JD Kleopfer is the state herpetologist at Virginia's Department of Wildlife Resources. We begin this herpetological extravaganza on the illegal turtle trade between the US & China, then move on to reptile & amphibian natural history: turtle eggs & their predators, hibernation [properly called brumation], Appalachia's legendary hellbenders, salamander folklore, poisonous newts, vernal pools, & how-to make good herp habitat in your yard. For his stories, JD tells of finding a state-endangered tiger salamander site & another about his formative years as a young herper.  We close on today's conservationist youths, The Great Dismal Swamp & canebrake rattlesnakes.  Join Virginia's Herpetological Society & check out a short documentary about Protecting Appalachia's Hellbenders.Music provided by Luke Brindley"Raritan River Blues"Written by Luke BrindleyCourtesy of Luke Brindley Support Our Numinous Nature on Patreon.Follow Our Numinous Nature & my naturalist illustrations on InstagramCheck out my shop of shirts, prints, and books featuring my artContact: [email protected]