Eastern hog-
“Texas Herp” is devoted to appreciating and learning about the herpetofauna, or “herps,” of Texas. Our state is home to many varieties of frogs, salamanders, snakes, lizards, turtles, and the American alligator. These animals are beautiful, fascinating, and mostly harmless. They play integral roles in the systems of plants and animals that are essential to life.
The website is also home to Texas Field Notes, a quarterly journal of observations and essays regarding wildlife and wild places in Texas. It is offered free by electronic subscription. We write about our visits to various places in Texas, and about conservation and natural history. Each issue is illustrated with lots of original photos. (See the page for Texas Field Notes).
Do you need to identify a snake you’ve seen, to see if it was venomous? Download our illustrated guide to the venomous snakes of north Texas, and check out the photos and key characteristics. (Click here)
Michael Smith: From the age of 11 (in 1962), I grew up mostly in north Texas. I’ve been interested in herpetology for all those years, and so I have some experience with Texas herping. I have written on the topic, given talks, been president of, and currently am editor for, the DFW Herpetological Society. Nonetheless I’m still an amateur and there’s still a lot that I don’t know … and learning more is a lot of fun. If you would like to contact me, the email address is: michael@texasherp.org
Clint King: I have been interested in reptiles since I was two, and have been actively herping the fields and streams of North Texas since I was eight. For the past ten years I have been venturing across the state to photograph herps in their natural environments. I am currently serving as field trip director for the DFW Herpetological Society. I look forward to each new experience gained in the field, and am expanding my interests in other areas of natural history. You can contact me at: clint@texasherp.org
Check out our blog: “Notes From The Creek”
All site content © 2011, Michael Smith & Clint King