Best Snake Books

[drache]

Question:
I'm looking to get the West Coast Peterson Guide.
So of course I looked on Amazon and there are two that have an identical cover.
One is titled "A Guide to Wester Reptiles and Amphibians", the other "A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians: Field Marks of all Species in Western North America, Including Baja California".
The former is clearly the later edition and probably more up to date, but looking at the title I wonder whether the field marks and Baja are still in there. Does anybody here have that 2003 edition?

[drache]

Sorry
Correction of the title of the 2003 Edition. It's
"A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians".

[Cazador]

I have a copy of the 2003 edition of Western Reptiles and Amphibians, 3rd Ed., and I have to admit to being a little bit disappointed. It's probably a great source for distinguishing between thousands of easily recognizable taxa, but I think it lacks a bit when distinguishing between species that look similar. I bought it specifically for help distinguishing between T. ordinoides and T.s. pickeringii. It provided clues, but there were no dichotomous keys. Instead, they gave general descriptions of each (sub)species with limited reference to morphs. Based on the reveiws at Amazon.com, I hoped for more out of this book, but maybe it's simply the best of what's available? Perhaps someone could recommend a better "Western field guide" for garter snakes?

Rick

[abcat1993]

Wow, this got big. I have a book on all (not really though) North American reptiles and amphibians. It has some interesting facts about garters (3 pages worth).

[adamanteus]

Has anyone read R. Bartlett's book "In Search of Reptiles and Amphibians"? It's all about his early experiences in the field. Very entertaining read, made better because he knows exactly what he's talking about! Recommended!

[abcat1993]

I'll look at it or for it. Sounds good and I want to know more about looking for wild snakes and other herps.

[abcat1993]

Well, as an early birthday present, my grandmother got me "Garter Snakes & Water Snakes" By David Perlowin; and a humid hide or whatever they're called.

[Stefan-A]

Got that book, too.

[Cazador]

Matt,

I think you'll really get a lot out of that book. It covers a lot of material in a small amount of space, and the information is nice and reliable. Your grandmother has good taste .

Rick

[abcat1993]

I forgot to say the end. I think it's pretty good, and definitely a lot longer than it looks. And my grandmother didn't pick it out, she said that she told someone at the store that I had a snake and was wondering what to give me.