A practical Guide to Ethical Herping

**Eyelash Viper** (*Bothriechis schlegelii*), Costa Rica 2023

Spring has arrived! The lovely weather has me reminiscing about my trip to costa Rica this time last year, where I got to herp in lush tropical forests, around magnificent aqua blue waterfall pools, the side of a volcano, along a wide river estuary in a boat, and the Caribbean coast. While herping costa Rica was clearly an amazing treat, herping anywhere is fun and it’s the PERFECT time to do it! For those who may not know, herping is the act of going out and looking for reptiles and amphibians in their natural habitats. Similar to birding, herpers sometimes have a list of species they wish to find, others are just happy to see what they find on a whim. Herping can be an exciting activity for many, as it combines the thrill of a treasure hunt with educational opportunities. The act of searching for reptiles and amphibians in their natural habitats can feel like embarking on a unique adventure each time. Not only does herping provide a sense of discovery and excitement, but it also offers valuable insights into the diverse world of these fascinating creatures.

Does herping sound like it might be for you? It is crucial to practice responsible handling of these creatures to ensure their well-being, and for the preservation of the hobby. Before you head out into the field, take a look at these guidelines I’ve put together based on expert advice from field guides and wildlife management agencies, as well as common sense practices herpers have been doing for decades.

1) Know Your States Regulations, Respect Private Property

2) Practice Biosecurity

3) Familiarize Yourself With Species Where You Plan to Herp

4) Limit Handling and Stress

5) Contribute to Citizen Science Through Herping

6) Do Not Collect Wild Herps

7) Respect ALL Animals AND Their Habitat

8) Be Prepared

Pacific Gopher Snake, (*Pituophis catenifer catenifer*) San Francisco CA, 2019

Know the Rules and Regulations

It's crucial to research the full state and federal regulations of the area where you plan to go herping. In California, it is recommended that you have a fishing license to herp, and taking certain species or too many of a species, releasing captive animals, and disturbing natural habitats is not allowed. Reach out to local wildlife authorities for clarification if you don’t have a clear understanding of the regulations in your area. Some public lands are fine with herping and taking herps, others are not, be sure you know the rules for the land on which you plan to herp as well. I also recommend using a map or downloading a map app so you know where you are, and that you are not on private property. Breaking the rules can lead to fines, harm the herping community as a whole, and impact wildlife. Be mindful of your actions as they impact everyone.

Plumed Basilisk (*Basiliscus plumifrons*). Tortuguero, Costa Rica 2023

Practice Biosecurity

After you have ensured you understand the regulations in the area you plan to herp, you need to think about biosecurity. Biosecurity is the act of taking measures to avoid unintentionally spreading disease, parasites or other biological agents to other species or animals. To do this I recommend you be sure to sanitize your equipment such as snake hooks/tongs, critter keepers used for temporary observations, and anything else that may come in contact with wild herps. Before and after a herping trip, you can clean your equipment by washing it with soap and hot water. Leave anything you can out in the sun for a day to further sanitize it. This helps eliminate and limit the spread of biological agents that may have come in contact with your gear during your last herping adventure.

Sierran Chorus Frog (*Pseudacris sierra*). Tuolumne County, CA 2024

Familiarize Yourself with the Species Where You Plan to Herp

It is important to familiarize yourself with the local species of herps in your area to ensure the safety of yourself and your family. By being able to confidently identify the venomous and poisonous species you are doing what you can to avoid any potential risks. In regions like California, where misidentifications of things like gopher snakes and rattle snakes can lead to dangerous encounters, accurate species identification is imperative. Apart from venomous snakes, it is also a good idea to be aware of poisonous herps, particularly amphibians. While the risk is lower with these species, it is advisable to refrain from handling them to prevent any accidental exposure.

Venomous= It is harmful if the animal bites YOU

Poisonous= It is harmful if YOU ingest/ eat the animal

Understanding the behaviors and habitats of local herps can greatly enhance your herping experience and make you a more knowledgeable herper. Reading local field guides is a valuable resource for learning about the species in your area, helping you make informed decisions on where and when to explore. This knowledge not only enriches your herping adventures but also contributes to the conservation and protection of these fascinating creatures.

