Northern CA Herping?

[crevalle]

Can anyone here recommend a good spot to do some salamander/newt herping in Placer County, CA? I live in the suburbs of Sacramento off of I-80 towards Roseville/Rocklin/Granite Bay. I'm fairly new to CA so would appreciate any guidance.

Thanks!

Sam

 

[Mark]

Hi Sam, as per the guidelines found here: http://www.caudata.org/forum/f1173-...37-important-locality-information-policy.html we don't allow specific locality information to be posted on the forum for obvious reasons. People are welcome to post general information about an area or alternatively PM you more detailed location information.

 

[Kaysie]

The reason we have the locality data policy in place is because while YOU may be just looking to enjoy the local fauna in their natural habitat, many unscrupulous people patrol forums looking for locality data in order to plunder a site of all its inhabitants and sell them online to make money.

We also recommend that if someone asks you for locality data, you think hard about how trustworthy this person is before giving it to them. I have even opted not to take people I know personally to sites because I didn't know them well enough to know their intentions.

 

[FrogEyes]

It would be a good idea to check into the field herping forums. You have a much better chance of finding people in the same area who may be going out, know the local critters, and may be willing to go with you as well.

 

[crevalle]

Ok, sounds like a plan. I guess I do see the value of protecting herping spots from people with the wrong intentions. I guess it's like a great fishing spot

 

[John]

I guess it's like a great fishing spot

Some people view it that way, usually guys who don't want other people to find things. However, that's not the reason why we have the policy. The simple fact is that most of the salamanders for sale on sites like Kingsnake were collected from wild populations because people were a bit too free with locations, either from person to person or by sharing them on forums like this.

I've been to places where you can literally find 30-40 quite rare salamanders in less than 30 minutes. Many are not protected and I shudder to think of any of those commercial collectors finding the locations.

 

[jamminnewt]

Ah, this is why my question wasn't posted. I forgot. Sorry everyone. I will just have to see what I can find myself and bring pictures back for you on the fieldherping account topic.

It is so sad that we have to be wary of people. I definitely understand and am so glad people with integrity and intelligence run this site.

Best of luck to everyone!