Registration is Open for the Spring 2023 Semester!

Interested in keeping and breeding reptiles & amphibians?

Learn from the professionals! There is a lot of material out there on the internet, and sadly, most of it is confusing, not helpful, or just outright wrong. This class provides an opportunity to learn about the successes and failures from professionals.

This intensive class provides a husbandry foundation as we learn from zoo professionals, nonprofit keepers, conservation managers, professional breeders, and others about the best practices and proven techniques for keeping and breeding reptiles & amphibians in captivity. Methods for growing healthy live food, ensuring proper water quality, light and heat sources, and more will be provided by professionals, as well as details of successful captive projects with species and groups of salamanders, frogs, turtles, lizards, snakes, and more.

The course fee ($250) includes ~ 60 lectures, handouts & additional readings, and optional live Zoom discussions with the Lead Instructor + other Instructors.

The class is intended for adults. Please contact us before registering someone under the age of 18

The course is asynchronous (on your own schedule) and divided into seven 2-week sections. A topic (e.g. Snakes) is introduced, related lectures are made available, and optional Zoom and forum discussions on the topic begin. Lectures remain available for the duration of the course, so students can always return to the material.

The Spring semester of the course begins March 7, 2023
Section 1: Introduction and Growing Live Food (March 7)
Section 2: Caudata: Salamanders & Newts (Mar 21)
Section 3: Anura: Frogs & Toads (Apr 4)
Section 4: Sauria: Lizards (Apr 18)
Section 5: Serpentes: Snakes (May 2)
Section 6: Testudines: Turtles & Tortoises (May 16)
Section 7: Strategies for Success with Husbandry (May 30)
Section 8: (Optional) Final Exam (June 13)

Registration is now open for the Summer semester of the Master Herpetologist Program ONLINE. Starts May 10 and ends Aug 16, 2023

Join us for a dynamic course in Herpetology, featuring a global team of instructors and researchers. Become certified, and take a deep dive with us! The class is 100% online and asynchronous so students can take the class on their own time.

For more information, see: masterherpetologist.org

Registration is now open for the Summer semester of the Junior Master Herpetologist Program ONLINE. Starts May 20, 2023

Ages 12-14 + 15-17

Join us for a dynamic introductory course in Herpetology, featuring expert instruction. Become certified, and take a deep dive with us! The class is 100% online and asynchronous so students can take the class on their own time.

There are optional weekly live sessions on Saturdays with the Instructor, so students can ask questions, see live animals, and show off their critters!

For more information, see: junior.masterherpetologist.org

Our award-winning Summer camp — Critter Camp!

Our goal is to introduce children to the exciting biodiversity of amphibians and reptiles, using these animals to illustrate aspects of biology and ecology.

The camps are small (maximum of 12 campers per session) and will be focused on tropical animals, as well as native species.

Campers will be encouraged to ask questions about the animals and discover their own answers through hands-on observation. Safe animal handling, including biosecurity will be taught and implemented at the beginning of the camp, and maintained vigilantly throughout. Over one hundred animals from around the world will be available for this camp. This includes (most of) the major amphibian groups: frogs, toads, salamanders and newts as well as the reptile groups: turtles, tortoises, lizards and snakes. Campers will learn 'fun facts' about each group: their life cycles, where and how they live, how they reproduce, and their defense strategies. Campers will learn things like what makes a frog a toad, and what makes a turtle a tortoise. Campers will also learn how to identify frog species by their call and tadpole!

Learn more and register at: critter-camp.org

Our award-winning Summer camp — Critter Camp!

Our goal is to introduce children to the exciting biodiversity of amphibians and reptiles, using these animals to illustrate aspects of biology and ecology.

The camps are small (maximum of 12 campers per session) and will be focused on tropical animals, as well as native species.

Campers will be encouraged to ask questions about the animals and discover their own answers through hands-on observation. Safe animal handling, including biosecurity will be taught and implemented at the beginning of the camp, and maintained vigilantly throughout. Over one hundred animals from around the world will be available for this camp. This includes (most of) the major amphibian groups: frogs, toads, salamanders and newts as well as the reptile groups: turtles, tortoises, lizards and snakes. Campers will learn 'fun facts' about each group: their life cycles, where and how they live, how they reproduce, and their defense strategies. Campers will learn things like what makes a frog a toad, and what makes a turtle a tortoise. Campers will also learn how to identify frog species by their call and tadpole!

Learn more and register at: critter-camp.org

Our award-winning Summer camp — Critter Camp!

Our goal is to introduce children to the exciting biodiversity of amphibians and reptiles, using these animals to illustrate aspects of biology and ecology.

The camps are small (maximum of 12 campers per session) and will be focused on tropical animals, as well as native species.

