Reptile & Amphibian Forums

This came out of a discussion on the "Rescue" forum:

>>I think we can help the Boy Scouts and help the wildlife if the Boy Scouts would contact their local herp societies and rescues and ask to foster animals for that month (or longer if they like). Then they can be on their way to the merit badge AND community service.

This will eliminate the need for Boy Scouts to capture, hold captive, and subsequently release ("bad idea" native herps in order to earn the Herpetology merit badge.
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Chris McMartin
www.mcmartinville.com
I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet

I am a herper and a merit badge councilor here in Southern California. The reptile and amphipian merit badge requires an observation period of 30 days. I place a reptile with each scout or two and have them record their findings in a log. I usually do not take native reptiles for this purpose. I have collected (with license) some herps and used them in my classroom after the merit badge was earned. I think it is vital to teach scouts not to bring everything home, and to respect wild animals of all shapes and sizes. If a herp club or an individual wants to help educate young people the scouts is a great way, and it really takes a makes a difference.