Herping How-to's
Herping is important for understanding these species, but should be done responsibly. We will never learn how to protect these species if we do not monitor numbers or find their full range extents, but we also do not want to destroy habitat or animals. Keep in mind, not all ways documenting herps requires one to be hands on with the animal, and honestly, these are the best for you and the animal. If you do have to handle the animals, there will be some techniques down below for non-venomous animals only, as only experts should handle venomous species. It is not worth the medical expense or ones life to take a photo holding a venomous animal and make a single mistake. Don't believe me? The average vial of antivenom in the US is around $1,500. The average rattlesnake bite takes 25 vials; plus hospital cost. If you must move a venomous snake, I suggest one to use a pair of snake tongs that they are familiar with, or better yet, call a professional to remove the snake.
A Guide to Ethical Herping
Herps need our help. Habitat destruction, pollution, species introduction, climate change, and poaching as well as just naturally occurring competition has put many species around the world in trouble. We will never know the full extent of these impacts without Citizen Science data, as there are are very few people researching any of these species (and the funding to do so is just not there). It is hard for the average person to gain an appreciation for a species solely based on photos/videos. Without appreciation for these animals, no one feels it is worth their time to discuss this species, which means no one will educate on these species, which leads to few people knowing that these species exist, and ultimately no one caring. All species deserve our respect, and this is true for reptiles and amphibians alike. Below is a guide to ethical herping methods that can be done to safely observe herps. Here are some other tips for ethical herping that go beyond these methods.
Herping Methods
Scanning/Spotting
Road Cruising
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Difficulty: Moderate
Equipment: Vehicle (with working head, tail, and hazard lights), reflective vest, and flashlight/headlamp Potential Harm: Risk of squashing unseen herps; roads are hazardous Legal Considerations: Driver's license and knowledge of local traffic laws Description: Scan a road's surface and edges for herps while driving slowly. |
Flipping (Logs, Rocks, Boards, etc.)
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Difficulty: Easy but physical
Equipment: Herp hook, hoe/rake, or gloves (or anything else needed to safely flip debris) Potential Harm: Risk of crushing herps; bites, cuts, or muscle strain Legal Considerations: Permits required on some public lands. Description: Gently move logs and rocks to search for hidden herps. |
Dip Netting
Minnow Traps
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Difficulty: Moderate
Equipment: Wire minnow trap, bait, location marker, and something to help the trap float (empty bottle or float) and keep a breathing area for captured herps Potential Harm: Risk of herp stress; trapping herp with a predator or rival Legal Considerations: Fishing or trapping license required on some public lands. Description: A baited trap left partially submerged in wetland habitat may catch aquatic herps. |
Pit-fall Trap
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Difficulty: A lot of set-up
Equipment: Bucket, shovel, board, and something to prop the board off the ground Potential Harm: Risk of herp stress Legal Considerations: Trapping license required on some public lands. Description: A dug hole with container may capture traveling herps. Often used in conjunction with a drift fence. |
Drift Fence
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Difficulty: A lot of set-up
Equipment: A section of drift fence and another trap such as a pit-fall or wire funnel Potential Harm: Risk of herp stress Legal Considerations: Trapping license required on some public lands. Description: A short section of impermeable fence can move traveling herps in a desired direction. |
Lizard Noose
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Difficulty: Fairly straight forward
Equipment: Long, thin stick (5+ feet) and a short lasso of thread Potential Harm: Risk of herp stress; bites Legal Considerations: Permits may be required to handle herps on some public lands. Description: Lizards are caught at a distance by using some filament with a slip knot. |
