Amphibians and reptiles are abundant in your parks and there are few important etiquette rules you should follow if searching for them.

• Never touch a snake you cannot identify. We do not have venomous snakes in Lake County, but it may be an escaped venomous pet.
• Amphibians can absorb water and chemicals through their skin. Always make sure your hands are wet and free of bug spray, sunscreen, or other lotions before handling them.
• If you look under a rock or log, always make sure you put it back how you found it.
• Remove animals found under rocks and logs to avoid crushing them. Release them next to the properly replaced rock or log.
• All animals must be returned exactly where they were found after a minute or two of observation. Do not collect anything.
• Remember that all of our native species have an important place in the environment, and it is never appropriate to kill snakes and other reptiles or amphibians just because they frighten us.

By following these simple rules, we can ensure that the amphibians and reptiles of Lake Metroparks stay healthy and keep their habitats intact.