Campers will be encouraged to ask questions about the animals and discover their own answers through hands-on observation. Safe animal handling, including biosecurity will be taught and implemented at the beginning of the camp, and maintained vigilantly throughout. Over one hundred animals from around the world will be available for this camp. This includes (most of) the major amphibian groups: frogs, toads, salamanders and newts as well as the reptile groups: turtles, tortoises, lizards and snakes. Campers will learn 'fun facts' about each group: their life cycles, where and how they live, how they reproduce, and their defense strategies. Campers will learn things like what makes a frog a toad, and what makes a turtle a tortoise. Campers will also learn how to identify frog species by their call and tadpole!

Learn more and register at: critter-camp.org

Our award-winning Summer camp — Critter Camp!

Our goal is to introduce children to the exciting biodiversity of amphibians and reptiles, using these animals to illustrate aspects of biology and ecology.

The camps are small (maximum of 12 campers per session) and will be focused on tropical animals, as well as native species.

Campers will be encouraged to ask questions about the animals and discover their own answers through hands-on observation. Safe animal handling, including biosecurity will be taught and implemented at the beginning of the camp, and maintained vigilantly throughout. Over one hundred animals from around the world will be available for this camp. This includes (most of) the major amphibian groups: frogs, toads, salamanders and newts as well as the reptile groups: turtles, tortoises, lizards and snakes. Campers will learn 'fun facts' about each group: their life cycles, where and how they live, how they reproduce, and their defense strategies. Campers will learn things like what makes a frog a toad, and what makes a turtle a tortoise. Campers will also learn how to identify frog species by their call and tadpole!

Learn more and register at: critter-camp.org

Our award-winning Summer camp — Critter Camp!

Our goal is to introduce children to the exciting biodiversity of amphibians and reptiles, using these animals to illustrate aspects of biology and ecology.

The camps are small (maximum of 12 campers per session) and will be focused on tropical animals, as well as native species.

Campers will be encouraged to ask questions about the animals and discover their own answers through hands-on observation. Safe animal handling, including biosecurity will be taught and implemented at the beginning of the camp, and maintained vigilantly throughout. Over one hundred animals from around the world will be available for this camp. This includes (most of) the major amphibian groups: frogs, toads, salamanders and newts as well as the reptile groups: turtles, tortoises, lizards and snakes. Campers will learn 'fun facts' about each group: their life cycles, where and how they live, how they reproduce, and their defense strategies. Campers will learn things like what makes a frog a toad, and what makes a turtle a tortoise. Campers will also learn how to identify frog species by their call and tadpole!

Learn more and register at: critter-camp.org

We are pleased to offer a Venomous Handling and Certification Program at the Amphibian Foundation in partnership with the Rattlesnake Conservancy.

If you are a land manager, environmental consultant, first responder, zoo professional, herpetology enthusiast, photographer, or private citizen looking to learn how to safely handle and relocate venomous reptiles, this course is for you!

This 2-day workshop is a comprehensive training to prepare yourself for working with venomous snakes, or encountering them in the field safely. Using the techniques and protocols laid out by TRC, not a single person (TRC, AF staff or students) has ever been bitten by a venomous serpent.

This training sets the standard for safety, husbandry, and protocol for working with venomous reptiles. Our Level 1 Program is the leading venomous training program in the United States and has been taught to over 100 students. If you are a land manager, environmental consultant, first responder, zoo professional, herpetology enthusiast, photographer, or private citizen looking to learn how to safely handle and relocate venomous reptiles, this course is for you! Topics covered in the course include:

Hands on individual training, guided by one of our professional instructors.
Handling methods for non-venomous and venomous snakes.
Learn about the life history, toxinology, and ecology of native venomous reptiles.
Emergency field care for envenomation.
Methods of relocation.

Our award-winning Summer camp — Critter Camp!

Our goal is to introduce children to the exciting biodiversity of amphibians and reptiles, using these animals to illustrate aspects of biology and ecology.

The camps are small (maximum of 12 campers per session) and will be focused on tropical animals, as well as native species.

Campers will be encouraged to ask questions about the animals and discover their own answers through hands-on observation. Safe animal handling, including biosecurity will be taught and implemented at the beginning of the camp, and maintained vigilantly throughout. Over one hundred animals from around the world will be available for this camp. This includes (most of) the major amphibian groups: frogs, toads, salamanders and newts as well as the reptile groups: turtles, tortoises, lizards and snakes. Campers will learn 'fun facts' about each group: their life cycles, where and how they live, how they reproduce, and their defense strategies. Campers will learn things like what makes a frog a toad, and what makes a turtle a tortoise. Campers will also learn how to identify frog species by their call and tadpole!

Learn more and register at: critter-camp.org

Our award-winning Summer camp — Critter Camp!

Our goal is to introduce children to the exciting biodiversity of amphibians and reptiles, using these animals to illustrate aspects of biology and ecology.

