How to safely have a wilderness adventure with reptiles.

Herpetology is a field of zoology associated with reptiles and amphibians. "Herp" comes from a greek word for "crawling things." Within reptile-related hobbies it is common to refer to them as "herps" and some people like to search for herps in the wild to document them or just for fun. The action of going out to search for reptiles and amphibians in the wild is referred to as "Going Herping." As an avid herper, I thought I could put together a list of tips so you could go out and safely have your own herping adventure.

Tip 1: Don’t stick your hands down a hole you can’t see into

That’s how you get bit by something, and that’s not what we want.

This tip seems obvious, but sometimes reminders don't hurt. Tree hollows and tunnels are prime animal habitats, they are hidden shelters that keep various creatures out of harm's way. That being said, it is never a good idea to stick your hand into one because reptiles aren't the only ones that seek refuge there. Rats, squirrels, raccoons, and other rabies vector species can use these places as well. Sticking anything down into an occupied hole is an invasion of their space, usually with nowhere else to hide, so to protect themselves they will resort to using their teeth. Rabies infections are serious, as are many venoms of snakes, spiders, and centipedes. A cool find simply isn't worth that risk.

Tip 2: Always bring a buddy or two

Getting lost in the woods should stay a horror film trope, not reality.

The safety of a buddy system is real, even in the age of technology. GPS can malfunction when service doesn't reach, you can fall down a hole and not be able to reach a phone, or you may be approached by a stranger. None of these are happy occurrences and it's best to avoid them at all costs. There is safety in numbers, so if you have friends who are willing to join you: bring them! Even if you don't find anything a trip out in nature can be very relaxing.

Tip 3: Pack and dress accordingly

Gear up and avoid becoming mosquito food.

If you'll be out for an extended period of time be sure to bring yourself food and water for a snack, just be aware of your area if you live in places with bears. The important thing to remember here is LEAVE NO TRACE. Leave the natural area the way you found it with no litter or other waste. Even something as harmless as a banana peel or apple core that biodegrades can cause an animal to have an upset stomach if they aren't used to that food and they happen to find your trash. Wild areas are disappearing and are being taken over by urbanization, it is important to maintain what we have left of our wild areas. That being said: wild areas are wild. You'll likely be walking through tall grasses and mud so dress in a way that covers your skin and acts as a layer of protection against moqsuitos and ticks.

Tip 4: Learn your nearby native species before your trip

If you plan on touching anything, know what those things are before you get that far.

Herping doesn't need to involve picking up animals that you find, it is perfectly fine to observe from a distance (and in some places with endangered species it's actually encouraged to do this instead). But if you want to try your hand in catching a critter you MUST familiarize yourself with the local species, it prepares you for what is safe and what you should avoid. You can purchase book guides of regional native species or use an app/website called iNaturalist.

Tip 5: Never pick up anything you can't identify 100%

Unless you’re willing to bet your well being on an identification, never pick up snakes.

As much as I adore snakes, I can't stress enough how important it is to properly identify them when interacting with them in the wild. This can go for picking them up or even if you see them in your yard. Harmless snakes are often killed by people who can't identify them. This is a fear response that comes from the belief that all snakes are venomous, which is untrue. Knowing how to identify them properly can keep both you and the snakes safe. I have seen too many photos online of people holding venomous snakes and asking "what kind of snake is this?" it shakes me to my core.

This is not a completely comprehensive guide but they are the main points I wanted to make, feel free to send in any questions!