I never do shows this time of year, when it’s cold. In the summer, I simply use snake bags and Sterilite containers. If it’s cool, I’ll use styro-lined boxes like the ones used for shipping. I never feed any animals live prey. That’s a big no-no…there are way too many issues to address. I usually let kids feed bearded dragons and aquatic turtles, such as Eastern Painted turtles.



Check out the laws regarding native PA herps….I think many are protected now. I’m not sure though. If you can get permits and acquire some, I see no better form of educating the public than saying, “this is the exact snake you’ll find in your back yard”. In fact, I have a black pine snake that is meaner than heck. I use him occasionally to show folks that not all snakes are friendly like the ones they’re holding or touching at such events. Of course, I make everyone stand back and I use hooks to handle the snake. He hisses, puffs, draws back into the striking ‘s’ formation…it’s a lesson on what a wild snake will REALLY look like if/when they come across it. Again, I’m experienced with herps and I try to use good judgment and act responsibly when showing reptiles.



As for field herping, there are too many negatives to bringing groups out. A few I can think of…

-it can be terribly disappointing if NO herps are found

-if someone from the group goes back to ‘your’ spot and collects the wildlife

-if someone gets hurt, gets ticks or poison ivy

-if someone gets bitten by something venomous



The biggest thing is trust. I personally am VERY protective of my hot spots in the field. And while I rarely find anything, I know there are herps in the areas I frequent due to studies and surveys I’ve come across. I only bring a camera when I go and EVERY TIME I go I get covered with ticks. It’s never fun unless you find something herp related.



I went to an education workshop on reptiles and amphibians of NJ and someone suggested to setup a field herping expedition using fake plastic snakes and amphibians. They described how you can setup the rules, create a map with a field guide and let the kids do all the work. You can make it like a game. Plus, they mentioned how even though the plastic toys are fake bright colors, they still do an incredible job of staying well-hidden where you plant them. You can set it up around the school grounds so that you don’t have to worry about costs of transporting kids. I’ve wanted to try something like this eventually but haven’t gotten around to it yet.



~Jason
-----
Sincerely, Jason

www.NortheastSnakes.com

NortheastSnakes@verizon.net

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