt is an incredible artist that focuses primarily on reptiles, especially turtles. They discuss how Matt’s interests in reptiles and art developed simultaneously. They talk about becoming a wildlife illustrator and aspects of having a career as a freelance artist. Matt also speaks about how he spends time in nature near his home, as well as afar, where he gains the inspiration and materials to develop his illustrations. Finally, they go through multiple books that he has illustrated and how you can purchase them.
Connect with Matt and see more of his work on his website.
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Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Mike Pingleton returns to Snake Talk to discuss one of the greatest field herping destinations in North America, Snake Road. Dr. Jenkins has wanted to do a place-based field herping episode but had concerns about increasing visitation to sites or ‘spot burning’. Ultimately, Snake Road was the perfect destination to discuss, as it is widely known by field herpers and the general public alike. Mike and Chris talk about the landscape and the species of Snake Road, as well as the regulations in place that will keep this place such a special destination into the future. If you want to learn about this area and the unique ‘field herping camp’ feeling of Snake Road, you are not going to want to miss this episode!
Connect with Mike on his website, So Much Pingle.
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Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Joseph Gordon to discuss snakes in the Bible. When most people think of snakes featured in the Bible, the narrative of Adam and Eve and snakes portrayed in a negative light come to mind. But there are actually almost 60 mentions of snakes throughout the Bible and many of them are not as negative as you might think. Joe and Chris go through the story of the snake and the ‘fall of humanity’ in Genesis to the stories of snakes in Revelation and everything in between.
Dr. Jenkins on Episode 88, “As someone who wasn't raised with a religious background, this was a fascinating episode for me and I am eager to learn about the depiction and interpretation of snakes across various religions.”
Connect with Joseph on his website.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Bruce Young to talk about some fascinating topics in Snake Biology. These are also some of the most frequently asked questions at our educational programs. Can snakes control how much venom they inject? Do young snakes inject more venom? Can snakes hear? Where are a snake’s ears? This is an episode you do not want to miss!
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Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Connect with Bruce on his website.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Xavier Glaudas to discuss his career studying vipers. Xavier was born in France but has spent his career moving around the world studying viper populations. They discuss Xavier’s time in the United States studying Cottonmouths and Speckled Rattlesnakes, adventures in Africa with Puff Adders, Russell’s Vipers in India, and using videography to study vipers in Brazil.
Connect with Xavier on his website.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Mark O’Shea to discuss his adventures in snake exploration and research. They start off talking about the show O’Shea’s Big Adventure including the amazing locations and species they filmed. They then talk about global snake exploration more broadly and spend some time focusing on the snakes of Papua New Guinea. They dive into many more topics including naming species, snake stories from around the world, and his many books. You are not going to want to miss this one!
Connect with Mark at the University of Wolverhampton.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Michael Schaer to discuss everything about snakebite in dogs. They talk about what you should do if your dog is bitten and what the treatment will be once the dog arrives at the vet. They also go in depth on the vaccine for dogs and whether it is useful and why or why not. Chris and Michael explore all kinds of additional topics from misconceptions people have about snakebite in dogs to comparing how dogs, cats, and horses respond differently and require different treatment. If you own a dog in snake country you are not going to want to miss this one.
Connect with Michael at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine.
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In celebration of World Snake Day 2023, we’ve put together a collection of our favorite Snake Stories from our podcast guests over the years! Featuring Dr. Matt Goode (Ep 53), John Jensen (Ep 59), Rulon Clark (Ep 12), Dr. Emily Taylor (Ep 23), Gowri Shankar (Ep 62), Craig Hoover (Ep 9), Dillon Perron (Ep 34), Dr. Bruce Means (Ep 61), Dr. Charles Smith (Ep 29) and Melissa Amarello (Ep 14), as well as a snake story from Dr. Chris Jenkins.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with David Moscato from the Gray Fossil Site and Museum, to talk about snake paleontology. They discuss a wide range of topics including what the fossil record tells us about the evolution of snakes, legs on snakes, titanaboa, and much more. David also discusses his interest in and the importance of communicating science. They discuss his podcast called Common Descent which we encourage everyone to check out, available wherever you get your podcasts.
Connect with David at Gray Fossil Site & Museum, and listen to Common Descent.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Harold Heatwole, who has arguably spent more time among sea snakes than any snake expert in the world and literally wrote the book on sea snakes. They discuss interesting aspects of sea snake ecology and natural history ranging from taxonomy, biogeography, habitats, feeding, adaptations to marine life, venom, and diet. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Heatwole weaves in stories of adventure diving with these amazing species. You are not going to want to miss this 88 year old legend in snake biology.
Connect with Dr. Heatwole at NC State University.
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In this episode Dr. Jenkins moderates a panel of snake experts from the Pacific Northwest. The panelists include Lisa Hallock, Herpetologist for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife; Dede Olson, Research Ecologist with the Forest Service; Lameace Hussein, former WA resident and current PhD student; and Dr. Steve Mackessy, Professor, Northern Colorado University. Each panelist focuses on a particular area of future research and conservation, discussion areas include Natural History, Snake Fungal Disease, Education/Outreach, and Venomics.
Connect with the snake experts at Northwest Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Brian Halstead to discuss one of the most beautiful snakes on the planet. Brian is a researcher with the United States Geological Survey in California where he works on multiple species of gartersnakes. They talk about San Francisco Gartersnake natural history covering a range of topics including movement, habitat, reproduction, diet and much more. They also talk about their status, threats, and the research and conservation projects being used to recover the species. Finally, they spend some time discussing another California Gartersnake, the Giant Gartersnake, discussing their interesting connection to hydrology and the related efforts to recover the species.
Connect with Dr. Halstead at the US Geological Survey.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Jason Tesauro, who runs an independent company doing a great deal of work with rare turtles. They start by talking about four freshwater turtles in the Northeast that are of conservation concern including the interesting aspects of how they typically occupy different habitats within the same landscapes. They get into Bog Turtles, talking about their distribution and status, movements, habitat use, and reproduction. Finally, they talk about the threats Bog Turtles face and the work that partners are doing to try and recover their populations.
Connect with Jason on his website.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Sean Foley, Curator of Herpetology at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. They talk about career trajectories in the zoo field and then give an introduction to Riverbanks. They spend time talking about the new Darnell W and Susan F Boyd Aquarium and Reptile Conservation Center at the zoo including going through many exhibits and a wide range of species from anacondas to timber rattlesnakes. Riverbanks works on a wide variety of conservation projects but has a special focus on the conservation of local amphibians. They discuss Riverbanks involvement in Gopher Frog conservation in South Carolina.
Connect with Sean at Riverbanks Zoo.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Jason Clark, President of Southeastern Reptile Rescue. They start discussing his interesting transition from being a police officer to running one of the most successful snake companies in existence. Jason has been in many movies including series on Netflix and Animal Planet. They talk about Southern Reptile Rescue and their work in outreach, rescue, aversion training, working on transitioning rattlesnake roundups, and their Youtube channel. Make sure you stick around for his snake story (teaser: Sir Anthony Hopkins is involved!).
Connect with Jason at Southeastern Reptile Rescue.
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Note: Our apologies for the intermittent interference on Jason's audio - it becomes unfortunately frequent between the 20-minute and 40-minute mark, but is much improved towards the end!
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Lora Smith to talk about her research program at the Jones Ecological Research Center. They start by discussing her interest in tortoises and her adventures studying one of the most endangered turtles in the world in Madagascar. They then talk about Ichauway and the Jones Center which was created by Mr. Woodruff, former CEO of Coca-Cola. Lora’s research includes long-term monitoring of upland species and many focal animal studies. They discuss research projects on species such as Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnakes, Florida Pine Snakes, and Timber Rattlesnakes.
Connect with Lora at The Jones Center at Ichauway.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Bob Zappalorti to talk about his long career in herpetology. They start with his early days working at the Staten Island Zoo and talk about his adventures in the field with Carl Kauffeld. They discuss his consulting company, Herpetological Associates, and the various snake and turtle projects they have been working on throughout the Northeast. Finally, they go in depth on his decades-long research program on Northern Pine Snakes in the New Jersey Pine Barrens, discussing everything from nesting to the artificial hibernacula they use to monitor them. This episode is full of herpetological history and in-depth knowledge on multiple snake species.
Connect with Bob at Herpetological Associates.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Robert Hill, Curator of Herpetology at Zoo Atlanta. They discuss his path to getting to where he is today and about how people can get into working in the zoo field. They talk about Zoo Atlanta including their reptile facility and the animals you might expect to encounter there. Finally they discuss the wide array of education and conservation projects the Herpetology Program works on, including declining amphibians, Eastern Indigo Snakes, and Guatemalan Beaded Lizards.
Connect with Robert at Zoo Atlanta.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Neil Cox and Phil Bowles from IUCN to talk about the recently completed Global Reptile Assessment. They talk about the need for the assessment and go in detail on one of the primary tools, the IUCN Red List. They also discuss the assessment process and how they gather and analyze the information to determine each species status. The results show that a significant percentage of reptile species are threatened with extinction but also that there are many species that are data deficient and cannot be assessed. Finally they compared the results of the reptile assessment to those of other wildlife groups such as amphibians, mammals, and birds.
Connect with Neil and Phil on IUCN or at IUCN Red List.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Caesar Rahman to talk about Burmese Pythons - not to discuss them in Florida where most people in the United States think of them, but instead to talk about them in their native range. Caesar runs a nonprofit called Creative Conservation Alliance that works to conserve rare and endangered wildlife in Bangladesh. They discuss the ecology of Burmese Pythons including habitats, movements, and reproduction. They also talk about Pangolins which may be the Gopher Tortoises of Asia, and they talk about efforts to conserve critically endangered turtles in Bangladesh. You are not going to want to miss this one.
Connect with Caesar at Creative Conservation Alliance.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Kiley Briggs to discuss the ‘Big Four’ of freshwater turtle conservation in North America. The discussion starts with an overview of the four, Bog, Wood, Blanding’s, and Spotted Turtles. They go into particular depth on the ecology and natural history of the Wood Turtle, including many stories from the field. Finally they give an update on Orianne’s work to conserve wood turtles in Northern New England.
Connect with Kiley on Instagram.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Lameace Hussain (they/them) to talk about an interesting journey - starting with a rural upbringing in Kentucky, Lameace’s deep interest in Herpetology, research they conducted in Washington on a variety of species including Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes, and what brought Lameace to their current project, working in Human Dimensions. Specifically, examining how well government agencies and academic institutions incorporate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion into their work.
Connect with Lameace on Twitter or by email.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Josh Parker to talk about one the most fascinating rattlesnakes, the Midget Faded Rattlesnake. Josh has an interesting life story - he overcame a fear of snakes and has never looked back, building a career and life around keeping and studying these amazing animals. They discuss this relatively small and obscure rattlesnake’s natural history covering distribution, movement, habitat, diet, venom and much more. They also spend quite a bit of time discussing Josh’s long-term research in Wyoming and Colorado. Finally, they talk about two threats to the species, collection and energy development.
Connect with Josh at Fresno City College.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins is joined by William Sargent from Hong Kong. William is a certified snake catcher in Hong Kong and leads Snake Safaris for local communities. They talk about the environments and snake communities of Hong Kong including discussions of King Cobras and Banded Kraits. They then transition into talking about what he does in his role as a snake catcher and how he has helped to change some of the practices of snake catchers across the country to better conserve snakes. Finally, they discuss snake safaris and the significant impact they are having in conserving snakes in the country.
Connect with William on Facebook.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with McKayla Spencer, the Interagency Python Management Coordinator with Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. They talk about everything python in Florida. They walk through a timeline of the invasion including how the snakes arrived and how the partnerships’ control methods have changed over the years. They also discuss python regulations in Florida, how the snakes are humanely euthanized, new technologies for detecting them, scout snakes and much more. You do not want to miss this episode!
Connect with McKayla and read more about pythons at Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Waldron to talk more about one of his favorite snakes, the Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (EDB). Jayme has spent much of her career working in the low country of South Carolina both in the pine savannas and on sea islands. The common thread of this podcast is the research program of one of the leading contemporary ecologists studying EDBs. They discuss a wide range of topics including life history, movements, snake-human interactions, misconceptions on the timing of breeding, and so much more. Stay tuned to the end to hear the story of Hussie, an amazing story of snake longevity and a researcher’s connection to an animal.
