Flood-associated activities of some reptiles and amphibians Tucker, J. K., D. W. Soergel, and J. B. Hatcher. 1995. Flood- associated activities of some reptiles and amphibians at Carlyle Lake, Fayette County, Illinois. Transactions of the Illinois State Academy of Science 88(1/2):73-81. Reprinted by the National Biological Service, Environmental Management Technical Center, Onalaska, Wisconsin, August 1996. LTRMP 96-R009. 9 pp. (NTIS #PB96-210646) ABSTRACT Heavy rains in November of 1993 caused extensive flooding of the upstream portions of Carlyle Lake, a 26,000 acre impoundment on the Kaskaskia River. Nine species of reptiles and amphibians were displaced by this flood event. Species found displaced included six species of anura, Acris crepitans blanchardi, Bufo americanus, B. woodhousii fowleri, Hyla versicolor complex, Pseudacris triseriata, and Rana sphenocephala; one species of salamander, Ambystoma texanum; and two species of snake, Storeria dekayi wrightorum and Thamnophis sirtalis. We found no evidence of mortality directly attributable to late fall displacement. Because mobility of the displaced animals was limited by low temperatures, predation may be an important source of mortality among displaced animals. Winter kill could result from such displacements if hibernacula are rendered useless by flooding for extended periods during more severe winter temperatures. Upstream flooding during the fall flood pulse when it is exacerbated by reservoir development and operation may be an important source of mortality for vertebrates that overwinter in flood plain forests. KEYWORDS amphibians, eastern garter snake, flood, Illinois, reptiles