Tuataras and UV

Tuataras need UV for healthy bone growth and stability. (News source, and here.)

Not really news for herpetoculturists, but apparently the media isn't quite up to speed.

Faked for Publicity

Old news, but an article on the Florida man who faked catching a big Burmese python. (News source.)

Python Banning Bill is Back

The HSUS and other anti-reptile factions are pushing for the bill to ban pythons again. More details here, and here.

Snake Panic

A harmless northern water snake was apparently mistaken for a "water moccasin" in South Bend, IN. (News source.)

On the Python Problem

A herpetoculturist's opinion on the Burmese python problem in the Everglades, here.

Famous Gator Moves

A 12-foot, 800-lb, 43-year old alligator was moved to the G. W. Exotic Animal Park after its Oklahoma owner accidentally killed himself with a chainsaw. The alligator had been used in several commercials and movies over the years. (News source, and here.)

Adder Bite

A UK television personality was bitten by a 2-foot adder. (News source.)

Reptiles More Popular than Dogs?

Apparently, they are... in the UK, at least. (News source.)

Snake Hunting

Notes on a video of some snake hunters in the Mississippi Delta region here.

Children's Book

A children's book in Australia promotes first aid techniques for snakebites there. (News source.)

Strange Snake Stories

A live 4 1/2 foot albino corn snake ended up in a Washington waste water plant. (News source.)

A goat thief in Malaysia turned out to be a 6-meter long python. (News source.)

It's time for the annual Rattlesnake Festival in Pasco County, Texas. (News source.)

Controversy in Illinois: did a man see a massasauga or a fox snake? (News source.)

Has the largest fossil snake been found? Estimates of a South American fossil are up to 12.8 meters. (News source.)

Diving with Crocodiles

Another profile here on the diving cage in a crocodile exhibit at Crocosaurus Cove, Australia.

Snakes on the Attack

A python attacked a woman who runs a German reptile zoo, during a cage-cleaning. (News source.)

A snake (apparently a nonvenomous native species) bit two people at a Maryland renaissance fair, when a young woman tried to taunt her boyfriend with it. (News source.)

A Sydney, Australia, man was bitten on the finger by a brown snake. (News source.)

A Colorado Sheriff's deputy was bitten by a rattlesnake when he tried to move it, and had a severe reaction. Before help arrived, he also ended up crashing his car. (News source.)

And for non-attacking snake news, a man survived 113 days in an enclosure with 40 venomous snakes without being bitten, a Guinness world record. (News source.)

Oceana Freakiest Fish Contest

Reptiland and Rachael Ray

Reptiland makes an appearance on Rachael Ray's new show, "Rach to the Rescue." (News source.)

Frog Calls of Nebraska

Audio CD-Rom available here.

Croc Ad Upsets UK Parents

Some parents in the UK are upset about the use of a crocodile in a television ad for a soft drink. (News source.)

Snakes and Spiders: Blame Culture for Phobias

Not long ago, there was a (dumb) study publicized about how children recognize snakes from other elongated animals, so this somehow explains why "everyone" is afraid of snakes. A more competent researcher has now pointed out that while snakes and spiders elicit attention, they certainly don't provoke automatic fear. For that, look to the media and other sources which spread negative reports about the animals. (As anyone who's done snake talks can attest, most children are excited to meet and touch snakes. Those who are fearful tend to a) have parents who have taught them to be afraid, or b) have had a specific negative experience (been bitten, or scared by one).)

More Antivenom News

First, the Australian Broadcasting Commission will be screening a documentary on corruption and scamming in PNG, creating an illegal market for antivenom, and making it difficult to acquire legally. (News source.)

Second, the Echitab Study Group, with UK support, will be setting up an antivenom production facility in Gombe, Nigeria, with governmental approval. (News source.)

Cage Gives Up Cobras

Due to pressure from neighbors, actor Nicolas Cage gave away his pair of cobras (no species given). (News source.)