JD Kleopfer is the state herpetologist at Virginia's Department of Wildlife Resources. We begin this herpetological extravaganza on the illegal turtle trade between the US & China, then move on to reptile & amphibian natural history: turtle eggs & their predators, hibernation [properly called brumation], Appalachia's legendary hellbenders, salamander folklore, poisonous newts, vernal pools, & how-to make good herp habitat in your yard. For his stories, JD tells of finding a state-endangered tiger salamander site & another about his formative years as a young herper.  We close on today's conservationist youths, The Great Dismal Swamp & canebrake rattlesnakes. 

Join Virginia's Herpetological Society & check out a short documentary about Protecting Appalachia's Hellbenders.

Music provided by Luke Brindley

"Raritan River Blues"
Written by Luke Brindley
Courtesy of Luke Brindley


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