Kentucky Pines!

Text and photos by Will Bird

Searching for reptiles and amphibians is not for the faint at heart. It demands a particular type of constitution.

When one takes on the challenge he or she is completely unaware of what really lies ahead. I guess that anything is possible. As my most experienced field partner says, “You never can tell!”

What I would like to do here is tell. Like field herping, this tale is not for the faint at heart. If you are weak, or wish to retain some form of innocence, TURN BACK NOW!!

"O World, O Life, O time,
On whose last steps I climb,
Trembling at that where
I had stood before,
When will return the glory
of your prime?
No more, O never more!"

P. Shelley

 


Pine snake range map, from KY GAP site

I first heard about Kentucky Pine Snakes long ago. To say that they are coveted is an understatement. They are the ghosts of the forest!

There are three populations in our Commonwealth. In my feeble mind the central population is the most interesting, but the mere glimpse of ANY pine snake is a gift to say the least. A live Kentucky specimen, especially one from the cave region, is nothing short of an honor to behold.


As Kentucky is a treasure trove of herpetological bounty, it was a very easy decision to make the commitment to search for pines and rejoice in anything found along the way. The fact of the matter is that while I had seen them in Florida, finding a pine snake in Kentucky was to me nothing short of a pipe dream!

Herpetology is undergoing a sort of renaissance here in Kentucky. There are more and more knowledgeable people getting involved than ever before. I do not deserve to be mentioned among these souls. I say this because there are so many who know so much, and I know so very little.


There is one quality, however, that I do possess. This quality is actually a combination of many and is very hard to describe. Allow me to try. I have good eyes. This is a gift that I can thank my parents and kin for. I also have good ears. I can smell, and taste to some extent. All of these things come into play, but none so much as my ability to both feel and think like an animal.

Fortunately, I have learned enough from those who have come before me to know that all of the senses must be properly employed if one is to find a pine snake.


There are other qualities one must possess as well. A person MUST be willing to commit to the hunt. Keep in mind that a hunt could last for years! Failure is guaranteed. I have also noticed that the best and sometimes only finds come long after a rational person would have given up. So, there are naturally occurring senses, desires, and persistence. The combination of these inherent qualities is what it takes to recognize the signs that lead to good finds. Anything less will result in failure. Also, there is the element of luck.

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