Snake photo hunter
Important: Before you read the text on this site or embark on a photo hunt; read the section on conduct called “rules of nature”.
This section is perhaps the most important part of my entire website and should be red before this part.
This section is perhaps the most important part of my entire website and should be red before this part.
Methods for finding reptiles, especially snakes.
This text is only valid in Denmark.
If you are new to the world of field herping, this guide might help you on your way to a successful search. Today field herping is recognized
as a mainstream interest, (just look at animal planet). Therefore you will soon discover there are many other field herpers close to where
you live. When you have entered the field for a season or two, it is very likely that you get acquainted with other hobbyists in the field. So don’t
get frustrated if you don’t find any animals the first couple of trips. Be consistent, it’s easier to find reptiles and amphibians than many
people might believe. When you pass the first obstacle; “finding the first animal”, you discover that spotting the animals actually is very easy.
There are many ways to find snakes in Denmark, and at various times one method might be better than the other. It is crucial to recognize
what opportunities that exist in the habitat you are herping in, while at the same time being mindful of the patterns of the species you are
searching for. In Denmark the best - and sometimes only way to find reptiles is hiking through the habitats. This is what you could call the
basic herping approach, and at the right time it can be a quite effective method. Thus it is very important to remember that randomly walking
around in the woods/nature can be very time consuming. Normally this kind of random field herping produces very poor results. You have to
have a plan, meaning; you must refine your search to places where you have a good probability of finding reptiles. Read about the distinctive
species way of living, get to know their habits before searching for them.
Most Danish reptiles can be found where habitats merge, (this is the zone where two distinctive habitats meet). For example, where the field
meets the forest, or where the forest/field meets a watery feature. Sunlight, water, food and shelter must be available at all times. Hiking the
appropriate habitat is the key to success, for example; common adders can be found at an array of habitats; coastal, forest and heater is the
most common. The focus should be on southern hillsides with good exposure to the sunlight. Open areaswith large rocks are prime places
to look. Common adders can be found in the forest as well, but mostly in Jutland. It’s kind of rare to see adders living in the woods in zealand.
The best places for searching the woods are places where large trees have fallen; resulting in a opening in the canopy where sunshine can
reach the forest floor and create basking areas. Common adders can be found as early as the end of February, but mostly they arrive in the
middle of March. The females appear approximately 30 days later after the males. It’s always dirty and weary males you find in the field in the
beginning of the season. In places where there are a lot of adders, you have a great chance of finding grass snakes as well. (Unfortunately
this is not a rule the opposite way around). Grass snakes can be found throughout many different habitats, but forest habitats close to water
with a natural population of frogs/toads are the best places to look. Coastal areas with heater are also a prime location for grass snakes. The
grass snakes males appear in the beginning of March, the females have a tendency to appear in the beginning of May/when the mating
season begins. (NB: the differentdates follow the weather and it can vary a great deal from year to year)!
This text is only valid in Denmark.
If you are new to the world of field herping, this guide might help you on your way to a successful search. Today field herping is recognized
as a mainstream interest, (just look at animal planet). Therefore you will soon discover there are many other field herpers close to where
you live. When you have entered the field for a season or two, it is very likely that you get acquainted with other hobbyists in the field. So don’t
get frustrated if you don’t find any animals the first couple of trips. Be consistent, it’s easier to find reptiles and amphibians than many
people might believe. When you pass the first obstacle; “finding the first animal”, you discover that spotting the animals actually is very easy.
There are many ways to find snakes in Denmark, and at various times one method might be better than the other. It is crucial to recognize
what opportunities that exist in the habitat you are herping in, while at the same time being mindful of the patterns of the species you are
searching for. In Denmark the best - and sometimes only way to find reptiles is hiking through the habitats. This is what you could call the
basic herping approach, and at the right time it can be a quite effective method. Thus it is very important to remember that randomly walking
around in the woods/nature can be very time consuming. Normally this kind of random field herping produces very poor results. You have to
have a plan, meaning; you must refine your search to places where you have a good probability of finding reptiles. Read about the distinctive
species way of living, get to know their habits before searching for them.
Most Danish reptiles can be found where habitats merge, (this is the zone where two distinctive habitats meet). For example, where the field
meets the forest, or where the forest/field meets a watery feature. Sunlight, water, food and shelter must be available at all times. Hiking the
appropriate habitat is the key to success, for example; common adders can be found at an array of habitats; coastal, forest and heater is the
most common. The focus should be on southern hillsides with good exposure to the sunlight. Open areaswith large rocks are prime places
to look. Common adders can be found in the forest as well, but mostly in Jutland. It’s kind of rare to see adders living in the woods in zealand.
