How to go Herping!
Herping with Natureglo!
Natureglo's Herping Adventure at Gifford Pinchot, PA June 2009
Yes, I've had some herping experience, well rather, I've come upon herps as I'm more of an avid nature photographer than a herping pro. If I come across a herp, I love the opportunity to photograph them. And here's a photo of myself at Gifford Pinchot PA State Park in 2009, where I had one of my greatest herping moments!
This was quite an weekend for me! I found the most marvelous living treasure! A beautiful Spotted Salamander. It all began when myself and my fellow teachers arrived at Gifford Pinchot state park for a teachers retreat. We stayed in these great cabins in the woods. After our arrival and we all got set up in our rooms, I decided that I wanted to get out in nature. So, off I went, straight to the backyard. This place was lush with the summer green. I looked around the land a bit and scouted around the back of the cabin.
I glanced down into the cabin basement window casement and there I got one of the greatest surprises of my life! My first spotted salamander!
I glanced down into the cabin basement window casement and there I got one of the greatest surprises of my life! My first spotted salamander!
Upon closer inspection, I noticed it's tail had been stuck around some fishing wire and there was a small bar of soap someone must have thrown down in there. Awwww....poor little salamander...and YUCK! Why would anyone through a bar of soap in there?? Look at that sweet face looking up at me! I just had to pick it up! And so I did. But, I realized much later, that I should not have picked it up either at all or at least rubbed my hands in dirt first as salamanders have VERY sensitive skin and would absorb any germs or bacteria or chemicals I may have had on my hands. Luckily, I usually only wash my hands with natural soaps. But still, it would have been best for me to at least rub my hands in dirt first. Lesson learned late, but learned now!
As Steve Irwin would say, "What a beauty!" And indeed, what a gorgeous salamander this was! I'm so thankful for the opportunity to have met one! During warmer months, you too can go out and have a look at the salamanders in your area. Just remember to wash your hands first with as natural a soap you can find and rub your hands real good in the dirt. And of course, it's actually better for them to not be handled as it can stress them out. This little guy or gal did unfortunately get stressed when I picked he/she up. But I placed it back in it's secret hideway/home, took another photo or two, and left the Spotted Salamander in peace. It's ALWAYS best to return these creatures back to there home or leave them there in the first place, unless of course they're in some kind of danger there.
One more shot of you, my beauty before I let you go! And oh, look behind you, Spotty, there's dinner on the wall! Looks to be a small worm or grub. YUM! YUM! Enjoy! Bye, bye now, dear Spotty! Live long and be healthy, and may no more humans through junk or soap in your little home!
Lesson #1
(Jan. - Mar. Classes) Video
(Jan. - Mar. Classes) Video
How to Go Herping
Herping Equipment
Herping the United States
The Michigan Herper's You Tube Channel - Lot's of cool videos to watch about a real herpers adventures. You can learn a lot about herping from watching and listening to him share about his adventures.
Herping the United States
The Michigan Herper's You Tube Channel - Lot's of cool videos to watch about a real herpers adventures. You can learn a lot about herping from watching and listening to him share about his adventures.
Alligators & Crocodile Activities
AHC Arts & Crafts - Several Alligator crafts to choose from
A GREAT Virtual Frog Dissection
A FREE Crocodilians Lapbook download!
Lizard and Snake Activities
Marine Turtle Drawing Tutorial
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