Snake Conservation and Applied Research Facility - SCARF

02/16/2026

Discover Snakes.
Ask a questions.

02/15/2026

I am preparing to present another talk on Snake Fungal Disease and Concurrent infections at the Student Chapter of the Association of Amphibian and Reptile Veterinarians at Tufts Univesity, on March 2nd.

02/15/2026

Another question from a lady, the name of whom I am having a difficulty to spell or paste:), from Kolkata (India). “How do I handle checkered keelbacks while swimming in a pond- I mean how do I ensure their safety and see they don't get agitated if I'm in the water, but safe enough to swim near me and coexist?”

The answer:

Well, this question is quite complex. It’s almost like asking, how can one ride a bike cross-country with obstacles. I could probably write a lengthy essay on this.

Handling snakes is a skill-set backed by an art and science, and know-how’s. In short, one first has to know what to expect from a snake and be comfortable having a snake around themselves, at a range of distances. Then one needs to understand the situation, and the factors which may be in play. One needs to understand what is a snake is trying to do. Then one has to have some experience handling their own emotions and safely handling snakes, and knowing whether the handling is warranted or unnecessary. And in addition to this all one has to know how to use tools, to minimize stress, and struggle, direct handling may cause.

It will take time to go over all the details. Much will depend on your current level of skill. You could reach out via vm for us to discuss your current level of skill, and plan necessary enhancements.

Although I have no direct experience with Checkered Keelback, I am confident that, besides some fine details, it will have much in common with other aquatic snakes such as Dice Snakes (Natrix tessellata), other Keelback (Rhabdophis), North-American Watersnakes (Nerodia) and Cottonmouth, which I have direct experience with.

02/15/2026

“A question from Young: Why are reptile education program instructors hesitant to answer the “what’s that?” question about pelvic spurs?” 🙂.

The answer:

While I can’t answer for other reptile educators, I assume some may don’t know how to apeak about ge****ls and reproduction appropriately 🙂.

So, the pelvic spurs are vestigial rare girdle elements (rudimentary rare legs) preserved in some legless lizards and Henophidian (prime) snakes, which include such famous groups as boas and pythons, and their less famous relatives, as well as pipe snakes (Aniliidae), blind snakes (Scolecophidians). Prime snakes are evolutionary very ancient lineage, and they retained this rudimentary rare girdle from some now extinct ancestral forms which had rare extremities.

While vestigial rare girdle bones surrounded by soft tissue are preserved in both male and female boas and pythons, the actual spurs are usually more obvious in males, and looks like a pair of shot claws on both sides of the vent. At least in sone boas and pythons, males use pelvic spurs during courtship and mating to stimulate the female by nudging or scratching, and perhaps also to align genitalia while mating.

02/15/2026

Discover snakes.
Ask questions.

08/02/2025

08/02/2025

Micruroides euryxanthus, AZ, USA.

08/02/2025

Near Granite Gap, NM, USA

08/02/2025

Near Granite Gap, NM, USA.

08/02/2025

Somewhere in New Mexico

05/14/2025

My rock garden

01/01/2025