The best places for searching the woods are places where large trees have fallen; resulting in a opening in the canopy where sunshine can
reach the forest floor and create basking areas. Common adders can be found as early as the end of February, but mostly they arrive in the
middle of March. The females appear approximately 30 days later after the males. It’s always dirty and weary males you find in the field in the
beginning of the season. In places where there are a lot of adders, you have a great chance of finding grass snakes as well. (Unfortunately
this is not a rule the opposite way around). Grass snakes can be found throughout many different habitats, but forest habitats close to water
with a natural population of frogs/toads are the best places to look. Coastal areas with heater are also a prime location for grass snakes. The
grass snakes males appear in the beginning of March, the females have a tendency to appear in the beginning of May/when the mating
season begins. (NB: the differentdates follow the weather and it can vary a great deal from year to year)!
Use all knowledge that’s available.
Don’t be afraid to use the knowledge that’s already collected.
This is the kind of data that you can obtain directly through your PC.
Use forums such as “Feltherpforum” & “NHF” to ask equally minded hobbyist for advice.
Uses PM to contact them instead of public threads, many herpers
keep their locations secret and away from public awareness.
Use websites such as “Fugle&Natur” to gather information about locations.
On top of the site there is a search-box; simple write the scientifically
name and press the location map. It’s so easy it should be illegal ;)
There are also a couple of good books that you can buy.
For example: Kåre Fog’s “Nordens padder og krybdyr”.
It’s not enough just to know the area, you have to know the precise locations.
Before venturing on a trip, use google maps/earth to pinpoint good locations so you don’t
wander about for hours unsuccessful. Sometimes small lakes can very hard to find.
Consult a map before even going there.
Various field tools
A short introduction:
Many people wrongly assume that a herpetological punning photo hunt involves walking disorientated around in the field for hours,
flipping various objects. But it’s not the right way to do it at all; first of all flipping is very disturbing to the animals and there are numerous
tools that you can use to enhance your chances of spotting animals in the field more easily. It’s very independent between different field
herpers which tools they like to use in the field. But why not use the help that’s available? It can be very hard looking for reptiles
sometimes and on my personal trips we might walk more than 15 kilometers. In this chapter I will introduce some of the most basic
tools that will make it both easier/fun to look for snakes in the field.
Maps, GPS and smartphones:
Most of the new smartphones have GPS and access to google-maps which can be a valuable tool for gathering information about locations,
lakes and ponds. (Sometimes I also use the GEO-location feature for pinpointing spots for future visits). Remember that smartphones with
internet are an easy option to use in the field, if you carry one of these you don’t get lost on your way - and if accidents occur during a field trip
you can call for qualified help.
Hooks and tongs:
For snakes it’s only a good idea to carry a tong/hook if you need to examine a specimen. It can it be used for moving snakes and many
herpers use them to flip things so they don’t get bitten. Mostly I enter the field without a tong or hook. Hooks have a tendency to draw
attention from other naturists and pedestrians, I find that a bit annoying. So normally I simply use a branch or stick if I am forced to move an
animal. For flipping objects the best tool is a rake, (such as a garden/potato rake). Don’t use your bare hands, I have personally felt the bite of
a V. berus while searching with my fingers and it’s not worth it. Personally I would recommend no flipping at all. And leave your tong at home,
it’s not worth to bring anyway.
Clothing and bags:
Just wear solid footwear and suitable clothes, bring extra socks. If you are going to the wetland habitat, then wear rubber boots etc. There is
no need for using gloves or needleguard protection in Denmark. A bag pack is the best kind of bag you can use, in that way you will have your
hands free at all times. And remember; don’t run around in the field with your camera bag. If you slip down a steep hill you might break some
expensive equipment. Use a sturdy backpack by all means.
Flashlights/headlamps:
I use headlamps for herping after dark. Headlights are to preffer because they keep your hands free.But with snakes you don't
need it, as most reptiles is diurnal. It's only when searching for amphibians a flashlight comes in handy.
Compass, paper, binoculars and other tools:
I never had the need to use a compass in the field. I don’t know what I should use it for? Maybe I could use it to pick out southern hillsides,
but I never brought one though. Paper and pen on the other hand is a very important thing to bring. It’s often I encounter things I have to write
down. (For example: Questions that I need to get answered, things that I don’t want to forget and locations/new places that I have to remember,
etc). It’s a profitable habit to write down field notes, the notes can turn into valuable information when you get home. The best field reports are
often based on notes taken directly in the field. Binoculars can be good for spotting new areas, amphibians and birds, but it’s not a crucial
piece of equipment to bring.
A short introduction:
Many people wrongly assume that a herpetological punning photo hunt involves walking disorientated around in the field for hours,
flipping various objects. But it’s not the right way to do it at all; first of all flipping is very disturbing to the animals and there are numerous
tools that you can use to enhance your chances of spotting animals in the field more easily. It’s very independent between different field
herpers which tools they like to use in the field. But why not use the help that’s available? It can be very hard looking for reptiles
sometimes and on my personal trips we might walk more than 15 kilometers. In this chapter I will introduce some of the most basic
tools that will make it both easier/fun to look for snakes in the field.
