There isn’t too much complexity to finding reptiles and amphibians in Columbia County. Two rules will tell you most of what you need to know.
Let's start with searching habitat edges. Reptiles and amphibians tend to spend their time at the edges between two habitats, so you’re unlikely to find them in the middle of the forest or the middle of a field. Instead, you have to look at the boundary. For example:
Walk slowly and carefully at these habitat edges and pay as much attention as possible to the ground in front of you. Some more alert animals may try to hide as you approach, so you’ll want to scan ahead frequently so you can see them before they disappear. Walk in the grass just to the edge of the road, or alongside the long grass in a meadow, or along the edges of a pond, and see what you find!
The other primary way to find reptiles and amphibians is by looking under stuff. The reptiles and amphibians which you can’t see are often hiding under something. Reptiles usually hide under objects that help them to stay warm (though moisture is also important), whereas amphibians are more concerned with staying moist. Some examples of places to look:
As I keep emphasizing, the most important thing to remember while looking for reptiles and amphibians is that we must not damage their habitat. If you pick up an object, do it very carefully so you don’t harm anything underneath. Any living animals should be removed before you set it back, so you don’t crush them. Set the rock or log back very carefully exactly how you found it, so that the habitat remains undisturbed and stays nice and moist. Then if you removed an animal from under it, you can take a picture to document your find, and then release it right on the edge of the log or rock so it can find its way back underneath easily.
Reptiles and amphibians can become disturbed and stressed easily, so we only handle them as long as it takes to get an accurate photo. If you can get a photo without touching the animal, it’s that much better. Amphibians in particular can dry out from handling and are bothered by the oils on our skin, so let them get along on their way ASAP.
That’s all you need to know to start looking for reptiles and amphibians in Columbia County. Walk the habitat edges, look under boards and other objects in places with a little sun, look under logs and rocks in places with a little moisture, and always put everything back just like you found it. Good luck getting some data!
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Awesome journal entry, Jon! :)
Thanks Sam! Hope people can find something useful here.
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