Snake Talk

Dr. Jenkins sits down with Lauren Fuchs, a Ph.D. candidate and recipient of an Orianne Society research grant, to explore her unique journey into snake research. Lauren transitioned into herpetology after earning a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and working in that field for years. In this episode, they delve into Lauren’s fascinating research on how landscape disturbances impact the skin microbiomes of snakes and their susceptibility to Snake Fungal Disease. The conversation begins with an overview of microbiomes and Snake Fungal Disease, examining their intricate relationship, before transitioning to how changes in the environment may influence this dynamic.Read more about Lauren’s research. Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.

In this episode, Dr. Chris Jenkins welcomes Andrea Colton, the newest member of The Orianne Society team. Andrea, an Associate Conservation Scientist specializing in turtle conservation biology, shares her journey into the world of herpetology. From her childhood fascination with zoos to gaining hands-on experience through a variety of field technician roles, Andrea reflects on the experiences that led her to pursue a master’s degree in herpetology. The conversation wraps up with an exploration of her current work at The Orianne Society, including exciting ecology projects focused on Spotted and Box Turtles.Check out Andrea’s blog, Herp Journal. Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.

Dr. Jenkins dives deep into the world of snake venom with renowned expert Dr. Stephen Mackessy. They begin with Steve’s early experiences working with venomous snakes, including a memorable bite from a Southern Pacific Rattlesnake. The conversation then explores the complexities of venom: what it is, its composition, how it varies across a species’ range, and how it changes throughout a snake's life. They also discuss the remarkable medical and practical applications of snake venom, including its role in developing life-saving medicines for humans.Connect with Stephen at The University of Northern Colorado. Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.

In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with Tony Daly-Crews, the founding Executive Director of The Rattlesnake Conservancy. They explore the origins of the Conservancy and the journey that inspired Tony to establish it. The discussion dives deep into the organization's impactful research and educational programs, including the assisted migration of Ridge-nosed Rattlesnakes as a response to climate change and the development of standardized venomous snake-handling training. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!Connect with Tony at The Rattlesnake Conservancy. Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.

Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Andrew Holycross to discuss one of the rarest rattlesnakes in the United States. They start by talking about the species' distribution, which is primarily in Mexico, and focus on the two subspecies found in the United States: the Arizona and New Mexico Ridge-nosed Rattlesnakes. The beginning of the podcast covers the natural history and ecology of the species, including movement, habitat use, genetics, and diet. They then discuss the various threats that have led to the New Mexican subspecies becoming endangered and declines in the other subspecies. Finally, they talk about the future of these Sky Island Rattlesnakes in the face of climate change, including management techniques such as genetic augmentation and assisted migration. Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.

In this episode, Dr. Chris Jenkins sits down with Dr. Bryan Hamilton and Colton Irons to explore one of his favorite species—the Great Basin Rattlesnake. Dr. Jenkins spent nearly a decade studying this species in the Upper Snake River Plain of Idaho, while Bryan and Colton focus on the same species in a vastly different environment—high-altitude mountain regions reaching up to 13,000 feet in elevation. Tune in as they dive into the ecology of the Great Basin Rattlesnake and compare how the species adapts to these two contrasting landscapes.Read more about the Great Basin Rattlesnake Study. Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.

In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Rich Seigel of Towson University, a leading figure in reptile ecology. Rich's work, including books that greatly influenced Chris' path as a snake ecologist, is explored along with his journey from New York City to the swamps of the South and Midwest, and finally to Towson. The discussion highlights the critical value of long-term research, focusing on projects involving species like massasaugas and terrapins. With Rich's vast experience in snake ecology and conservation, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.Connect with Rich at Towson University. Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.

Join Dr. Jenkins as he sits down with Dr. Michael Caldwell, a professor at the University of Alberta, to discuss their recent media-highlighted discovery of 38-million-year-old snake fossils in Wyoming. Their in-depth conversation starts with the surprising discovery of an early snake fossil in an Israeli museum, challenging our understanding of snake origins. They delve into various taxonomic groups, exploring the relationships between lizards and snakes, possible scenarios for snake evolution, and what the Earth was like when snakes first appeared. Despite the complexity and many Latin names, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in snakes.Connect with Michael at the University of Alberta. Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.

In this episode, Dr. Jenkins sits down with Dr. Henry Mushinsky, Professor Emeritus at the University of South Florida, for a deep dive into his career. They explore his early passion for herpetology, shaped by his childhood adventures catching watersnakes in the bayous of Louisiana. However, a move to Florida and the region's development pressures shifted his focus toward conservation biology. Dr. Mushinsky shares compelling stories from his time in Florida, including his efforts to conserve gopher tortoises in rapidly developing landscapes and his collaboration with Disney to protect rare sand skinks.Connect with Henry at the University of South Florida. Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.

Dr. Jenkins sits down with returning guest Noah Fields to talk about “flashy” colubrids. They start by discussing the colorful, large, and awe-inspiring characteristics that draw people to some of these snakes. Then, they delve into both kingsnakes and milksnakes, including their distribution, species vs. subspecies, and natural history. The conversation transitions from Scarlet Kingsnakes in unusual places to milk snakes living in the North. They finish the episode by focusing on Eastern Kingsnakes, specifically field herping for them, their natural history, and their conservation status in the Southeast.Connect with Noah on YouTube.Check out Noah’s photos 1, 2 and 3 of the Eastern Kingsnake feeding on the Eastern Ratsnake, referred to in the podcast. Connect with Chris on Facebook, Instagram or at The Orianne Society.Shop Snake Talk merch.