Maps, GPS and smartphones:
Most of the new smartphones have GPS and access to google-maps which can be a valuable tool for gathering information about locations,
lakes and ponds. (Sometimes I also use the GEO-location feature for pinpointing spots for future visits). Remember that smartphones with
internet are an easy option to use in the field, if you carry one of these you don’t get lost on your way - and if accidents occur during a field trip
you can call for qualified help.
Hooks and tongs:
For snakes it’s only a good idea to carry a tong/hook if you need to examine a specimen. It can it be used for moving snakes and many
herpers use them to flip things so they don’t get bitten. Mostly I enter the field without a tong or hook. Hooks have a tendency to draw
attention from other naturists and pedestrians, I find that a bit annoying. So normally I simply use a branch or stick if I am forced to move an
animal. For flipping objects the best tool is a rake, (such as a garden/potato rake). Don’t use your bare hands, I have personally felt the bite of
a V. berus while searching with my fingers and it’s not worth it. Personally I would recommend no flipping at all. And leave your tong at home,
it’s not worth to bring anyway.
Clothing and bags:
Just wear solid footwear and suitable clothes, bring extra socks. If you are going to the wetland habitat, then wear rubber boots etc. There is
no need for using gloves or needleguard protection in Denmark. A bag pack is the best kind of bag you can use, in that way you will have your
hands free at all times. And remember; don’t run around in the field with your camera bag. If you slip down a steep hill you might break some
expensive equipment. Use a sturdy backpack by all means.
Flashlights/headlamps:
I use headlamps for herping after dark. Headlights are to preffer because they keep your hands free.But with snakes you don't
need it, as most reptiles is diurnal. It's only when searching for amphibians a flashlight comes in handy.
Compass, paper, binoculars and other tools:
I never had the need to use a compass in the field. I don’t know what I should use it for? Maybe I could use it to pick out southern hillsides,
but I never brought one though. Paper and pen on the other hand is a very important thing to bring. It’s often I encounter things I have to write
down. (For example: Questions that I need to get answered, things that I don’t want to forget and locations/new places that I have to remember,
etc). It’s a profitable habit to write down field notes, the notes can turn into valuable information when you get home. The best field reports are
often based on notes taken directly in the field. Binoculars can be good for spotting new areas, amphibians and birds, but it’s not a crucial
piece of equipment to bring.
Some good advices:
- Bring paper towels. I always get sticky-icky on my fingers during my trips.
Dirt, musk and mud are plentiful in the field. - Don’t bring bags and fauna boxes for collecting animals. It can be illegal to remove/disturb reptiles and amphibians.
The only time a bag is needed is when an animal has to be removed. For example: “If a snake needs to be removed
from a private garden to prevent it from getting killed”. - Snakes are deaf, they can’t hear you. On the other hand they can feel you and see you. Walk with soft steps when you
are close to the animals, don’t stomp the ground - and watch out for your shadow. Most snakes flee when they feel
sudden movements in the surrounding environment, this includes shadows. - When common adders flee, they mostly return to the same spot within 15 minutes. Chose a good spot 2-3 meters
away, sit down and wait. 50% of the times the adders will return to the same place when they don’t feel frightened
anymore. If they don’t return after 15 minutes, then continue your hunt and return to the same location later; with
adders you have a great possibility to find them again. - Grass snakes, on the other hand, are different in behavior; when they flee they normally don’t come back for a very
long time. The best way to approach a grass snake is to sneak up on it, and take a lot of pictures without it even
knowing it. It can be very hard and it takes a lot of practice. (I’m sorry to say, but sometimes it’s almost impossible
to get quality pictures without catching a specimen). It’s only during the mating season that the grass snakes are
easy to photograph. When they mate they simply don’t care about anything but the sex. This season is the best
period of the year for a photo hunt, so be sure not to miss it! - Get permits! This is very important. Know the laws in the area in which you are herping. Some places have a lot of
restrictions. As field herpers we have to follow the laws and be good role models for the rest of the population. We are
visitors in the animals world, not the oppostite way around. If the laws are made for anything, they are made for us.
If you obtain the necessary permits for an area, it is way more easy to get the permits the next time you want to visit the
particular area. So stick to the right side of the law. - In my opinion the best place to look for adders is in juniper bushes along the coastal line.
There are a great chance of succes if you take a walk at the coast/beach. - Adders in Denmark can be found from February to the end of fall.
From sunrise to sundown. But I would recommend 09:30-17:00, as the best time of looking.
Vipera berus - Map of occurrences
http://www.fugleognatur.dk/vispaakort.aspx?artid=984
Natrix natrix - Map of occurrences
http://www.fugleognatur.dk/vispaakort.aspx?artid=981
The "snake photo hunter" sektion will soon be updatet
with more snake hunter techniques!
http://www.fugleognatur.dk/vispaakort.aspx?artid=984
Natrix natrix - Map of occurrences
http://www.fugleognatur.dk/vispaakort.aspx?artid=981
The "snake photo hunter" sektion will soon be updatet
with more snake hunter techniques!