Connect with Jayme on her website.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Madsen to talk about his career and his long-term snake studies from around the world. They start in Scandinavia talking about Adders and the interesting natural history of this snake that is the only species to make it into the Arctic Circle. They focus on a 40-plus year study of an Adder population in southern Sweden, specifically how the population nearly disappeared and how Thomas was able to help the population recover. They then go to Australia and talk about a 30-plus year study on Pythons and how changing climates in the region have driven the populations to the brink of extinction. This is one you are not going to want to miss.
Read more about Thomas in the news, and check out his research.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Gowri Shankar to talk about one of the world's most iconic snakes, the King Cobra. They start off talking about Gowri’s career and the amazing snake diversity in India. They then do a deep dive into King Cobra natural history including movements, habitat, diet and reproduction. Finally, they discuss Gowri’s PhD research which has split the King Cobras into 4 species. Stay tuned to hear the story about the time Gowri was bitten by a King Cobra.
Connect with Gowri at The King Cobra Conservancy.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Bruce Means to talk about everything Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnake (EDB). They begin with a discussion of his time working at Tall Timbers and his early studies of the species. They then do a deep dive on the ecology of EDBs talking about their movement, habitats, breeding, diet, and life history. The ecology conversation transitions into how the roundups and broad scale habitat changes in the region have impacted EDB populations. They finish the episode by talking about Bruce’s work in a remote region of South America which has been the recent focus of a National Geographic article and a Disney+ series.
Check out Bruce’s book.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Daniel Sollenberger, state herpetologist for Georgia, to talk about rattlesnake roundups. They start off going over what Daniel’s role is, as the state herpetologist. They transition into what roundups are and how they are typically structured in the Southeast. Chris and Daniel talk in detail about the Whigham roundup which was the last one in Georgia to transition to a wildlife festival. Finally, they talk about the status and management of venomous snakes in Georgia and potential approaches to improving their management in the state.
Connect with Daniel at Georgia DNR.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with John Jensen to talk about rattlesnake roundups. They describe what roundups are and how they are typically structured in the Southeast. John tells us about many of the projects he worked on during his time as the state herpetologist in Georgia. Chris and John discuss the history of roundups in the region and about how the snake hunters collect snakes for the event. Finally, they go in depth about the transition of the Claxton Roundup to a Wildlife Festival including the process, challenges, and how the transition did not greatly affect the attendees experience at the event.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Bob Ashley to talk about his life - he has found a unique path that has allowed him to pursue many different avenues relative to snakes. They talk about a range of interests Bob has, including keeping and breeding snakes, collecting rare books and artifacts, and publishing. Specifically, the discussion centers on Bob’s transition from growing up in Michigan and breeding snakes to being the founder of the Chiricahua Desert Museum. They also discuss Eco Publishing, the International Herpetological Symposium, and the North American Reptile Breeders Conference.
Connect with Bob at the Chiricahua Desert Museum, the International Herpetological Symposium, or the North American Reptile Breeders Conference.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Rhett Stanberry to talk about traveling to snake hunt and field herp. Learn about a range of topics including how to select a country, how to focus on regions within the country, how laws and regulations change from area to area, lodging and travel, visas, and how understanding the snakes’ biology can help you plan. Also, listen in to the conversation about Rhett’s most recent adventure to Panama.
Connect with Rhett on YouTube.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins has a conversation with Dr. Shine to talk about his newest book. This autobiography goes through his fifty-plus year career studying snakes in Australia from his childhood, to conducting the first studies on Australian snakes in graduate school, to the multiple long-term studies he has worked on over the years. Dr. Shine is one of the most accomplished Snake Biologists in the history of herpetology. Join us as we hear him tell his story.
Connect with Dr. Shine on the Macquarie University website.
Preorder his autobiography “So Many Snakes, So Little Time.”
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with The Orianne Society’s Director of Science, Houston Chandler, to talk about the link between science and conservation. They start off by diving into the conservation of flatwoods salamanders in the Gulf Region including ecology, threats, and research. They transition to talking about the launch of The Orianne Society’s Science Initiative and how it will be structured into the future. As part of that discussion they talk about grant opportunities. They then discuss a range-wide population modeling project and its value for conserving indigo snakes.
Connect with Houston on Twitter.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society website.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Daniel Beck to discuss ecology and natural history of Gila Monsters. They cover everything from the origins of the name, their distribution, habitat needs, reproduction and much more. They also touch on the closely related Beaded Lizards and chat about rattlesnakes. Dr. Beck finishes with an incredible story about camping in Gila Monster country.
Connect with Dr. Beck at Central Washington University.
Here is Dr. Beck’s book, Biology of Gila Monsters and Beaded Lizards.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Matt Goode to talk about research on venomous reptiles. They cover everything from the movement of Prairie Rattlesnakes, the impact of development on Tiger Rattlesnakes and Gila Monsters, to Natural History of King Cobras. Dr. Goode finishes with a story of surgery on a King Cobra in unusual circumstances.
Connect with Dr. Goode at The University of Arizona.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Ben Stegenga who coordinates rare species inventory and monitoring in the Longleaf Savannas for The Orianne Society. Dr. Jenkins starts off the episode with an update on some exciting changes to the program structure at The Orianne Society, talks about their new website and a current campaign. Ben and Chris discuss the results from this season's indigo snake monitoring, including how many sites where indigos were found, how many snakes in total were detected, as well as some information on Eastern Diamond-backed Rattlesnakes and Pine Snakes. Finally, they take some time to discuss some of the other projects Ben is working on including a Spotted Turtle monitoring project and an effort to document snake diversity in one of the best remaining examples of Longleaf Pine habitat.
Connect with Ben on Instagram.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society website.
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Dr. Jenkins has a conversation with Dr. Doody about reptiles in Australia. They start by discussing reptile communities in general across the continent, including some interesting discussions on the nesting ecology of Pig-nosed Turtles. They discuss Cane Toads, their natural history and how they found their way to approximately fifty countries around the world. They talk about how Cane Toads have spread and the research Dr. Doody has been conducting, documenting the impact on native reptiles. Stay tuned until the end when Dr. Doody tells us about a near death experience with one of the world’s most deadly snakes - you do not want to miss this one.
