The daily creel limit for snapping turtles and spiny softshells is 10, with a possession limit of 20. For those with valid state fishing permits, the daily creel limit for American bullfrogs and green frogs is 10, with a possession total limit of 20, but it is illegal to possess more than four of any other species of frog or toad. State regulations limit the number of reptiles and amphibians that hunters and collectors can take from the wild. In 2008, the timber rattlesnake was designated the state reptile. Only one specimen of this species has been recorded in the state (Monroe County in 1940). The most uncommon snake is the pine snake. There are three species of black snakes in the state, the black racer, black rat snake, and black kingsnake. Most species encountered by people are not venomous. Of the 20 species of snakes known to occur in West Virginia, only two, the timber rattlesnake and the northern copperhead, are venomous. Lizards range in size from the ground skink (four inches long) to the broadhead skink (up to 12 inches long). The most common lizards are the fence lizard and the five-lined skink (sometimes locally known as the bluetailed lizard). ![]() ![]() Lizards resemble salamanders, but unlike salamanders have scales and ear openings. Other aquatic species such as the snapping turtle are common throughout the Mountain State. Some aquatic species such as the spotted turtle (also only known to occur in the Eastern Panhandle) have limited ranges. The wood turtle (only known to occur in the Eastern Panhandle) is frequently seen on land. The box turtle is the most terrestrial turtle in the state. Their skin and eggs allow them to live in more adverse habitats than amphibians. Reptiles (turtles, lizards, and snakes) come in a variety of shapes but all share common characteristics such as epidermal scales and an egg with embryonic membrane. In addition to the bullfrog, there are four other species of true frogs in West Virginia. Tree frogs include the common spring peeper and five other species. Frogs are put into two groups, tree frogs and true frogs. They range in size from the tiny cricket frog to the bullfrog. Frogs are found from the lowest elevations to the highest. The American toad and Fowler’s toad are relatively common, but the spadefoot toad is seldom seen because of its secretive nature of remaining underground, only surfacing to mate and deposit eggs during heavy rains. Three species of toads are known to inhabit the state. The Cheat Mountain salamander is the only amphibian in the state on the federal list of threatened and endangered species. The West Virginia spring salamander is known to occur only in General Davis Cave in Greenbrier County, and the Cheat Mountain salamander occurs in the five eastern, mountainous counties of Randolph, Pocahontas, Tucker, Pendleton, and Grant. Two species, the West Virginia spring salamander and the Cheat Mountain salamander, are endemic to the Mountain State, occurring only here. In West Virginia they range in size from the hellbender, which can be nearly 24 inches in length, to the diminutive four-toed salamander, which is about four inches long. Salamanders are found in ponds, streams, and on wooded hillsides. ![]() Their sensitive integument and eggs make them susceptible to pollutants in water and soil, as well as changes in moisture and temperature. Most amphibians have moist glandular skin, and all deposit gelatinous-covered eggs in water or in terrestrial sites such as rotting logs, under rocks, or underground. West Virginia has 87 known species of amphibians and reptiles, including 34 species of salamanders, three species of toads, 11 species of frogs, 13 species of turtles, six species of lizards, and 20 species of snakes.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |