Reptiles of the Northwest: California to Alaska, Rockies to the Coast

by Alan St. John

Interpretive naturalist, writer, educator and reptile specialist Alan St. John of Bend, Oregon, has crafted a richly photographed guide to the reptiles, snakes and turtles found in Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and parts of Montana, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Wyoming, Colorado and California. Each of the book's 42 accounts features photographs of the animal, as well as range maps and notes on identification, variation, distribution, habitat, behavior and similar species. The guide also includes information about three introduced species. The book has a strongly personal and accessible quality through St. John's field notes of his own encounters with each of the featured species.

Genres: Field Guides, Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2002

Reviews

[Lafcadio]

This was the golden volume that sealed my belief in the superiority of Lone Pine field guides. I found a snake, my beloved Dallas, and was looking for information on how to take care of her properly. All other field guides were lacking. And then I found this one, with a gorgeous photo of Dallas herself on the cover. All of the reptiles in this guide are specific to the northwest, and each is shown in several full-color photographs with different varieties, underside coloration, juvenile coloration, etc. Plus complete information on feeding and other essentials. Dallas was a garter snake, I knew, but after finding this book, I was 100% certain that she was a red-spotted garter snake, that she was a she, that she was pregnant, and that she would reliably eat rough-skinned newts.

Dallas gave birth to 17 wee ones, and the whole family is now back in their native land, right next to a pond full of rough-skinned newts.

I heart Lone Pine field guides.

[Emma]

Great little field guide packed with well-written info on the various reptiles of the Pacific Northwest. We used this in my Herpetology class. Includes keyed maps, subspecies, quality photos, and articles ranging from 3-4 pages per herp. Entries include a detailed description, some basic life history, distributional info, plenty of photos, and detailed field notes from the author. Good size for carrying around in the field. Durable book. some space for notes at the back. Overall a great book! I highly recommend it to anyone wishing to identify the reptiles of the Pacific NW.

[Christopher]

Every field guide should strive to live up to this one. Full of lovely photos, good descriptions, interesting stories, and info on where to find/catch these guys- this book is chock full of the information you want on each species, and it's good enough to read for pleasure (which I did).

[Tessa]

Great pictures. Appears to be well bound. The cover is also nice and appears water resistant. I have been needing a reptile ID book to add to my collection.