Ratsnakes

Author : Vincent A. Cefalu
Publisher : BenBella Books
Page : 319 pages
File Size : 40,9 Mb
Release : 2019-05-28
Category : True Crime
ISBN : 9781948836258

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RatSnakes by Vincent A. Cefalu Pdf

Get ready to infiltrate the dangerous, secret world of criminals and cover identities by way of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)—where the world's greatest undercover agents are known as RatSnakes. RatSnakes are rarely, if ever, visible to the public they move among and risk their lives to protect. In fact, thanks to their cover personas, they're often assumed to be members of the clandestine criminal world they investigate. Real-life undercover work is a far cry from the sexy, candy-colored world you've seen in Hollywood movies. Only those strong and clever enough get inside and survive. Vincent A. Cefalu would know. He spent 30 years as an ATF undercover operative, in assignments ranging from the Symbionese Liberation Army to Asian organized crime. He has infiltrated notorious outlaw motorcycle gangs as well as splinter groups of the Ku Klux Klan, and in RatSnakes he provides a transparent look at the organization and the operatives with whom he risked his life. Part field guide, part heart-pounding thrill-ride, Cefalu takes readers on a tour of what it's like to confront death on a daily basis. En route, he gives us a look at the on-the-job techniques of kicking in doors, orchestrating "street theater" to ensnare criminals, and making high-stakes gun buys. His irreverent, explicit stories from the inside are a mix of danger and unexpected hilarity that will have readers laughing one minute and then biting their nails when things break bad. Immersive and brutal, RatSnakes offers an in-depth and eye-opening look into the lives of an elite group of men and women who volunteer to do things most couldn't and wouldn't stomach. Civilians with common sense and good judgment run from danger, while RatSnakes sprint toward it—smiling.

Author : Everest Media,
Publisher : Everest Media LLC
Page : 48 pages
File Size : 53,9 Mb
Release : 2022-06-22T22:59:00Z
Category : Biography & Autobiography
ISBN : 9798822539969

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Summary of Vincent A. Cefalu's RatSnakes by Everest Media, Pdf

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights: #1 I was assigned to wear a transmitter with a range of about two city blocks, on a good day. I had a one-watt transmitter with a range of about two city blocks, on a good day. I had a panic button, which was a simple battery-operated pressure switch that would send a unique squelch over our police radios if I needed help. #2 Undercover work is scary, but nothing is as scary as your first significant UC assignment. Everything is on the line: the respect of your fellow UCs, the confidence of your bosses, and ultimately your life. #3 There are many reasons for crossing over into the undercover world, and they can be good or bad. The most common reason is to protect your community, but there is also the adrenaline rush, the recognition and glory, and personal challenge. #4 The Bureau of ATF was established in the early 1980s, and it was the best job I ever had. I didn’t care that it was a small agency with a bad reputation; I enjoyed working with the top-notch agents.

Author : Heather R. Cunningham,Nathan H. Nazdrowicz
Publisher : JHU Press
Page : 306 pages
File Size : 47,9 Mb
Release : 2018-11-26
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781421425962

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The Maryland Amphibian and Reptile Atlas by Heather R. Cunningham,Nathan H. Nazdrowicz Pdf

The definitive resource for finding, identifying, and conserving Maryland’s amphibians and reptiles. Naturalists, herpetologists, and ecologists alike agree that tracking herpetofauna is a challenging undertaking. Scientists are concerned about the decline of once-familiar species, but evidence has often been too anecdotal to support firm conclusions. To better understand the distribution of amphibians and reptiles in Maryland and forecast species' futures in a time of accelerated environmental threats, conducting a comprehensive statewide survey updating 1970s-era distribution maps seemed ideal. However, this endeavor was of an impossibly ambitious scope for scientists alone to tackle. Enter the Maryland Amphibian and Reptile Atlas project, comprising nearly a thousand dedicated citizen scientists who discovered and recorded the locations of herpetofauna throughout every corner of Maryland. In The Maryland Amphibian and Reptile Atlas, Heather R. Cunningham and Nathan H. Nazdrowicz present the findings of this massive undertaking. This definitive guide combines nearly 160 comprehensive new herpetological maps with historical distribution maps and in-depth species accounts. Color photos illustrate the natural history of the 89 species of frogs, salamanders, turtles, snakes, and lizards that call the state home. Essays discuss historical studies, the effects of Maryland's current climate, geology, and habitat diversity—and the myriad conservation issues these animals face. This richly detailed book represents a triumph of citizen science and the culmination of an intensive research partnership. It will appeal to both amateurs and professionals interested in herpetology, natural history, or ecology, as well as those with a special interest in Maryland's biodiversity.

