UW’s Biodiversity Institute to Host Field Herping Talk March 31

For those interested in learning more about herping -- how to find amphibians and reptiles in their native habitat -- the University of Wyoming's Biodiversity Institute will host Matt Rasmussen Tuesday, March 31.

Rasmussen, vice president of the Wyoming Herpetological Society and a Douglas resident, will discuss some of Wyoming's lesser-known wildlife during his presentation, "Field Herping Wyoming 101," from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at the Laramie Railroad Depot, located at 600 S. First St. in Laramie. The public is invited to attend.

This event, hosted by UW's Biodiversity Institute and the Haub School of Environment and Natural Resources, is intended for students and community members who are interested in learning herping techniques and connecting with the Wyoming Herpetological Society.

The Wyoming Herpetological Society's mission is to bring together people interested in advancing conservation of Wyoming's wild reptiles and amphibians and promoting education to inspire appreciation of native wildlife, says Mason Lee, senior project coordinator for the Biodiversity Institute.

"Herping is an awesome and fun way to engage with Wyoming's wildlife. However, there are techniques and ethics that need to be followed to keep ourselves and our wildlife safe," says Lee, who also is a board member of the Wyoming Herpetological Society. "I encourage anybody potentially interested in learning how to find and observe Wyoming's reptiles and amphibians to attend the Field Herping Wyoming 101 presentation to learn these techniques. Matt is an accomplished field herper in Wyoming, and there isn't a better person to learn from."

The Wyoming Herpetological Society will host its annual field trip this year at Flaming Gorge Reservoir on the Green River Friday-Sunday, June 19-21. All reptiles and amphibian enthusiasts are welcome, even if this will be their first time herping.

"The field trip is a great opportunity to practice the field herping techniques they'll learn at the talk under the guidance of experts," Lee says.

At Flaming Gorge, participants can expect to see northern tree lizards, common sagebrush lizards, plateau fence lizards and, if they're lucky, they also may spot Great Basin spadefoots, Great Basin bull snakes and faded midget rattlesnakes, she says.

Last year, the group took its field trip to Guernsey State Park. There, herpers documented Woodhouse's toads, Great Plains toads, Eastern yellow-bellied racers, Prairie racerunners, a Prairie rattlesnake and an elusive Plains black-headed snake.

About the University of Wyoming Biodiversity Institute

UW's Biodiversity Institute fosters conservation of biodiversity through scientific discovery, creative dissemination, education and public engagement. In this setting, scientists, citizens, students and educators come together to share a wealth of perspectives on the study and appreciation of biodiversity -- from microbes to poetry and ecosystems to economics. For more information, go to https://www.wyomingbiodiversity.org.