Connect with Dr. Doody at the University of South Florida.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins moderates a panel on the founding and growth of Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC) into the organization that it is today. The panel features some of the founding members of PARC and others who have played critical roles as the organization has grown over the years. If you are interested in amphibian and reptile conservation, you are not going to want to miss this one.
Connect with our partners at Southeast PARC or PARC.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Nelson Brooke, the Black Warrior Riverkeeper, to talk about conservation in Alabama. They discuss the amazing topographic and biological diversity that few people realize characterizes Alabama. Chris and Nelson dive into the Black Warrior Watershed and its values and threats. They talk about how two rare endemic species are holding on in the watershed. Finally, they discuss what the job of a Riverkeeper is, and the approaches they take to watershed conservation. They finish the podcast with a discussion of the Waterkeepers Alliance and how this type of work is being implemented around the world.
Connect with Nelson on Facebook, Instagram, or at Black Warrior River.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Gordon Burghardt to discuss some of the most asked questions about snakes. Dr. Burghardt has been conducting research at the intersection of psychology and herpetology since the 1960s. They start with a discussion on human fear of snakes - more specifically, if we are born with this fear, or if it is learned as we develop. Chris and Gordon also dive into snake cognition touching on topics such as chemoreception and self-recognition.
Connect with Gordon at University of Tennessee Knoxville.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Julie Ray to talk about Chytrid Fungus, its devastating impacts on tropical frogs, and how snake populations declined in response. A bit of a depressing episode, but it is fascinating to understand the mechanisms behind the disappearance of tropical snake species. They also talk about Team Snake Panama and Dr. Ray’s most recent endeavor, Project Northwoods.
Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Javan Bauder to talk about the past 20 years. Chris and Javan have been working together to study snakes in a variety of places for almost 20 years. Javan also talks about the USGS Coop Units and his current role as a Wildlife Biologist in the Arizona Unit. Tune in to hear exciting stories of bush planes, running a metal rod into your brain, and indigo snakes in orange groves.
Connect with Javan at USGS.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Greg Lipps and Brett Rodstrom to talk about an innovative partnership to conserve a federally listed rattlesnake. The conversation begins with some of the important aspects of massasauga ecology and natural history relative to their conservation. Learn about a multiple agency and organization partnership that has developed to find and conserve the remaining massasauga populations in Ohio. The cornerstone of the partnership is land conservation - land protection, and habitat restoration and management. The future is bright for these ‘swamp rattlesnakes’ in Ohio thanks to this partnership.
Learn more about the Western Reserve Land Conservancy and the Ohio Biodiversity Conservation Partnership.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Howard Inns to discuss the work of the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust (ARCT). They start by talking about Howard’s interest in reptiles and amphibians and how it led to him becoming one of the early leaders at ARCT. Chris and Howard talk about the species and natural history of snakes in the United Kingdom. Then they go in-depth about the ARCT and the work they are doing to conserve species in this often herpetologically overlooked corner of the world. They talk about projects to create reserves, conduct research, educate citizens and reintroduce species. Tune in to learn about snakes in a place few of you have probably thought about.
Learn more about ARCT.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with James Lewis and Dr. Jeanne Tarrant to talk about the landscapes that support the heart of snake biodiversity. First, they discuss the importance of rainforests around the world, the crisis we are facing as we lose incredible amounts of these forests every day, and how important these ecosystems are for maintaining snake biodiversity. Second, they discuss the mission and work of Rainforest Trust and how they are working to conserve rainforests and other ecosystems around the world. Finally, they talk about Endangered Wildlife Trust in South Africa and specific projects they are working on to conserve a range of reptiles and amphibians.
Connect with James at Rainforest Trust.
Connect with Jeanne at Endangered Wildlife Trust.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Kevin Messenger to talk about snake diversity in China. A unique opportunity first brought Dr. Messenger from his home state of North Carolina to a remote region of China. Listen as we learn about China’s ecosystems and climate and how similar they are to the United States, as well as the widely variable diversity of snakes in the country - ranging from no species in the high western deserts to over a hundred species in the tropics. Finally, discover more about the natural history and ecology of Rat Snakes, Mang Vipers, and Fea’s Vipers.
Connect with Kevin on Facebook or Instagram.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Adeline Robinson to talk about Art and Snakes. She talks about growing up in a reptile household and how that fueled both of her childhood interests in animals and art. They go through the process of how she develops a piece, all the way from how she sets up her work space to the final step. They also discuss her business and how you can contract her to develop art for you or your company and how you can buy her original art pieces. Finally they talk about the role of art in conservation.
Connect with Adeline on her website.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Steve Reichling to talk all about Louisiana Pine Snakes. They go in-depth into the species’ natural history and what makes it different from other Pituophis species. They also talk about a diverse partnership of stakeholders that have come together to try to save the snake from a probable extinction. If you are interested in large colubrid snakes or comprehensive conservation programs, this is the episode for you.
Find out more about Dr. Reichling at the Memphis Zoo.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Parker Gibbons to learn about how his interests and adventures in field herping have transitioned into pursuing a career in Herpetology. A recurring theme in his life is how influential his grandfather has been in getting him to where he is today. Parker’s grandfather, Dr. Whit Gibbons, is one of the most accomplished herpetologists of recent times. This story inspired Dr. Jenkins to interview Whit as well, to show you the story of a family legacy from both sides.
Connect with Parker on Facebook or Instagram.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Erika Nowak is a Snake Ecologist from Northern Arizona University. She has spent much of her career exploring the impact of translocations on snake ecology. Snake translocation has become such a common practice, but most people do not think about the potential consequences of their actions. Erika and Chris go through translocation approaches and how snakes respond to things such as distance moved, time of year, whether they are gravid, and much more. Listen in to gain the knowledge you need to think about before you translocate a snake and stay tuned for a bonus section on Gila Monsters in urban landscapes.
