Field herping?

[mr~python]

I have a little area behind my backyard that has some rocks and twigs and stuff like that. There aren't any bodies of water out there. Anyways, do you think there might be any snakes there? Also, there's a creek that I walk to a mile away and I was wondering how to find a snake. Are there any tips on how to find a snake?

definitely try it. who knows what you could find.

another good book to pick up is the national audubon society field guide to reptiles and amphibians. it has all the reptiles and amphibians in northern america including introduced and feral species. very good field book. i also recommend picking up a snake hook from midwest tongs if your gonna get serious about it. great quality

there's not really a specific way to look for a herp out in the field, you just have to know their habitats and habits. for example. to find a norther pacific rattlesnakes out here you need to walk around an oak or pine forest with scattered rocks, or around thick bushes like blackberry bushes (there's a peticular spot on the side of the road leaving out property that has thick blackberry bushes on either side).

you also have to pick the right time of day for the snake you want to see. northern pacifics come out while the suns going down and a little bit after. to find nocturnal species then you'll have to flip over log's or rocks and that can't hurt to find the species your looking for either, espesscially if its in the middle of the day.

Third rule of field herping: Don't pick up venomous snakes unless you are experienced in handling them

hehehe that's definitely a good one to remember.

If I find a watersnake that bites me, do I need to go to a hospital?

it depends. what kind of watersnake? if its a cotton mouth then yes but if its a diamond back or broad-banded watersnake then all you'll need to do is wash out the wound with soap and water.

happy herpin'!