Author : Whit Gibbons
Publisher : University of Georgia Press
Page : 426 pages
File Size : 48,8 Mb
Release : 2017-04-15
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9780820349701

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Snakes of the Eastern United States by Whit Gibbons Pdf

More than sixty species of snakes are found in the eastern United States, the region of highest biodiversity of all reptiles and amphibians in North America. In this brand new guide, stunning photographs, colorful geographic range maps, and comprehensive written accounts provide essential information about each species—including detailed identification characteristics, general ecology and behavior, and conservation status. Carefully researched and written by an expert herpetologist, the guide is directed toward a general audience interested in natural history. Additional information supports the already fact-filled snake species profiles. A chapter on urban and suburban snake ecology focuses on species most commonly found in some of the country’s largest cities and residential settings. A chapter on snake conservation includes information on threats faced by native species in many regions of the eastern United States. Another chapter provides the latest updates on the status of invasive species of pythons and boa constrictors that have now become naturalized permanent residents in certain areas of the country. This is the most accessible and informative guide to snakes of the eastern United States available anywhere. Covers snakes in these states (plus Washington, DC): Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Features: More than 385 stunning color photographsColorful geographic range mapsSpecies accounts that cover identification, general ecology and behavior, and conservation statusExtra information on snakes in urban and suburban areasStrong conservation message, with a focus on environmental threats to native speciesCoverage of invasive snakes

Author : George R. Zug,Carl H. Ernst
Publisher : Smithsonian Institution
Page : 304 pages
File Size : 45,8 Mb
Release : 2015-03-10
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9781588345158

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Snakes in Question, Second Edition by George R. Zug,Carl H. Ernst Pdf

This new edition of Snakes in Question has been completely updated to take into account the most recent research available, offering useful scientific information about snakes while dispelling many widely-circulated myths and common fears. Accompanied by 100 stunning color photographs and written in the popular question-and-answer format of Smithsonian's “In Question” series, the book tells how snakes breathe, hear, smell, and much more. It covers not only the life cycle of snakes but also explores such phenomena as the rattlesnake's rattle, the viper's hiss, and the snake charmer's secrets. It addresses common folktales about snakes (do snakes milk cows?) and describes giant snakes, both real and imaginary. The authors also give expert advice on such subjects as distinguishing venomous species from harmless look-alikes and keeping snakes as pets.

Author : Linda George
Publisher : Capstone
Page : 56 pages
File Size : 45,6 Mb
Release : 2002
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
ISBN : 0736809090

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Rat Snakes by Linda George Pdf

Describes the physical attributes, habitat, and hunting and mating methods of rat snakes.

Author : James P. Gibbs,Alvin R. Breisch,Peter K. Ducey,Glenn Johnson,the late John Behler,Richard Bothner
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Page : 504 pages
File Size : 42,8 Mb
Release : 2007-04-05
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9780199885374

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The Amphibians and Reptiles of New York State by James P. Gibbs,Alvin R. Breisch,Peter K. Ducey,Glenn Johnson,the late John Behler,Richard Bothner Pdf