Read more about Erika’s work.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins has had a long-standing interest in snake bite treatment and frequently speaks on the subject of treatment in wild settings. He welcomes Dr. Spencer Greene to Snake Talk for a deeper discussion on the subject of treating snake bites. They talk about the field of Medical Toxicology, what to do (and not to do) when treating a snake bite, and they go into treatment of pregnant snake bite victims. Chris introduces his friend Lisa Damron who reveals her life changing experience of receiving a rattlesnake bite while she was pregnant. Be sure to listen until the very end - this is an informative and emotional episode.
Connect with Spencer on his website.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Jeff Corwin to discuss the fascinating topic of Media, Snakes, and Conservation. They go through the early years when Chris and Jeff took Herpetology together in the 1990s and discuss how Jeff’s interest in both snakes and media developed over time. Jeff talks about his most successful shows, the genesis of each and what happened behind the scenes. They also discuss the importance of media in the conservation of snakes. Finally, Jeff talks about the project he is currently working on.
Connect with Jeff on Facebook or Instagram.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down to speak with Nicholas Hess who is a student, field herper, and photographer. They discuss the ethical considerations of photographing snakes and go into depth on different photography techniques such as macro, snakes in landscape, in situ, and underwater. If you’re looking for gear tips and advice on how to get into photography with snakes, this episode is for you.
Connect with Nicholas on Instagram or on his website.
Connect with Chris Jenkins on Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dillon Perron, owner of the Animals at Home Network, to discuss everything about keeping snakes in captivity. They talk about the number of households in the US with snakes as pets, captive bred vs. wild caught, “designer” snakes, and the issues with keeping large species. They also spend time conversing about the various components of husbandry that are important for keeping snakes. Finally, they cover the Animals at Home Network and the various podcasts and Youtube content they provide.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins meets with Gary Williamson who had the opportunity to know and snake hunt with Carl Kauffeld. They go in-depth about Carl including his career, personality, and how he worked in the field and the zoo. They also talk about Gary’s book The Kauffeld Letters which chronicles years of written correspondence between Gary and Carl right up until Carl’s passing. This is a unique episode that gives a deep look into one of the biggest names in snakes.
To get a signed copy of the book, email Gary at critterking44@yahoo.com.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Jenkins sits down with Cody Will, owner of Rattlesnake Ready - a company in the Phoenix area that specializes in training dogs to avoid venomous snakes. They go in-depth about the dog training process. Chris and Cody also discuss why this training is important, the kinds of snakes that Cody uses, how effective the training is, as well as the snake vaccine for dogs.
Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
Connect with Rattlesnake Ready on Facebook.
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Join Dr. Jenkins as he speaks with the owner of both the Portland Timbers and Portland Thorns professional soccer teams, Merritt Paulson. Chris and Merritt, also an Orianne Society board member, have known each other for many years and share a love of snakes and traveling far and wide to see new species. Discover how Merritt got to where he is today as the owner of professional sports teams. Listen to their conversation about “flashy” colubrids and how this mismatched group of snakes captivates so many people, and don’t miss the stories about the time Merritt found his hand in the grips of an Alligator, as well as his adventures in searching for Anacondas.
Connect with Chris on Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Chris Urban is the Chief of the Natural Diversity Section for the Pennsylvania Boat and Fish Commission. In this episode, Dr. Jenkins and Mr. Urban talk about the history of Timber Rattlesnakes in Pennsylvania. They discuss how active management techniques such as a regulated hunting program have resulted in the population rebounding, making the Timber Rattlesnake populations in Pennsylvania some of the strongest in any state.
Read more about Timber Rattlesnake Conservation and Management.
Connect with Chris Jenkins on Instagram or at The Orianne Society website.
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Chris talks about Copperheads with Dr. Charles Smith, a professor at Wofford College in South Carolina. Dr. Smith has been working on the ecology of Copperheads for over 20 years, and shares the information he has learned about this common but understudied snake. Dr. Smith also spends a great deal of time in the desert Southwest researching rattlesnakes and working on books. This episode was created at the request of our listeners who wanted to learn more about Copperheads! Tune in to learn about these amazing animals.
Connect with Chris on Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
Connect with Chuck on Facebook.
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Dr. Andrews lives in Coastal Georgia and runs a University of Georgia research lab focused on the applied ecology of many species including Gopher Tortoises, crocodilians, and snakes. Kimberly discusses the challenges of developing a career as a venomous snake ecologist especially during a time when there were few women in the field. Chris and Kimberly discuss the movement ecology of snakes with a focus on the impacts of roads and other forms of fragmentation. They also go in depth into her study of Canebrake Rattlesnake movements in a coastal South Carolina Eco-friendly Development.
Connect with Chris on Instagram or at The Orianne Society.
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Dr. Matthew Allender is a Professor of Veterinary Clinical Medicine and Director of the Wildlife Epidemiology Lab at the University of Illinois. He documented the first case of Snake Fungal Disease in Snakes. Chris and Matt discuss Snake Fungal Disease including its potential origins, specific case studies, variation in disease among snake species, and the most pressing research needs. They also discuss Ranavirus which is best known as a disease in amphibians but has also been shown to impact reptile populations.
Dr. David Steen works for the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission where he leads amphibian and reptile research efforts. Chris and Dave talk about how persistence and hard work led to a diversity of experiences and jobs as he worked towards his current position. They talk about some of the species that his group prioritizes and how they develop those priorities. Dave also has created a Foundation called Living Alongside Wildlife and they discuss the grant-making approach the foundation employs. Finally, Dave has published a book on snake myths and he discusses issues covered in the book, such as how the size of snakes are typically grossly exaggerated and what science tells us about the true size of snakes.
Dr. James Wellehan is an Associate Professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida. Chris and Jim discuss the evolution and ecology of animal diseases with a focus on snakes. They go in depth into various types of diseases that affect snakes, as well as how diseases are often complex, involving multiple components that can affect the impact on the animals.
Chris talks snakes with Steve Friedman, Director of Real Estate for the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Chris and Steve talk about the importance of land conservation for combating habitat loss and fragmentation as one of the greatest threats to snakes. They also talk about the primary land conservation tools and how they work. Finally, as an example, they go through a large effort in Georgia to protect Gopher Tortoises and many snakes, by protecting hundreds of thousands of acres.
