NONFICTION | AVAILABLE MAY 20, 2025
PYRO: The Quest for a Beautifully Elusive Snake
by DALLIN KOHLER
"A mythic, conversational, and informative deep-dive for anyone with snakes on the mind. In searching for a single species, Kohler finds them all."
—CRAIG CHILDS, Tracing Time
How can snakes with such eye-popping colors be so maddeningly difficult to find? Despite their hues, Lampropeltis pyromelana snakes, lovingly known as pyros, are masters of secrecy. Embark on an exhilarating, swashbuckling journey with herpetologist Dallin Kohler in his attempt to locate these elusive snakes. From picturesque sandstone canyons to an unexpected stop at a local casino, Kohler encounters a delightful array of creatures on his search including spunky lizards, a psychedelic toad, and grumpy rattlesnakes.
With its blend of exciting escapades, insightful natural history, and humor, Pyro promises not only to ignite a newfound appreciation for the seasoned herpetology enthusiast but to also warm the hearts of those curious about cold-blooded reptiles.
Hard Cover ISBN: 979-8-89092-018-8 | E-book ISBN: 979-8-89092-019-5 | $24.95 | 212 pp | Trim: 5.375 x 8.2” | May 20, 2025
“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
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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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PRAISE FOR PYRO
"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. Along the way we encounter a range of gorgeous landscapes and remarkable reptiles, as 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, author of On the Trail of the Jackalope and Raising Wild
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“With an enthusiasm and wonder that can only be described as infectious, Dallin Kohler’s search for the elusive Lampropeltis pryomelana 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
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“In Dallin Kohler's Pyro, the elusive mountain kingsnake is the star, but it also shares the stage with many other creatures encountered by Kohler on his journey to find the Pyro and understand its place in the natural world. An artful blending of science, natural history, and a quest for a beautiful serpent.”
—MIKE PINGLETON, author of The Field Herping Guide
and host of the So Much Pingle herpetology podcast
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“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
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“Kohler is the type of academic that is rare and necessary: accessible, conversational, and genuinely humorous. The deep affection 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 fieldtrips, 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
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“A joyous insight into the ups and downs of being a field biologist that will resonate with anyone fascinated by wildlife.”
—HERPETOLOGICAL HIGHLIGHTS PODCAST
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