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Herp Hunt

Activity

Tracking Reptile and Amphibian Footprints

Learn how to identify reptile and amphibian tracks! Look up images of different species’ footprints or use an online guide to identify the types of tracks left by herps in the wild. Then, go on a “scavenger hunt” around your yard, neighborhood, or local park to see if you can spot any reptile or amphibian tracks in the dirt or mud. If you find tracks, try to match them to the species you researched.

Science Seed

Reptile and amphibian tracks can offer clues about their behavior and habitat. Reptiles, like lizards, often leave tracks with clear impressions of their scaly feet, which may show distinct toe patterns. Snakes, with their smooth bellies, leave a single track that can vary based on whether they slither in a straight line or use a sidewinding motion. Amphibians like frogs and salamanders tend to leave tracks with webbed feet, showing distinct prints from their hind legs. Frogs’ tracks often appear in a triangular shape, reflecting their strong, leap-based movements. These tracks can be found in soft, moist environments like mud or wet sand, where the impressions are clearer. Understanding the types of tracks that different species leave behind helps us better understand how they navigate their environment and hunt for food.

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earn Badges

Badges can be earned through hands-on experiences within each of the 16 branches of science, or “Science Slices.” You can earn a badge in each branch of science by doing four activities in these categories. We also encourage participants to keep a Nature Journal to record their memories, and to express themselves creatively through writing or drawing after each activity. We recommend that each child (and parent if they’d like) write or draw in a journal after each activity, with expectations of your children that match their age (the goal is self-expression, not perfection).

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join Families in Nature

It is our vision to inspire all families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists. Becoming a member of Families in Nature will give your family the opportunity to have adventures in nature, experience field science, develop as youth conservation leaders, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Memberships are free for everyone.

Who are we?

Families in Nature works to create opportunities for nature connection with the purpose of sparking a deep love and desire to protect, conserve and restore the environment. Our mission is to connect children and their families to nature and to each other through time spent learning, playing, and volunteering outdoors. It is our vision to inspire ALL families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists.

This project was made possible by HEB.