Tips for Finding Reptiles and Amphibians

 

It's getting into that really nice time of year where people like to hit the trails of their local parks and nature reserves. Not only is the exercise great for you, it's just really cool to try and find local animals in their natural habitats. Now, perhaps you are a casual hiker, someone who keeps an eye out for wildlife, perhaps snapping a photo or two, but more or less keeps moving along on their hike. Others, like myself, @papa-pepper and @natator88, are more invested in the hunt, and actively look for our reptile and amphibian friends anywhere we reasonably can. Regardless of your preferred style, I composed a small list of tips that may help in your next herptile hunt, hopefully allowing you to see more of these amazing, elusive animals. Though these tips are definitely geared more towards beginners, they are solid suggestions that often bear results no matter how long you've been in the game!

Plan ahead (what, when, where): Success typically requires some level of planning and "herping" is no different. First off, it's very helpful to know WHAT species are in your area and likely to be encountered, so a guide book is handy. If you have no idea what it is you are looking for, it is very easy to miss local critters. Add in the fact that many of these animals are well camouflaged and it can be seemingly impossible to find them if you don't have some idea of what you are trying to spot (like the rough green pictured below).  Second, you should know WHEN to go hunting; reptiles are most active during warm, sunny days when they are basking and soaking in the sun's heat. Amphibians are found more commonly during cool, wet evenings and nights. Some species are more active during particular seasons and may be nearly impossible to find outside of those time periods. If you are looking for an animal(s) during a time period where it is fairly inactive, you will probably find yourself unsuccessful. Third, WHERE are these species most commonly found? Frogs are typically seen sitting close to the edge of small, still ponds. Turtles congregate on logs to soak up the sun. Salamanders typically reside beneath logs that provide shelter and moisture. Knowing where a herp is likely to be and focusing your search efforts on those locations will often greatly increase your chances of success.

Start at home: Many species of reptiles and amphibians live right alongside humans. As I'm sure most people know, artificial lights like those on our porch often attract a huge number of pest insects; these insects in turn attract many predators such as frogs and lizards. Mice commonly take refuge in human infrastructure, attracting all manner of snakes looking for a meal. Just because you can't go far from home doesn't necessarily mean defeat; check walls, siding, wood piles, planters and gutters for elusive herptiles. There are often more around than you think; some of my best finds have been within 10 feet of a home!

Look up!: While in the field looking for herptiles, most people have their eyes focused downwards. It certainly isn't a bad practice; many species of reptiles and amphibians are unlikely to be found off the ground. But if you are only looking down, you are bound to miss something sooner or later. Many reptile and amphibian species, such as snakes, lizards, and treefrogs, are more commonly seen at or above eye level; in one of my most bizarre finds, I found a little eastern mud turtle that had climbed about 10 feet up a leaning tree. Be sure to scan the trees every now and then to be sure you aren't missing something in plain sight!

Check under logs: This perhaps falls under knowing where to look, but logs can be a herpetological gold mine. Many species take advantage of the dark, moist shelter provided by a log to avoid the scorching heat of the day. Frogs, toads, snakes and especially salamanders are commonly found under rotting logs and the surrounding leaf litter. Much of the time, I am able to find multiple individuals or even a couple different species hiding out under a single log, so these small yet crucial habitats are not to be overlooked. But this tip comes with a reminder: always be sure to roll the log back to its original position. That log is definitely someone's home and disturbing it may cause an animal to leave. If a critter is under the log, do not roll it back over on top of them (you don't want to crush them); simply place the animal next to the log/rock and roll it back into place. The herp will find its way back under on its own.

Watch the road: Though I wouldn't consider roads a great place for reptiles and amphibians to be hanging around, you can often find these animals on or alongside small, lightly-used (and sometimes not so lightly-used) streets. Many species migrate incredible distances to breed and lay eggs (some toads travel as much as 10 miles!) and these trips often mean crossing roads, sometimes in great numbers. As the air cools after sunset, numerous species are often attracted to roads because the asphalt is still warm from the sun, giving them a perfect opportunity to keep up their body temperature. "Night drives" can be incredibly successful; just slowly cruise along darkened, remote roads and you will often be amazed by what you find! 

Listen: Always keep an ear open when herping. On many occasions you may only find an animal after hearing rustling in the grass. There are many noises that can tip you off to the presence of a reptile or amphibians. Loud splashes as turtles dive in the water. Hisses from a snake you walked past. Even the sound of a rattlesnakes rattle is a tip (although hopefully it's not one you hear too close!). Keep in mind that many species communicate with one another. Frogs and toads especially have a wide variety of calls, and if you know what to listen for, these call will not only help you find the caller, but you can even determine the identity of the amphibian just from the sound alone. From the soft chirps of grass frogs to the bellowing call of the bullfrog, these sounds are quite diverse and extremely helpful when trying to determine if you are in a good herping location. 

Success is never guaranteed, but following tips like these are a great way to not only find countless reptiles and amphibians, but a host of other animals species. Many herptiles go completely undetected until you know what to look for; once you do, you'd be amazed how many there are to be found in your immediate area! Try some of these tips out yourself next time you go for a hike (or even doing just a little yardwork!). I'll be keeping up the hunt this summer and sharing my finds with the steemit community!