Stevens Creek Reservoir
The following photo essay covers some of the reptiles and amphibians I encountered while herping California from April 2-12, 2009. The weather was mostly cool, windy and rainy. Despite less-than-ideal conditions, 16 snakes were found, consisting of: Pacific Gophers (5), Santa Cruz Garters (3), Sharptailed Snake (1), Yellowbelley Racer (1) and Pacific Ringneck Snakes (6).

A view of the landscape at a winery near Stevens Creek Reservoir.

This Pacific Gopher Snake was the first herp I found in California this year - and in 2009.

Alligator Lizards favor the cool, damp conditions that prevailed during most of the trip.

It wasn't warm enough for rattlesnakes to be out yet.

A young male Santa Cruz Garter Snake.

This is one of the trails I hiked in Stevens Creek.

When temperatures are warm enough and there's sunshine, Fence Lizards can be extraordinarily common.

This young Pacific Gopher Snake probably hatched last Summer.