Frogwatching Tips - FrogwatchUSA - National Wildlife Federation

Safety First… Data Second

Here are some common sense rules to consider when choosing a site to monitor and while conducting your surveys.

Photo: NOAA

Always monitor with at least one partner. Always let someone else know where you are, when you intend to return, and what to do if you don't come back at the appointed time.
Listen to weather reports prior to monitoring. Never conduct a survey if severe weather is predicted or if a strong storm occurs while at the site.
Have a first aid kit handy in case of an accident.

Develop a safety plan. Find out the location and telephone number of the nearest telephone and write it down. Locate the nearest medical center and write down directions on how to get between the center and your site(s) so that you can direct emergency personnel. If you have a cell phone, take it with you, but remember to turn it off so it does not interfere with your survey.
If you drive to your monitoring site, park in a safe location. Be sure your car doesn't pose a hazard to other drivers and that you don't block traffic.
Visit your monitoring site during daylight hours prior to conducting surveys at dusk. This will help you become more familiar with your site. Confirm that you are at the proper site location by checking maps, site descriptions, or written directions.
Watch for irate dogs, farm animals, and other wildlife, in addition to ticks, hornets, and wasps. Know what to do if you get bitten or stung.
Use an insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites.
Photo: USDA/NRCS

Watch for poison ivy, poison oak, sumac, and other types of vegetation in your area that can cause rashes and irritation.
If at any time you feel uncomfortable about your surroundings, stop monitoring and leave the site at once. Your safety is more important than the data!

Full List of Easy Frogwatching Tips:




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	More Information
		2005 Frogwatch Reports
		Learn the frog calls and see a guide to frogs in your area.
		CDs and tapes for learning calls
		Helpful books to identify frogs
		Eight easy steps of frogwatching
		Protocol: Learn the instructions for frogwatching.
		When: Learn when the best times are to frogwatch.
		Equipment: Learn about the equipment you need while frogwatching.
		Learn why amphibians are especially sensitive to changes in their environment.
		Got a question? Ask the expert.
		Frogwatching tips
		Visit our adoption center and symbolically adopt a barking tree frog today.



		Frogwatch USA is brought to you by the National Wildlife Federation, in partnership with the US Geological Survey. Frogwatch USA relies on volunteers, like you, to collect information regarding frog and toad populations in neighborhoods across the nation.

		Frogwatch USA is a proud member of Partners in Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (PARC). PARC's mission is to conserve amphibians, reptiles and their habitats as integral parts of our ecosystem and culture through proactive and coordinated public/private partnerships.

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