O.K. I have a question...? - experts Forum at VenomousReptiles.org

RE: O.K. I have a question...?	Reply
by Buzztail1 on May 13, 2007	Mail this to a friend!
It is unfortunate that you took my posting as a joke or a jab at you. It was not meant that way. By googling Quetzalcoatl, you should have seen that there are people who report seeing many types of snakes that they report as quetzalcoatl. Just recently, in the Honduras, someone reported seeing a giant venomous snake that authorities passed off as a large specimen of their local racer. So what do you think the lady saw? A misidentifed known snake? A snake that the known experts do not recognize? Or a fossil snake? I believe that you have all the same tools (google, etc) that 99% of the people who frequent this site will use to try to answer your question about the fossil snake. Such information is not readily available. If you still believe that strongly in it, I would suggest emailing Wolfgang Wuster personally and explaining your quest to him and see what he says. He posts here as CAISSACA Good luck in finding your snake. Karl

RE: O.K. I have a question...?	Reply
by Cro on May 13, 2007	Mail this to a friend!
Shawn, there was an extinct species of rattlesnake, named Crotalus giganteus, which was reported to have reached a length of 12 feet, but this was based on just a few vertebra, and not a whole skeleton. The vertebra fossils were discovered in Allen Cave in Citrus County, Florida. Resently, scientists have determined that the vertebra are identical to those of the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake, Crotalus adamanteus, thus calling into question if Crotalus giganteus is valid or not. They are also very skeptical about the supposed 12 foot length that this snake was supposed to have reached. Try to find this article at a college library: "The Status of the Extinct Rattlesnake, Crotalus giganteus Steven P. Christman Copeia, Vol. 1975, No. 1 (Feb. 28, 1975), pp. 43-47 doi:10.2307/1442402" It should tell you if the fossil snake was real or discredited, I just do not have a copy to look it up for you. Best Regards JohnZ

RE: O.K. I have a question...?	Reply
by SnakeEyes2006 on May 14, 2007	Mail this to a friend!
Woah guys!!! I was not affended by anyones post, I enjoy everyones replies.. but I do feel strongly about the possibility that this lady did/(maybe?) see something, she said it had its own genius and was not in the same as the rattlers, copperheads...? who knows I will google more and try to see if something brings back any memory of what she had told me thanks.. Shawn

RE: O.K. I have a question...?	Reply
by Cro on May 14, 2007	Mail this to a friend!
Shawn, I agree that the lady professor probably did see some sort of rare snake in her travels. And I agree with Robert that it might have very well been a Bushmaster. The color and size and rarity match that snake a lot. And it goes by many different names, such as Surucucu in Brazil, and Shushupe in other countries, so that could account for her hearing a native name instead of the name Bushmaster. That would make me believe even more that she was advised by a native guide about the snake. If a native guide did advise her, it is very likely he introduced some of his own legends and myths into the tale, as he would have grown up hearing of the fabled winged serpent as Karl suggested. And as far as the old books in different languages, well, to a native, that different language could have very well been English, LOL. When Raymond Ditmars made trips in search of Bushmasters, he often carried some of his books with him to show to the native folks. I can easily see that being part of the culture of native folks about old books in strange toungues that spoke of mythicial snakes. Anyway, very interesting story from the prof. Perhaps you will see here again, and be able to get more info from her. Best Regards JohnZ

RE: O.K. I have a question...?	Reply
by SnakeEyes2006 on May 15, 2007	Mail this to a friend!
JohnZ thanks, I wish I had a tablet, pencil with me, but unfortunatly I did not..Maybe you are right about some local guide telling some myths and legends as truth, streached the imagination, but in any case her story got my attention, as I am very interested in learning and seeing every snake I can....Maybe her and I will cross paths again and I can get more info..??? Shawn

RE: O.K. I have a question...?	Reply
by COYOG on May 16, 2007	Mail this to a friend!
Five dollars says she also believes in the tooth fairy. No, her snake does not exist. Wish it did though. Coyog

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