Dr. Taylor is an accomplished Reptile Physiological Ecologist that has dedicated her career to studying aspects of snake ecology such as thermal biology and physiological adaptations to desert environments. Chris and Emily discuss the research and students in her lab, and focus on translocation. They also go in depth into Central Coast Snake Services which is Emily’s company that provides communities with tools to help them live safely in snake country without needing to harm the snakes. Finally, they discuss Emily’s manuscript, that is in press, on trends in women in herpetology.
Ben Stegenga is a herpetologist that works for the Orianne Society on a variety of species projects in the Longleaf Savannas. Ben is the field ecologist who runs our indigo snake and eastern diamondback monitoring programs in Georgia. He joins Chris to talk about the natural history of these amazing animals and give us an update on how the monitoring season is going so far.
Donna Kalil is a Python Elimination Specialist that spends her days searching for Burmese Pythons in South Florida. Chris and Donna discuss the biology of invasive pythons, how these snakes are spreading, their ecological impacts, the efforts to eliminate them, and how the public is responding. Donna also talks about how they catch the snake including an exciting story. Finally, Donna discusses the Everglades Avenger Team of volunteers who work with her to catch these invasive snakes.
Rich Baxter is a Director of a new organization, the Indian Ocean Tortoise Alliance or IOTA. IOTA is focused on the conservation of Giant Tortoises in the Indian Ocean and is based in the Seychelles. Chris and Rich discuss Rich’s path to becoming a tortoise biologist, Global patterns in Giant Tortoise distribution, Ecology of Aldabra Tortoises, and IOTA. Listen in as both Chris and Rich tell stories of their experiences with these amazing animals.
Chris talks snakes with Dr. Bryan Maritz, who is a professor at the University of the Western Cape in South Africa. Bryan is deeply interested in natural history and has worked on many species across Africa. Chris and Bryan talk about global patterns in viper diversity, pythons, stiletto snake, and go in depth into the natural history of the Namaqua Dwarf Adder. Tune in to learn about the Snakes of Africa.
Johnny Carrol Sain is a writer, editor, and deep thinker of everything related to nature and rural culture. Johnny joins Dr. Jenkins to discuss the disconnect between culture and nature and then the even deeper disconnect between nature and snakes. They also discuss the importance of people having at least a base understanding of ecosystems and the interconnectedness of nature.
Herpmapper is a tool that allows users to record data on snakes they find in the field using an App on their phone. Herpmapper allows users to catalogue all of the data they collect overtime but more importantly links those data to wildlife management and conservation organizations. Chris talks with Mike and Don about the history, how to, and uses of Herpmapper as well as talking about snakes in the Midwest region they call home.
Dr. Dan Natusch is a herpetologist, Director of Epic Biodiversity, and chairman of the IUCN Boa and Python Specialist Group. Dan joins Chris to discuss everything pythons from where you find them in the world, their biogeography in Australia, to the phenomenon of vary color morphs in young Green Tree Pythons. They also discuss an event that has been in the news where a python attempted to eat a person. Dan talks about this particular event as it was one of his study snakes that attempted to eat the woman. They also discuss what about a pythons head allows them to eat such large prey.
Julia Duin is a journalist and writer who recently published a book on religious snake handlers titles, ‘In the House of the Serpent Handler’. As part of her research for the book Julia has spent extensive time in Appalachia at the churches and with the people in the serpent handling culture. Join Dr. Jenkins and Julia as they talk about religion, snake handling practices, and her book. They also go in depth on the National Geographic show Snake Salvation and the people featured in the show.
Melissa Amarello is the Executive Director of Advocates for Snake Preservation (ASP). Tune in to hear about her research on social interactions in snakes, ranging from how snakes care for their offspring to who snakes are “friends” with. ASP uses these types of studies on snake behavior to implement education programs geared to changing the public’s perception of snakes. Melissa also discusses how ASP works in the advocacy arena using their work on Rattlesnake Roundups as an example. Check out ASP’s website at www.snakes.ngo.
Dr. Peterson is an accomplished Snake Ecologist that has dedicated his career to studying the ecology of snakes and applying that knowledge to their conservation. Drs. Jenkins and Peterson discuss the path Chuck took to becoming a herpetologist. They also discuss the diversity of snakes in the Intermountain West and what Chuck has learned from decades of research, including an in depth discussion of one of the biggest long-term datasets ever collected on snakes, specifically a data set on Great Basin Rattlesnakes from Southeast Idaho.
The link for the Idaho Amphibian and Reptile iNaturalist Project is: https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/idaho-amphibian-and-reptile-inaturalist-project
Flickr Photo Albums links: Idaho Reptiles: https://www.flickr.com/photos/petechar/albums/72157625821042969 Snakes: https://www.flickr.com/photos/petechar/albums/72157689924852796
ISU Herpetology Laboratory Publications on Intermountain West Snakes 1989-2019 1. Koch, E.D. and C.R. Peterson. 1989. A preliminary survey of the distribution of amphibians and reptiles of Yellowstone National Park. In: Rare, sensitive and threatened species of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, T.W. Clark, D.H. Harvey, R.D. Dorn, D.C. Genter, and C. Groves (eds.), Northern Rockies Conservation Cooperative , Montana Natural Heritage Program, The Nature Conservancy, and Mountain West Environmental Services.
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Peterson, C.R. and M.E. Dorcas. 1992. The use of automated data acquisition techniques in monitoring amphibian and reptile populations. Pp 369-378 In: Wildlife 2001: Populations. D.R. McCullough and R.H. Barrett, (eds.). Elsevier Applied Science, London.
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Peterson, C.R., A.R Gibson, and M.E. Dorcas. 1993. Snake thermal ecology: the causes and consequences of body temperature variation. Pp. 241-314 in Snakes: Ecology and Behavior (R.A. Seigel and J.T. Collins, eds.). McGraw-Hill Publishing Company, New York, N.Y.
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Storm, R.M., W.P. Leonard, H.A. Brown, R.B. Bury, D.M. Darda, L.V. Diller, and C.R. Peterson. 1995. Reptiles of Washington and Oregon. Seattle Audubon Society, Seattle, Washington. 176 pp.
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Koch, E.D. and C.R. Peterson. 1995. The Amphibians and Reptiles of Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. University of Utah Press, Salt Lake City, Utah. 188 pp.