This is the first guide yet produced to the amphibians and reptiles of New York State, a large and heavily populated state that hosts a surprisingly diverse and interesting community of amphibians and reptiles. This much needed guide to the identification, distribution, natural history and conservation of the amphibians and reptiles of New York State fill a long-empty niche. The book is the first comprehensive presentation of the distributional data gathered for the New York State Amphibian and Reptile Atlas project. With more than 60,000 records compiled from 1990-1999, this extraordinary and up-to-date database provides a rich foundation for the book. This volume provides detailed narratives on the 69 species native to New York State. With a heavy emphasis on conservation biology, the book also includes chapters on threats, legal protections, habitat conservation guidelines, and conservation case studies. Also included are 67 distribution maps and 62 pages of color photographs contributed by more than 30 photographers. As a field guide or a desk reference, The Amphibians and Reptiles of New York State is indispensable for anyone interested in the vertebrate animals of the Northeast, as well as students, field researchers and natural resource professionals.

Author : Micha R. Petty,Spencer Greene, MD, MS, FACEP, FACMT
Publisher : Louisiana Exotic Animal Resource Network
Page : 176 pages
File Size : 55,5 Mb
Release : 2019-01-15
Category : Nature
ISBN : 8210379456XXX

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A Primer on Reptiles & Amphibians by Micha R. Petty,Spencer Greene, MD, MS, FACEP, FACMT Pdf

A Primer on Reptiles and Amphibians is an innovative educational resource designed to forge a connection between the reader and the creeping critters of the world. Turtles, frogs, lizards, salamanders, snakes, and crocodiles¿ these animals evoke fear and fascination. This primer dispels myths and unlocks mysteries surrounding these diverse survivors which have mastered virtually every habitat on Earth. Tragically, these animals now face pressures of unprecedented severity, but there is still time to make a difference if more of us work together. Micha Petty is an international award-winning Master Naturalist and wildlife rehabilitator. This critically-acclaimed debut volume is a collection of Micha's interpretive writings, carefully crafted to make learning easy for everyone. These bulletins display his passion for Conservation Through Education while covering topics such as living harmoniously with wildlife, physiology, natural history, observation, and conservation. Flip to any page to be instantly introduced to new facets of reptiles, amphibians, the perils they face, and how you can join the fight to save them.

Author : Klaus-Dieter Schulz
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 432 pages
File Size : 45,5 Mb
Release : 2013
Category : Rat snakes
ISBN : 3874294358

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Old World Ratsnakes by Klaus-Dieter Schulz Pdf

Author : John C. Murphy
Publisher : iUniverse
Page : 421 pages
File Size : 40,5 Mb
Release : 2010-04-16
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781450221276

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Secrets of the Snake Charmer by John C. Murphy Pdf

Note that there is a companion website for this book and it can be seen at: http://secretsofthesnakecharmer.blogspot.com/ Humans and snakes have an intimate and ancient relationship that often revolves around either love or hate. Snakes can be seen as gods, spiritual messengers, symbols of fertility, and guardians of resources in virtually all cultures. But to those that fear them, snakes are seen as venomous creatures that cannot be trusted. In Secrets of the Snake Charmer, John Murphy, a research associate of the Division of Amphibians and Reptiles in the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, provides an in-depth, twenty-first century look at snakes utilizing the published research of other herpetologists as well as his own personal experiences and speculations. Murphy covers a wide range of topics such as the adaptability of snakes, the ways in which evolution has tinkered with snakes during the last 160 million years, and the impact snakes have on the ecological communities they live in. While sharing ideas about the origin of snakes, rattlesnake rattles, and spitting in cobras, Murphy presents an innovative portrayal of snakes that proves they co-evolve with their prey, predators, and parasites in order to fulfill a significant and novel role in the web of life.

