Atlanta Area - Herping Sites

[neel]

I'm fairly new to the area, and haven't had a chance to get out much. Any suggestions for the greater Atlanta area or nearby in Georgia? I'd be most interested in finding Nv viridescens in the wild, but anything else including frogs, turtles, or snakes would also be interesting.

Thanks!

-Neel

 

[russ]

Nvv are extremely common in the bottoms all around GA, to include metro Atlanta. To the north is the highest density of caudate species, especially the very northern tier of counties. Keep in mind that pretty much all non-venomous snakes and lizards are protected from collection.

 

[neel]

I'm more interested in the experience of finding / photographing them. I'm not looking to collect. I wouldn't have room at home for more anyways

Any suggestions of great locations to try? I guess some people keep them secret.

Thanks,

-Neel

 

[russ]

You really don't need any specifics for caudates here. Any of the national forest areas up north will produce a plethora of species. With the current weather though you're better off looking for low land species. Try a couple of the wildlife management areas south of the metro.

 

[john]

Neel:

Try any vernal pool after a couple days of warm rain. Even the ones in my office park have several Ambytoma species in the early spring - like any day now.

And don't forget to post your pictures.

 

[neel]

I will! Thanks everyone.

 

[russ]

Neel

I'd suggest investing in an Atlas & Gazetteer of Georgia. I buy them for most of states I herp in. They cover public property extremely well and are a lot more detailed with back roads than a regular atlas. You can get them at just about any book store or larger retail store (i.e. Warlmart/Target)

http://www.maps.com/map.aspx?nav=MS&cid=5,64,114,256&pid=806