This past weekend, several members from the Herpetology Department went to SE Oklahoma. This was the first time a few of us had ever gone “herping.” On our first night out, we heard many Spring Peepers, Leopard frogs (Lithobates sphenocephalus), and Crawfish Frogs (Lithobates areolatus). Throughout the weekend, we caught numerous Bullfrog tadpoles (Lithobates catesbeianus), a Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer), a Brown Snake (Storeria dekayi), and a Five-lined Skink (Plestiodon fasciatus).  The overcast skies and rain made large-scale collections difficult, however.

For me, this experience was all new. I had never camped or experienced fieldwork. The first night there, I was so excited when I finally saw a frog in the swampy water. It was staring right at me and when I went to collect it in my net, it escaped. Although I was unsuccessful in my attempt to catch this frog, I was excited to keep trying. I had no idea how much fun it could be to spend the days and nights searching for amphibians and reptiles. I never thought I would enjoy getting soaked in the rain, wading through swampy waters, and turning over logs and other debris in search of frogs, lizards, and snakes, oh my!

The rest of the weekend was just as thrilling as the first night. There was no shortage of rain during the day and night, but it didn’t stop us from searching. We trudged on through the muddy waters and found a variety of species.

This past weekend was a time of firsts for me and I am so glad I went. I can now say I have camped and have experienced what it’s like in the field. I can’t wait for the next trip! Maybe I will be more successful this time in catching a frog.