When most people think of herping, they picture warm summer nights filled with frogs, snakes, and lizards. But did you know you can still go herping in winter? While cold weather makes it trickier, reptiles and amphibians don’t just disappear. You just need to know where to look and how to find them. Whether you’re going out on your own or joining a herping tour, winter herping can be a fun and rewarding challenge.
Where to Find Reptiles and Amphibians in the Winter
Most reptiles and amphibians slow down or hide in winter to stay warm. But if you check the right places, you can still find them!
- Rock Crevices and Caves – Snakes and lizards hide in cracks and caves where it stays warmer.
- Hot Springs and Warm Water – Some amphibians, like salamanders, stay active in warm water areas.
- Under Logs and Leaves – Many small creatures, like frogs and salamanders, stay under logs or piles of leaves for insulation.
- Animal Burrows – Some turtles, snakes, and frogs burrow underground near tree roots to avoid freezing.
How to Find Herps in Cold Weather
Winter herping takes a little more patience, but these tricks will help you find success:
- Go on Warmer Days
Even in cold weather, reptiles might come out to bask in the sun if the temperature rises above freezing. Look on rocky areas or road edges where they soak up the warmth.
- Flip Over Cover Objects
Old boards, rocks, and logs can trap heat underneath. Carefully lift them (and put them back after) to see if any reptiles or amphibians are hiding below.
- Look for Amphibians in Wet Areas
Some frogs and salamanders stay active in damp places, even under ice! Check near slow-moving water or ponds that don’t freeze completely.
- Join a Herping Tour
Not sure where to look? A herping tour with experts can help you find animals you might not spot on your own. Guides know the best winter hiding spots!
- Be Gentle and Respectful
If you find a reptile or amphibian, be careful not to stress it out. They need to save their energy to survive the winter, so minimize handling and always return things (like logs or rocks) to their original spot.
What to Bring for Winter Herping
Winter herping means cold temperatures, so dress right and bring the right gear:
- Warm waterproof boots – Many good winter herping spots are wet or snowy.
- Gloves – Keep your hands warm while flipping rocks or logs.
- A flashlight or headlamp – Days are short, and some animals are more active in low light.
- A field guide or herping app – Identifying species can be trickier in winter.
Winter herping might take extra effort, but it’s totally worth it! Whether you’re flipping logs for salamanders, spotting a snake basking on a sunny day, or joining a herping tour, there’s always something to find, even in the cold. Plus, winter herping offers a different kind of adventure. You’ll see habitats in a new way, notice details you might miss in the summer, and maybe even find species you wouldn’t expect to be active.
It’s also a great time to sharpen your skills. Learning to track animal movements, identify hiding spots, and understand how reptiles and amphibians survive in cold weather can make you a better herping enthusiast year-round. So bundle up, grab your gear, and head outside because herping never really stops!
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