Field Collecting Safety

So, you want to add too you're Herp collection? Well, this may help you. First of all, You might want a few carrying cases. A little critter carrier. Also you should have a net, a few different types would be good. Then you want a snake stick. This is for handling any snake you find. A simple old rhyme that may come in use: "Red on black, your ok Jack. Red on yellow, your a dead man, fellow."
You should also have a reptilian field guide, This may save your life. One thing:
NEVER HANDLE A VENOMOUS SNAKE
This may save your life: Never handle a venomous snake. Always look it up in your field guide first.

If you find out its harmless, you should still either use a net, or the snake stick. If it has a mate, put it back where it was. No matter the type. This only helps the species. Even if you field collect, if you want to breed them for captive breeding, let the adult go when your done. You should first make sure your Herps are fed while you are travelling.

You should bring bug repellent, for those nasty diseases mosquitoes carry (West Nile, etc). Have boots, and don't wear shorts. Have light clothing, and try to be careful. You should carry a Knife, and at the most a small fire arm.(You never know what you'll run into)A flash light would be ideal. The knife should be a large hunting knife. You should have a hat, too. Also carrying a tent is a must. These items are important, in case you get lost, stuck, or anything that that you haven't planned for. You should have these with you to protect and/or help you.

If you are off-roading to carry your load, you should be slow, quiet, and careful. When you catch a snake, you should take part of its surroundings to make it feel comfortable. Never in any way hurt or neglect the snake. Avoid handling only if necessary. If you are going to keep breeding, but let the adults go, you should have a few couples because a male and female from the same family. When you release the adult, and if you kept the babies, you should start a C/B business. This is how many C/B businesses start. This has been a Field Safety Guide and a Field helper guide!


By Haywire22 And thanks to a friend, Farkinell, for helping me error and spell check!