Author : Terry VanDeWalle
Publisher : University of Iowa Press
Page : 399 pages
File Size : 45,7 Mb
Release : 2022-08-10
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9781609388379

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The Natural History of the Snakes and Lizards of Iowa by Terry VanDeWalle Pdf

"My major goal in this book is to provide information on the natural history of the snakes and lizards of Iowa that will be useful to professional and amateur herpetologists, students, wildlife biologists, and all general readers interested in these fascinating creatures. I have combined general information with technical details about the morphology, distribution, ecology, behavior, and reproduction of each species and subspecies of snake and lizard found in Iowa"--

Author : Colleen Sexton
Publisher : Bellwether Media
Page : 24 pages
File Size : 53,6 Mb
Release : 2013-01-01
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
ISBN : 9781612112442

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Rat Snakes by Colleen Sexton Pdf

Did you know that rat snakes can see better at night than most other snakes? Their vision helps them catch insects, rodents, and other prey. Explore the many habitats of rat snakes, what rat snakes eat, and how rat snakes fight off predators in this informative title.

Author : Zai Whitaker
Publisher : Tulika Books
Page : 24 pages
File Size : 55,8 Mb
Release : 2000
Category : Children's stories
ISBN : 8186895434

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Kali and the Rat Snake by Zai Whitaker Pdf

Kali hates school. And school hates him, he thinks, for he has no friends. The children there find him strange. He wishes his father were an 'ordinary' bus-conductor or postman instead of a snake-catcher, even if one of the most celebrated in the Irula tribe. He worries that others will see him eating fried termites (his favourite snack!) and laugh. And then one day, a large rat snake creates havoc in the classroom . . . and Kali becomes a hero! A simple, sensitive story crafted by a writer deeply involved with environmental issues. Zai Whitaker works closely with the Irulas, and her empathy with them is as evident in this book as it was with the Jarawas in Andamans Boy, also published by Tulika. The watercolour illustrations are evocative and detailed, suffusing the story with many hues of mood.

Author : Stephen J. Mullin,Richard A. Seigel
Publisher : Cornell University Press
Page : 384 pages
File Size : 53,8 Mb
Release : 2011-08-15
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9780801457852

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Snakes by Stephen J. Mullin,Richard A. Seigel Pdf

Destruction of habitat due to urban sprawl, pollution, and deforestation has caused population declines or even extinction of many of the world's approximately 2,600 snake species. Furthermore, misconceptions about snakes have made them among the most persecuted of all animals, despite the fact that less than a quarter of all species are venomous and most species are beneficial because they control rodent pests. It has become increasingly urgent, therefore, to develop viable conservation strategies for snakes and to investigate their importance as monitors of ecosystem health and indicators of habitat sustainability. In the first book on snakes written with a focus on conservation, editors Stephen J. Mullin and Richard A. Seigel bring together leading herpetologists to review and synthesize the ecology, conservation, and management of snakes worldwide. These experts report on advances in current research and summarize the primary literature, presenting the most important concepts and techniques in snake ecology and conservation. The common thread of conservation unites the twelve chapters, each of which addresses a major subdiscipline within snake ecology. Applied topics such as methods and modeling and strategies such as captive rearing and translocation are also covered. Each chapter provides an essential framework and indicates specific directions for future research, making this a critical reference for anyone interested in vertebrate conservation generally or for anyone implementing conservation and management policies concerning snake populations.

Author : J. Alan Holman
Publisher : Wayne State University Press
Page : 315 pages
File Size : 51,9 Mb
Release : 2012
Category : Nature
ISBN : 9780814337134

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The Amphibians and Reptiles of Michigan by J. Alan Holman Pdf

Holman uniquely bridges the gap between neo- and paleoherpetology and shows that Michigan's modern herpetofaunas reflect Pleistocene (ice age) and Holocene (warm period after the ice age) events, as the entire modern population was forced to re-invade the state after the last withdrawal of ice. In Part 1, Holman discusses Michigan as an amphibian and reptile habitat, including a geological, climatic, and vegetational history. Part 2 presents recent species accounts, covering all fifty-four species of amphibians and reptiles, along with their general distribution, Michigan distribution (with range maps), geographic variation, habitat and habits, reproduction and growth, diet, predation and defense, interaction with humans, behavioral characteristics, population health, and general remarks. In Part 3, Holman examines the Michigan herpetofauna in Quaternary and recent historical times and the species accounts include Pleistocene, Holocene, and archaeological records.