Sierra Newt (*Taricha sierrae*) in breeding season. Tuolumne County, CA 2016

Limit Handling and Stress

Its best to approach herping with a look but don’t touch mentality. Try to minimize the stress and disturbance you cause the animals. We are giant scary monsters to these little critters, and it would be like if a giant monster lifted up our house to peek inside at us. I don’t know about you, but I wouldn’t like that. While it is not illegal lot touch them in most cases, it does stress them out, and you are opening them up to biosecurity risks if you’ve been touching other herps. Amphibians in particular are highly susceptible to a variety of contagions, fungi, and parasites due to their delicate nature. I do not recommend handling amphibians unless it is necessary for their safety (such as moving them off of a road). If you must handle an amphibian, you should have thoroughly washed and sanitized your hands, or be using clean sterile gloves. When using gloves, change them for each animal and sanitize hands between handling, if you must handle them.

If you find a herp, aim to photograph it swiftly and with minimal intrusion. The goal is to document the animal as it naturally exists, not to disrupt its daily routine, so refrain from moving it just to obtain a photograph. Instead, try to snap a picture in its natural setting. Flash photography should be avoided as it can harm the animals' eyes. You should strive to minimize your impact on these creatures while documenting your encounter. Avoid crowding around the animals. If you are in a larger group, please take quick turns to view the animals, allowing everyone a chance to observe the found herp up close. It is so important to be mindful of the potential stress our actions may cause these animals and we should strive to minimize our impact on their natural habitats as well.

Desert Horned Lizard (*Phrynosoma platyrhinos*). Death Valley, CA 2015

Contribute to Citizen Science Through Herping

Herping presents you with a valuable opportunity to contribute to citizen science efforts. Scientists are obviously unable to cover every corner of the Earth simultaneously, so our contributions through platforms like iNaturalist play a crucial role in expanding our general knowledge of these species. When herping, it's important to carefully document your findings. Note details such as the species observed, location specifics, the animal's condition, behavior, any unusual colors or patterns, and the general habitat. By sharing this information on platforms like iNaturalist, we can help paint a bigger picture of details pertaining to these animals natural history. Details such as the habitat preferences of species, their interactions with other species, the impacts of environmental/ human factors like climate change and pollution, and much more. However, be cautious when disclosing sensitive species' precise locations to prevent exploitation by poachers. In some cases you may be approached by legitimate organizations requiring specific information for research, opt for private communication to protect these creatures. Through our collective efforts as herpers, we can significantly enhance herpetological research, by documenting new population insights, habitat preferences, and the effects of external factors on various species. Each herping experience shared contributes towards a richer understanding of the intricate world of these fascinating animals.

Western Fence Lizard (*Sceloporus occidentalis*), Tuolumne County, 2013

Do Not Collect Wild Herps

Before considering taking a native herp home, it is crucial to understand the potential consequences of your actions. While it may be legal in certain areas to bring these critters home, it is essential to research the regulations in your state. Remember, just because a herp is freely available in the wild does not mean it doesn’t require specific care to survive and thrive in a captive environment. Constructing an appropriate habitat with a spacious enclosure, adequate lighting, quality bedding, nutritious food, ample hiding spots, and enrichment activities can end up being a significant financial investment ranging from $300 to $900, depending on the species' size. If you doubt your ability to replicate the natural habitat of the herp accurately, it is best to appreciate it in its natural environment.

It is also important to consider the potential challenges that come with acquiring wild caught reptiles and amphibians. These creatures are often opportunistic feeders in their natural habitats, accustomed to a varied diet that may differ from store-bought options like crickets and mice. Consequently, getting a wild caught animal to eat such foods can be a daunting task, and many times the animal starves to death.

In addition to the feeding concerns, there are significant risks associated with parasites and biosecurity. Wild caught reptiles and amphibians can carry external pests like ticks or mites, along with internal parasites. These health issues not only affect the individual animal but also pose a threat to health of other herps within your home, and sometimes even affect people. It is advisable to be sure that you have a local exotic vet experienced in treating wild caught animals. Ensuring the proper care and health of these animals requires specialized knowledge and care, you cannot just stick it in a tank with a heart pad and call it good. It is always best to prioritize the welfare of your existing herps by considering these several factors before bringing a wild caught reptile or amphibian into your home.

With all this in mind, it’s not as simple as just releasing the herp back into the wild if you find yourself in over your head. In CA, and I’m sure most other states, once wild caught animals have been kept in captivity it is illegal to release them back into the wild. If you find yourself in over your head with a wild caught species, you can see if there are any local herp societies or wildlife rescues that would be willing to take the animal on, and figure out what to do with it from there. Decidint to remove a reptile or amphibian from its natural environment should never be a decision taken lightly. Consider the impact this action can have on the species and its ecosystem. I encourage all potential pet owners to thoroughly research proper care and consider adopting from reputable sources before resorting to wild caught.