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Beck, J.M. and C.R. Peterson. 1995. Movements and habitat selection of the Longnose Snake (Rheinocheilus lecontei) in southwestern Idaho. Idaho Bureau of Land Management. Technical Bulletin No. 95-18.
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Corn, P.S. and C.R. Peterson. 1996. Prairie Legacies - Amphibians and Reptiles. Pp. 125-134 In: Prairie Conservation: Preserving North America’s Most Endangered Ecosystem. F.B. Samson and F.L. Knopf (editors). Island Press
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Dorcas, M.E. and C.R. Peterson. 1997. Head-body temperature differences in free-ranging rubber boas. J. Herp. 31(1): 87-93.
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Dorcas, M.E., C.R. Peterson, and M.T. Flint. 1997. The thermal biology of digestion in rubber boas (Charina bottae): physiology, behavior, and environmental constraints. Physiological Zoology 70(3):292-300.
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Dorcas, M.E. and C.R. Peterson. 1998. Daily body temperature variation in free-ranging rubber boas. Herpetologica.54(1):88-103.
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Cobb, V.A. and C.R. Peterson. 1999. Natural History Notes: Mortality – Great Basin Rattlesnake. Herpetological Review. 30(1): 45-46.
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Peterson, C.R, S.R Burton, D.S. Pilliod, J.R Lee, J.O. Cossel Jr, and R.L Llewellyn. 2001. Assessing the accuracy of Gap Analysis predicted distributions of Idaho amphibians and reptiles. Gap Analysis Bulletin 10: 42-49.
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Vander Haegen, W. M., S. M. McCorquodale, C. R. Peterson, G. A. Green, and E. Yensen. 2001. Wildlife communities of eastside shrubland and grassland habitats. In, D. H. Johnson and T. A. O'Neil, Editors. Wildlife habitats and species associations in Oregon and Washington. University of Oregon Press, Corvallis, Oregon.
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Scott, J.M., C.R. Peterson, J.W. Karl, E. Strand, L.K. Svancara, and N.M. Wright. 2002. A Gap Analysis of Idaho: Final Report. Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. Moscow, ID.
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Dorcas, M. E. and C. R. Peterson. 2008. Testing the coadaptation hypothesis: the thermal physiology and thermoregulatory behavior of rubber boas (Charina bottae). In: R. Henderson, R. Powell, G. Schuett, and M. Douglass (eds.), Biology of the Boas and Pythons. Eagle Mountain Publishing, LC, Eagle Moutain, UT.
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Jenkins, C.L., C.R. Peterson, and J.O. Cossel, Jr. 2008. Sagebrush Steppe / Desert Shrublands. In: Pilliod, D.S., Wind, E., eds., 2008, Habitat Management Guidelines for Amphibians and Reptiles of the Northwestern United States and Western Canada: Technical Publication HMG-4, Birmingham, AL, Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, 139 pp.
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Jenkins, C.L. and C.R. Peterson. 2009. A Trophic-Based Approach to the Conservation Biology of Rattlesnakes: Linking Landscape Disturbance to Rattlesnake Populations. Pp. 265-274 in W. K. Hayes, K. R. Beaman, M. D. Cardwell, and S. P. Bush (eds.), The Biology of Rattlesnakes. Loma Linda University Press, Loma Linda, California.
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Cobb, V.A. and C.R. Peterson. 2009. Thermal Ecology of Hibernation in a Population of Great Basin Rattlesnakes, Crotalus oreganus lutosus. Pp. 291-302 in W. K. Hayes, K. R. Beaman, M. D. Cardwell, and S. P. Bush (eds.), The Biology of Rattlesnakes. Loma Linda University Press, Loma Linda, California.
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Jenkins, C.L., C.R. Peterson, and B.A. Kingsbury. 2009. Modeling Snake Distribution and Habitat. Pp. 123-148 in S.J. Mullin and R.A. Seigel. Snakes: Ecology and Conservation. Comstock Publishing Associates, Ithaca , New York.
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Bosworth, W. and C.R. Peterson. Idaho. 2009. In: Olson, D.H. (coord. ed.), Herpetological conservation in northwestern North America. Northwestern Naturalist 90: 61–96.
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Jenkins, C.L., C. R. Peterson, S. C. Doering, and V. A. Cobb. 2009. Microgeographic variation in reproductive characteristics among Western Rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus) populations. Copeia 2009, (4): 774–780.
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C. R. Peterson and J.R. Lee. 2012. Using Geographical Information Systems to design reptile surveys. Pp. 34-41 In: M. Foster, R. McDiarmid, C. Guyer, J.W. Gibbons, and N. Chernoff. (eds.). Reptile Biodiversity: Standard Methods for Inventory and Monitoring. University of California Press, Los Angeles, CA.
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Dorcas, M. E. and C. R. Peterson. 2012. Automated data acquisition. Pp. 61-68 In:. M. Foster, R. McDiarmid, C. Guyer, J.W. Gibbons, and N. Chernoff. (eds.). Reptile Biodiversity: Standard Methods for Inventory and Monitoring. University of California Press, Los Angeles, CA.
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Dorcas, M. E. and C. R. Peterson. 2013. Automated data acquisition. In: G. Graeter and J. Gibbons (eds.), Monitoring Methods for Amphibians and Reptiles. Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation - special publication.
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Jochimsen, Denim, C.R. Peterson, and L.J. Harmon, 2014. Influence of ecology and landscape on snake road mortality in a sagebrush-steppe ecosystem. Animal Conservation, 17(6): 583-592.
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Bauder, J.D. H. Akenson, and C.R. Peterson. 2015. Movement Patterns of Prairie Rattlesnakes (Crotalus v. viridis) across a Mountainous Landscape in a Designated Wilderness Area. Journal of Herpetology, 49(3): 377-387.
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Bauder, J.M., H. Akenson, and C.R. Peterson. 2017. Factors influencing the movement patterns of Prairie Rattlesnakes (Crotalus v. viridis) across a mountainous landscape in a designated Wilderness Area. Pp. 154-167 in Dreslik,M.J., S.J. Beaupre, and S.P. Mackessy (eds.), The Biology of Rattlesnakes II, Herpetological Publishing and Distribution, Rodeo, New Mexico.
