Wow, quite a discussion arose from my pics. This is the same discussion that I have had, both online and off, with many other field herpers. This comes up a lot with regard to the montane rattlesnake species of Arizona.

There is certainly a degree of interpretation within the language of the laws and it can be difficult to agree. Ultimately, these laws are for the protection of the animal. Morally, I have absolutely no issues as I know that I would do more to protect these animals than most people, including those that work for the agencies that protect them. I have told people in the past that, if I won $300 million in the Powerball, I would buy land and create a private tetrataenia reserve.

I can say that I could count on my hands the people on this planet that I would share a tetrataenia spot with. Those people include one noted herpetology professor, a couple of published authors, and a few individuals that I have known and evaluated for years. If people want to put in their work, they could find them on their own. There are even parks that have signs posted in the parking lot that say "watch out for endangered snakes" and feature an illustration of a SFG. A quick search online will tell you that these animals only occur in San Mateo County and will mention specific locations where there are remaining populations.

The animals shown were found in the open, basking around ponds. None were flipped. Most darted into the water too quickly to photo, especially after things warmed up. I will say that a couple of leisurely laps around the pond would have yielded several sightings for all but the most oblivious of people (and maybe some Major League Baseball umpires).