Northern Pacific Rattlesnake (*Crotalus oreganus oreganus). Tuolumne County, CA 2014*

Respect ALL Animals AND Their Habitat

When embarking on a herping adventure, it is crucial to abide by the most important rule – leave the habitat better than you found it. It is not only a responsibility but a commitment to preserving the natural surroundings for future generations of herpers and wildlife alike. If you happen upon any litter or foreign objects while herping, be sure to pick them up. A simple empty grocery bag tucked into your pocket or backpack can serve as a convenient receptacle for collecting trash you may encounter along your path. Sometimes herpers and researchers put out boards or planks or other “artificial cover” to come back and monitor in the future. Be careful to try not to take these if you can avoid it. While these items may appear to be trash to the untrained eye, they could be being used for significant research purposes.

By leaving the habitat better than you found it, you can actively contribute to habitat conservation and help create a more a harmonious coexistence with the natural world. Another way to do no harm is to flip rocks and logs with care. Take note of how these structures are positioned before moving them, then place them back exactly as you found them. This helps maintain the microhabitats that serve as crucial food and humidity sources for many herps. The microecosystems under rocks and logs might seem insignificant, but they play a vital role in supporting various creatures through bugs, larvae, dew/ moisture, and more. By minimizing disruption and making sure these covers are replaced properly, the microecosystem can quickly recover from any disturbance you may have caused. If you encounter a herp under a log or rock, it's important to handle the situation delicately. You can create a small trench in the soil with your finger to put the herp in as to not squish it when the cover is restored to its original position. If it's safe to move the herp, gently relocate it next to the cover so it can retreat on its own without danger.

Destroying logs, stumps, or rocks in search of herps is strongly discouraged. Not only does this devastate essential microhabitats, but it also disrupts the herps' living spaces. Such destructive behavior not only violates ethical standards but may also be illegal in certain areas. Remember, preserving these habitats ensures the thriving existence of herps, and remains a place to come back to in the future to see herps again.

California Toad (*Anaxyrus boreas halophilus*). Tuolumne County, CA 2024

Be Prepared

While herping can be practiced in various locations, it's crucial to recognize that certain remote areas may pose heightened risks. From potential hazards like sprained or broken ankles, dehydration, heat stroke, to encounters with venomous snakes, being prepared is absolutely necessary.

My recommendations for personal safety while herping are:

ankle-high hiking boots
long pants
a backpack
water
snacks
a first aid kit
a headlamp
a reliable means of communication in case of emergencies
a field guide for the area in which you are herping

Watching your step, refraining from reaching into dark holes, and lifting coverings cautiously are basic safety measures that should eliminate most risks. When lifting rocks or logs, always lift them towards yourself to allow any creatures underneath an escape route and lessen the likelihood of getting bite or struck. You should never attempt to lift or flip objects heavier than you can manage safely. Overexertion not only risks personal injury but also endangers any critted that may be sheltered underneath if you suddenly drop the object. It is ver important to know your limits and to work within your comfort zone and skill level, avoiding things that exceed your capabilities. By keeping these safety measures in mind, you can minimize potential risks associated with herping. Remember, a mindful and cautious approach ensures not only your safety but also the well-being of the wildlife you encounter.

Strawberry Poison Dart Frog (*Oophaga pumilio*). La Fortuna, Costa Rica 2023

A Social and Enjoyable Outdoor Adventure!

Herping is a fantastic way to venture outdoors, soak up the sunshine, and delve into learning about the local wildlife. Whether you prefer to herp solo, with a group of friends, or with the whole family, it promises an enriching experience. Even if you don't stumble upon any herps, the outing still offers a chance to reconnect with nature, engage in physical activity, and potentially gain new insights into the world around you. To add some extra excitement, you could create a list of herps you're eager to encounter and turn it into a bingo card for a fun twist! Or you can make a simple checklist for that extra boost of dopamine when you cross something off! For those who have been on the fence about trying out herping, I hope this passionate info dump ignites a spark of inspiration and encourages you to embark on your own herping journey. If you have any questions or apprehensions, feel free to reach out - I am always here to assist. And if you're ever looking for a herping buddy, count me in!

Wishing you all a thrilling and rewarding herping experience! Happy herpin!

All images in this article belong to the author. Copyright: Ash Gelhaus

Herping 101