Overview

How can snakes with such eye-popping colors be so maddeningly difficult to find? Despite their iconic black, red, and white stripes, Lampropeltis pyromelana snakes, affectionately known as pyros, are masters of secrecy. Herpetologist Dallin Kohler guides readers on an exhilarating journey from picturesque sandstone canyons to an unexpected stop at a local casino, encountering a delightful array of creatures at every turn. With humor, scientific insight, and endless curiosity, Pyro promises to ignite a newfound appreciation in seasoned herpetology enthusiasts, those curious about reptile, and anyone who finds joy in exploring the natural world.

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Reviews

""With snakes on the mind, Kohler finds them coming out of the woodwork. The Arizona mountain kingsnake he is after becomes mythic in this conversational and informative deep dive. Searching for a single species, he finds them all.""--CRAIG CHILDS, Tracing Time ""If you've ever wondered about unisexual pseudocopulation, ant orgies, or the kind of person who runs toward snakes rather than away from them, look no further. Pyro writhes with energy."" --ELI J. KNAPP, The Delightful Horror of Family Birding and Dead Serious ""In this captivating blend of field memoir and popular science writing, herpetologist Dallin Kohler invites us along on his tireless quest to locate and study the reclusive, spectacularly beautiful Sonoran mountain kingsnake. The narrative is unfailingly driven forward by Kohler's compelling curiosity and genuine enthusiasm. Like the best natural history writing, Pyro is an entertaining adventure story that helps us to engage deeply with fascinating fellow creatures that too often go unnoticed and unappreciated."" --MICHAEL P. BRANCH, On the Trail of the Jackalope ""With an enthusiasm and wonder that can only be described as infectious, Kohler's search for the elusive pyro is a must-read for the snake-obsessed and snake-averse alike. Full of interesting history, nature facts, and wry observations about the world and humanity's place in it, Pyro is a joyful addition to the nature writing canon of the American Southwest."" --MOLLY IMBER, Maria's Bookshop ""Kohler is the type of academic that is rare and necessary: accessible, conversational, and genuinely humorous. The deep affec tion he has for these creatures, as well as his hard-won adventures, makes clear we occupy an enriched planet."" --JONATHAN T. BAILEY, When I Was Red Clay ""Pyro is serpentine storytelling at its best. Kohler's enthusiasm and love for snakes shines through every page of this fast-paced and engagingly written account of his quest for elusive Arizona mountain kingsnakes. As you tag along with Kohler on his field trips, you share his joy, his disappointment, his fascination, and his deep respect for the snakes and other wildlife he encounters. Pyro is a gift to snakes, a vivid reminder of how special and unique these limbless reptiles are, of the value of protecting them, and what they give back to us on a spiritual level."" --MARTHA L. CRUMP, editor of Lost Frogs and Hot Snakes: Herpetologists' Tales from the Field ""A joyous insight into the ups and downs of being a field biologist that will resonate with anyone fascinated by wildlife."" --TOM MAJOR, Herpetological Highlights podcast ""Whether you are already a herpetology enthusiast, full of curiosity, or are absolutely petrified by snakes, I wholeheartedly recommend picking up this book. You will quickly become captivated by Kohler's enthusiasm, knowledge and ability to tell a story. His immersive descriptions of his adventures will pull you into the Southwest landscape, and his conversational style of writing about science and natural history is approachable and informative."" --CORI CUSKER, Bright Side Bookshop ""An artful blending of science and natural history."" --MIKE PINGLETON, The Field Herping Guide and host of the So Much Pingle herpetology podcast

Author Information

DALLIN KOHLER is a writer and herpetologist from Boise, Idaho. He holds a bachelor's degree in Biodiversity and Conservation from BYU and is currently pursuing a master's degree in Ecology at Nanjing Forestry University. When he's not unraveling the mysteries of nature's most captivating reptiles and amphibians, he finds joy in following the NBA, playing classical piano, and appreciating a cleverly crafted pun.

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