Colorado Herping Tips

         Spring is coming and that means reptiles are coming. One of my favorite outdoor activities during spring and summer is herping. In case you don't know, herping is like bird-watching, but with reptiles. Instead of just watching reptiles, herpers catch reptiles using proper equipment. Some of the basic equipment they use are snake hooks, snake bags, snake tongs and a reptile field guide. Snake hooks and snake tongs are used for catching a snake. Snake tongs are more common for catching venomous snakes because they grasp the snake more securely. Use a snake hook if you are looking for non-venomous snakes a secure grasp is not very necessary for them and hooks are significantly cheaper. Snake bags are used to to put a snake in for transportation. The bag is made of a breathable cloth material and keep the snake from seeing outside and getting more stressed out. And of course, the reptile field guide is for proper species identification. This is very important for distinguishing a venomous reptile from a non-venomous reptile.

Snake hook with Bumblebee Ball Python (not found in Colorado)

                                         

           Colorado is home to many species of reptiles. Some of the most common snakes are Garter Snakes, Bull snakes, Western Hognose Snakes, and Rattlesnakes (Prairie and Massasauga). Some common lizards are Horned Lizards, Skinks, Fence Lizards and Collared Lizards. Herpers also catch many different amphibians like (here in Colorado) Tiger Salamanders, Leopard Frogs, Spadefoot Toads, Woodhouses Toads and Western Chorus Frogs.

Prairie Rattlesnake in striking position

        If you would like to keep one of the reptiles you find, first make sure it is non-venomous and not aggressive. Garter snakes are perfect for keeping. They are small, docile and have beautiful patterns and colors. To set up a simple habitat for a Garter, get a 10 gallon tank or plastic tub that is similar in size. Fill the bottom of the tank or tub with mulch from a pet store or home improvement store. Make sure it doesn't have any dyes or other chemicals that could potentially harm the snake. Then, put in some sort of hiding place like a half hollow log or plastic tupper ware container with entrance hole cut in it. Without a hide, the snake will get very stressed out. The Garter will also need a water bowl large enough for it to fit in. A tupper ware container can also be used for this. Make sure the water you use is clean chlorine-free. Chlorine can be bad for a snake's health over time. The last thing you will need is a very secure top for the tank. Snakes are great escape artists and can squeeze a very tiny hole. Don't attempt to feed the snake unless you want to keep it for more than two weeks.

        Thanks for reading and I hope you decide to get out this spring and do some herping!