Off Trail Herps

Off Trail Herps The Offical Off Trail Herps page! "Man meets reptile... where the pavement ends." Off Trail Herps is owned and operated by Kevin K.

As a collection of personal pets and a successful business, Off Trail Herps is one of Kevin's passions. Whether handing out some free wisdom or advice at the local pet shop, or some free education to some fellow adventures out in the field, Kevin’s love for nature and its inhabitants is always apparent. When he isn’t teaching about these marvelous creatures Kevin is constantly herping the field. S

tudying, photographing, or simply just finding herps is something Kevin cannot live without. “The excitement of not knowing what you’ll find is what keeps ya going…” he always says. For 18 years Kevin has kept and collected various reptiles and amphibians. Snakes, turtles, frogs/toads, lizards and salamanders/newts have all been inhabitants of his "zoo". Today, besides the occasional exotic species, Off Trail Herps specializes in reptiles and amphibians that are native to Illinois and elsewhere around the U.S. As a trained animal expert, Kevin has worked with dangerous animals all his life and knows how to ensure the animal's safety as well as his own. Please never attempt to get close to or handle a wild animal yourself.

01/02/2013

Do not follow where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.

12/04/2012

Nature cannot be tricked or cheated. She will give up to you the object of your struggles only after you have paid her price.

This is GREAT!
07/01/2012

This is GREAT!

Biologists have released seven young Louisiana pine snakes on a restored longleaf pine stand in the Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana. The release is the fourth in two years, part of a plan to restore a very rare snake to its range in Louisiana.

07/01/2012

A drug made from the saliva of the Gila monster lizard is effective in reducing the craving for food. Researchers have tested the drug on rats, who after treatment ceased their cravings for both food and chocolate.

02/06/2012

The mating habits of marine turtles may help to protect them against the effects of climate change. The study shows how the mating patterns of a population of endangered green turtles may be helping them deal with the fact that global warming is leading to a disproportionate number of females being ...

02/06/2012

A biologist who released lizards on tiny uninhabited islands in the Bahamas has shed light on the interaction between evolutionary processes that are seldom observed. He found that the lizards' genetic and morphological traits were determined by both natural selection and a phenomenon called founder...

01/23/2012

A new study of how lizards use their tails when leaping through the trees shows that they swing the tail upward to avoid pitching forward after a stumble. Theropod dinosaurs -- the ancestors of birds -- may have done the same. A robot model confirms the value of an actively controlled tail, demonstr...

01/23/2012

People and giant snakes not only target each other for food -- they also compete for the same prey, according to a new study.

01/19/2012

Biologists just discovered two new species of frogs in New Guinea, one of which is now the world's tiniest known vertebrate, averaging only 7.7 millimeters in size -- less than one-third of an inch. It ousts Paedocypris progenetica, an Indonesian fish averaging more than 8 millimeters, from the reco...

01/19/2012

Researchers have studied the movements of snakes to create more efficient search-and-rescue robots.

01/12/2012

Reader discretion advised as some photos are potentially NSFW.

01/11/2012

The world's newest snake has menacing-looking yellow and black scales, dull green eyes and two spiky horns. And it's named after a 7-year-old girl.

01/09/2012

After 150 years of being "extinct," a species of giant tortoise may be on the verge of a comeback tour, scientists report today (Jan. 9).

Plan your next event to include amazing reptiles for everyone to experience up close. Our audiences are captivated ...
11/28/2011

Plan your next event to include amazing reptiles for everyone to experience up close. Our audiences are captivated with an incredible display of rare and unusual reptiles from around the U.S. We present these creatures in a fun, safe, and educational manner. Our presentation format for any event can include a hands-on exhibit, a live show, a photo opportunity, etc.

We are available by the hour, half-day, full day, or weekend events. Our Reptile and Amphibian friends will be memorable in both presence and rarity. Pricing varies. Contact us to talk about your occasion.


-PROGRAMS-

Educational and entertaining programs that feature live, harmless reptiles from around the U.S. These programs are interactive and hands on events that are individually tailored to specific situations.




Birthday Parties-

This type of presentation is a very interactive, hands-on event that is exciting and informative. A “typical” show consists of 4-10 harmless, docile animals that may be touched or held by all present. Parties are tailored to the appropriate age, and last from 30min. to three hours. Cameras are not only welcomed, but encouraged. Your child will remember this birthday forever!




Pre-School / Daycare-

These interactive programs are perfectly tailored for pre-school children. The presentation offers a wonderful opportunity for young children to gain an early appreciation of some amazing animals!




Schools-

From individual classrooms to school wide assemblies these presentations offer students a fantastic educational experience. Our harmless, docile animals will give your students a chance to learn in a manner they just can't get with books, film or off a computer screen. All of my presentations are tailored to fit the age and size of the audience, class format and the subject matter they are studying.




Boy / Girl Scouts-

From individual troop meetings to banquets and jamborees, our presentations can be tailored to suit all types of scouting functions.




As well as reptiles native to Illinois, we maintain an assortment of reptiles from around the U.S. that are especially unique. Our fascinating creatures will add an unforgettable experience to all sorts of occasions! Please feel free to contact us for additional information, available dates, and pricing.

Uromastyx
04/28/2011

Uromastyx

Address

Westmont, IL
60559

Telephone

+16308804814

Website

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Videos

Snake "playing dead"
Snake "playing dead"

This is a video of an Eastern Hognose snake "playing dead". This is a natural defense mechanism of this species and it's the only species in the states known to do this. The first thing you will see and hear is the snake flatten out its neck in a "cobra-like" fashion. This action is always accompanied with a loud hiss. If that doesn't scare away the predator the "magic trick" continues... The snake will quickly writhe around violently until it turns belly-up, opens it mouth wide open and sticks out its tongue. To the would be attacker, the snake is dead (and no longer eatable). If picked up it will remain limp in you hands (continuing to play dead). If you try to flip the snake back to right side up it will instantly flip back over belly up. The snake with remain this way until it feels the threat has passed.

Snake Island... (Dirty Jobs episode)
Snake Island... (Dirty Jobs episode)

This proves I'm not the only one who goes out and looks for snakes to catch. This is an Episode from the hit T.V. Series DIrty Jobs, with Mike Rowe.

Rattlesnake caught by hand... #3
Rattlesnake caught by hand... #3

ourself! Video was taken in the summer of '08 in S.C. This was a 3+foot long Timer Rattlesnake. It was also a unique abberant color variation of the Timber Rattlers' canebrake phase.

Rattlesnake caught by hand... #2
Rattlesnake caught by hand... #2

Once again, Don't try this yourself! Video was taken in the summer of '08 in S.C. This was a 3+foot long Timer Rattlesnake. It was also a unique abberant color variation of the Timber Rattlers' canebrake phase.

Rattlesnake caught by hand...
Rattlesnake caught by hand...

Don't try this yourself! Video was taken in the summer of '08 in S.C. This was a 3+foot long Timer Rattlesnake. It was also a unique abberant color variation of the Timber Rattlers' canebrake phase

Angry Bullsnake
Angry Bullsnake

Video I shot before catching a 6ft. + bull snake in Kankakee county IL. This is why they have such a reputation as Illinois baddest non-venomous reptile. Notice how at the end the snake rattles its tail to mimic a rattlesnake.

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