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Jenkins, C.L., J.M. Bauder, and C.R. Peterson. 2017. Population level consequences of microgeographic variation in Great Basin Rattlesnake reproduction. Pp. 143-153 in Dreslik,M.J., S.J. Beaupre, and S.P. Mackessy (eds.), The Biology of Rattlesnakes II, Herpetological Publishing and Distribution, Rodeo, New Mexico.
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Spear, S.F., J.M. Parker, C.R. Peterson, C.L. Jenkins, and L.P. Waits. 2017. Modeling the effect of roads on habitat area and connectivity of midget faded rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus concolor) across Southwest Wyoming. Pp. 22-33 in Dreslik,M.J., S.J. Beaupre, and S.P. Mackessy (eds.), The Biology of Rattlesnakes II, Herpetological Publishing and Distribution, Rodeo, New Mexico.
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Parsons, S.B., C.R. Peterson, C.L. Jenkins, and M.D. Matocq. 2019. Gene flow and habitat connectivity in a native rattlesnake population on the Snake River Plain. Western North American Naturalist 79(3):378-393.
Chris talks snakes with Dr. Rulon Clark, who is a professor at San Diego State University. Rulon has been using videography at study sites around the country to study snake feeding in the wild. Tune in to hear all the interesting things Rulon’s cameras have found from snakes moving grass to make a better strike zone to ninja rats doing acrobatics to avoid snake bites.
The Walking Dead is an “Apocalyptic Soap Opera” where humans are trying to survive after a virus has turned most people to walkers (i.e., zombies). Kim Mross is a snake wrangler for the Walking Dead where she sweeps sets by temporarily removing snakes before shoots, temporarily removes snakes encountered during shoots, and educates crew and cast. Listen to Chris and Kim discuss stories ranging from the details behind the Snake Eating Scene in the Walking Dead to how her counterpart in Wife Swap reacted to walking into Kim’s home for the first time to find it was filled with snakes. Kim also talks about the set of the Walking Dead and how various actors feel about snakes.
Chris talks snakes with Zack Dalton, Director of Sales for Sage, Redington, and Rio products. This is the first of many podcasts where Chris will talk with people who are not snake experts but are in a field that brings them in contact with snakes in the wild. Tune in to hear a unique perspective on the perception of snakes, strategies for communicating to the fishing community about snakes, and the ecosystem based conservation ethic in the fly fishing world.
Illegal trade is one of the greatest threats to wild snake populations. Chris discusses the issue with Craig Hoover, Executive Vice President of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. They discuss Craig’s career in combating the wildlife trade in various roles including law enforcement, policy, and administration. Listen and learn more about the factors driving the skin trade, the species and regions it impacts most, and Craig’s thoughts on what needs to be done to conserve wild snake populations.
Noah Fields is a Field Herper who makes his living by field herping almost every day and posting content on YouTube. Tune in to hear more about field herping, Noah’s YouTube channel, and an interesting discussion around the changes in the field and relevant ethical issues. Chris and Noah also talk about field herping in Georgia and West Texas including snake diversity, regulations, and techniques.
Field Herping is a rapidly growing form of recreation where people go into wildplaces and look for reptiles and amphibians (especially snakes). You can think of Field Herping as being analogous to birding but with the big difference in that most of time it is possible to catch the snake. Field Herping is exciting and most of us do some form of it but it is important to develop an ethic around your practices. In this podcast Chris talks with Houston Chandler and Kiley Briggs about Field Herping and potential issues that everyone should consider before recreationally looking for snakes.
We are in the midst of a Global Snakebite Crisis, where people living in poverty in regions with high numbers of venomous snakes are dying from snakebites at a high rate. Chris talks with Jordan Benjamin about the Snakebite Crisis and the efforts of the Snakebite Foundation to turn around that trend. They discuss strategies that include developing snakebite clinics, training, and providing antivenom in regions such as Sub-Saharan Africa. They also discuss topics such as the various types of venoms and everything you wanted to know about antivenom.
Bushmasters are giant – egg laying vipers of Latin American Rainforests. Chris talks with friend Dr. Andy Whitworth about these amazing animals including their reproduction, predators, feeding, habitat, and conservation. But the conversation starts with stories of Pumas in the front yard of Andy’s remote rainforest home. They also discuss conservation of rainforests in Costa Rica and the nonprofit Osa Conservation’s role.
Vipers are one of the most endangered groups of snake on the planet. Chris joins Drs. Stephen Spear and Jesus Sigala to discuss the IUCN Viper Specialist Group. They also discuss research and conservation of viper species across Central America including Bushmasters and Mountain Island Rattlesnakes.
The Eastern Indigo Snake is listed as threatened under the US Endangered Species Act. Part of the recovery plan specifies restoring populations in part of the range where they have been extirpated. The Orianne Society and Central Florida Zoo pattern to run a dedicated Eastern Indigo Snake Breeding facility to supply snakes for reintroductions. In this podcast Chris is joined by Fred Antonio and Michelle Hoffman to discuss the history of the facility, the indigo snake breeding program, and the role of captive husbandry in conservation.
In this episode we are joined by Dr. Beaupre from the University of Arkansas. Dr. Beaupre is a physiological ecologist who has spent his career studying Timber Rattlesnakes. We start the episode by talking about his path to becoming one of the world’s leading experts on Timber Rattlesnakes. We discuss all aspects of Timber Rattlesnake biology including topics such as their physiology, the function of the loreal pits, and how our knowledge of Timber Rattlesnake physiology and ecology can inform conservation.
The Eastern Indigo Snake is the ruler of the forests in the Southeastern Coastal Plain. In this episode we discuss this magnificent animal including its distribution and ecology. We also discuss the Orianne Society, including the organizations history and its origins focused around conserving Indigo Snakes and their habitats. As this is our first episode, we knew there was no greater snake to launch Snake Talk.
Did you know that snakes are one of the most persecuted groups of animals in the world? Unfortunately, most snakes that encounter people end up dead, but the Snake Talk Podcast is dedicated to changing that. Join me, Dr. Chris Jenkins, as we bring you the world’s foremost experts on snakes and the issues they face.