Requirements July 1976 and September 1993

1. Know approximately the number of species and general distribution of reptiles and amphibians in the United States.

2. Make sketches from your own observations, showing markings and color patterns of seven reptiles and three amphibians found in the United States. Record the habits and habitats of each of these species.

3. Describe the main differences between (a) alligators and crocodiles, (b) toads and frogs, (c) salamanders and lizards, and (d) snakes and lizards.

4. List 10 reptiles or amphibians useful to man. Tell how they take in food. List food habits of each species. If there are laws in your state for their protection, tell why each is protected.

5. Describe how reptiles and amphibians reproduce themselves.

6. From observation, describe how snakes move forward. Describe the functions of the muscles, ribs, and belly plates.

7. Describe in detail six poisonous snakes and the one poisonous lizard found in the United States. Describe their habits. Demonstrate first aid treatment for snakebite.

8. Maintain one or more reptiles or amphibians for at least a month. Record the food accepted, methods employed in eating, changes in coloration, shedding of skins, and general habits; OR keep the eggs of a reptile from the time of laying until hatching; OR keep the eggs of an amphibian from the time of laying until the transformation of the tadpoles or (salamander) larvae.

9. Do ONE of the following:

(a) Identify at night three kinds of toads or frogs by their voices. Imitate the song of each for your counselor. Stalk each with a flashlight and discover how each sings and from where.

(b) Take a recognizable photograph of a live turtle, snake, and amphibian.

(c) Give a brief talk to a small group on the subject of reptiles and amphibians. Use three living specimens or 20 pictures you have collected.

10. Give 10 superstitions about reptiles and amphibians and a correct explanation in each case.

Note: The Scout must use nonpoisonous reptiles only in fulfilling requirements 8 and 9. Some reptiles are protected by federal law. Others may be protected by state law. Before collecting, be sure you know which are on both lists. Be sure that you do not collect protected species. All specimens should be returned to the wild after the requirements have been met.