Source
r/herpetology•
YellowOctopus

Last minute herping in Missouri

Hi herpers,

I recently had a herping trip cancelled, but due to the circumstances of how I was going to be getting to the site, I'm still heading west from Wisconsin. I'm hoping to hit some spots in Missouri on my way back (returning from Denver to Milwaukee by route of Kansas, Missouri, and Illinois).

However, I'm leaving in about two hours and am woefully unprepared to make some stops in Missouri- I was wondering if there are any Missouri herpers here who could point me to some interesting spots, either here or over PM.

If you have qualms about giving out secret sites, that's fine. I'm hoping to see some more common species, but that are different from what I'd see in Wisconsin.

I'll be in the northern half of Missouri, and if anyone has any suggestions, I'd be infinitely grateful. If you'd like to accompany me, the more the merrier! If you look through my post history, I hope you can tell I'm an avid herper, a hopeful herpetologist, and an experienced person who'd never betray a tip.

Posted Aug 29, 2014, 4:01 PM UTC

118
vireovireo•

I've had good luck on the Katy Trail around McBaine over the years. It's way too dry for frogs/toads right now, but snakes and lizards are usually out basking in the early morning.

If you have time to look, the MO Herp Atlas might be helpful.

Squaw Creek NWR in the northwest corner of the state might hold some nice species.

Just about any glade in the state is bound to hold a few things. I'd check the MDC's site for conservation areas

Feel free to PM me if you have a decent idea of your path through the state and I might be able to guide you toward some decent conservation areas.

2
YellowOctopusOP•

Thanks so much! I'll PM you shortly.

1
tagop•

i've heard good things about the katy trail but never been there myself.

1
YellowOctopusOP•

Thanks! Where is it? What do you hear is found there?

1
tagop•

it starts in the center east of the state and runs through almost all the way to the west border. through st. louis and past jeff city. i've heard its just a really nice hiking trail, very well maintained and natural. i would try to get this book. you can find it in nearly any nature center in mo. you'll probably see a metric fuckton of turtles and snakes, also lots of other various wildlife. welcome to missouri!

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YellowOctopusOP•

Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely check it out.

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Sheriff_Gene_Freak•

Will you be coming through Columbia at all?

1
YellowOctopusOP•

Yeah, I'm taking I-70 from KC to STL.

1