The camps are small (maximum of 12 campers per session) and will be focused on tropical animals, as well as native species.

Campers will be encouraged to ask questions about the animals and discover their own answers through hands-on observation. Safe animal handling, including biosecurity will be taught and implemented at the beginning of the camp, and maintained vigilantly throughout. Over one hundred animals from around the world will be available for this camp. This includes (most of) the major amphibian groups: frogs, toads, salamanders and newts as well as the reptile groups: turtles, tortoises, lizards and snakes. Campers will learn 'fun facts' about each group: their life cycles, where and how they live, how they reproduce, and their defense strategies. Campers will learn things like what makes a frog a toad, and what makes a turtle a tortoise. Campers will also learn how to identify frog species by their call and tadpole!

Learn more and register at: critter-camp.org

Our award-winning Summer camp — Critter Camp!

Our goal is to introduce children to the exciting biodiversity of amphibians and reptiles, using these animals to illustrate aspects of biology and ecology.

The camps are small (maximum of 12 campers per session) and will be focused on tropical animals, as well as native species.

Campers will be encouraged to ask questions about the animals and discover their own answers through hands-on observation. Safe animal handling, including biosecurity will be taught and implemented at the beginning of the camp, and maintained vigilantly throughout. Over one hundred animals from around the world will be available for this camp. This includes (most of) the major amphibian groups: frogs, toads, salamanders and newts as well as the reptile groups: turtles, tortoises, lizards and snakes. Campers will learn 'fun facts' about each group: their life cycles, where and how they live, how they reproduce, and their defense strategies. Campers will learn things like what makes a frog a toad, and what makes a turtle a tortoise. Campers will also learn how to identify frog species by their call and tadpole!

Learn more and register at: critter-camp.org

Registration is now open for the Fall semester of the Southeastern Master Herpetologist Program 100% ONLINE. Starts July 6 and ends Oct 12, 2023

Join us for a dynamic course in Southeastern Herpetology, featuring a diverse team and some of the biggest names in southeastern herpetology. Become certified, and take a deep dive with us! The class is 100% online and asynchronous so students can take the class on their own time.

For more information, see: se.masterherpetologist.org

Our award-winning Summer camp — Critter Camp!

Our goal is to introduce children to the exciting biodiversity of amphibians and reptiles, using these animals to illustrate aspects of biology and ecology.

The camps are small (maximum of 12 campers per session) and will be focused on tropical animals, as well as native species.

Campers will be encouraged to ask questions about the animals and discover their own answers through hands-on observation. Safe animal handling, including biosecurity will be taught and implemented at the beginning of the camp, and maintained vigilantly throughout. Over one hundred animals from around the world will be available for this camp. This includes (most of) the major amphibian groups: frogs, toads, salamanders and newts as well as the reptile groups: turtles, tortoises, lizards and snakes. Campers will learn 'fun facts' about each group: their life cycles, where and how they live, how they reproduce, and their defense strategies. Campers will learn things like what makes a frog a toad, and what makes a turtle a tortoise. Campers will also learn how to identify frog species by their call and tadpole!

Learn more and register at: critter-camp.org

Registration is Open for the Fall 2023 Semester!

Interested in keeping and breeding reptiles & amphibians?

Learn from the professionals! There is a lot of material out there on the internet, and sadly, most of it is confusing, not helpful, or just outright wrong. This class provides an opportunity to learn about the successes and failures from professionals.

This intensive class provides a husbandry foundation as we learn from zoo professionals, nonprofit keepers, conservation managers, professional breeders, and others about the best practices and proven techniques for keeping and breeding reptiles & amphibians in captivity. Methods for growing healthy live food, ensuring proper water quality, light and heat sources, and more will be provided by professionals, as well as details of successful captive projects with species and groups of salamanders, frogs, turtles, lizards, snakes, and more.

The course fee ($250) includes ~ 60 lectures, handouts & additional readings, and optional live Zoom discussions with the Lead Instructor + other Instructors.

The class is intended for adults. Please contact us before registering someone under the age of 18

The course is asynchronous (on your own schedule) and divided into seven 2-week sections. A topic (e.g. Snakes) is introduced, related lectures are made available, and optional Zoom and forum discussions on the topic begin. Lectures remain available for the duration of the course, so students can always return to the material.

The Fall semester of the course begins July 11, 2023
Section 1: Introduction and Growing Live Food (July 11)
Section 2: Caudata: Salamanders & Newts (July 25)
Section 3: Anura: Frogs & Toads (Aug 8 )
Section 4: Sauria: Lizards (Aug 22)
Section 5: Serpentes: Snakes (Sep 5)
Section 6: Testudines: Turtles & Tortoises (Sep 19)
Section 7: Strategies for Success with Husbandry (Oct 3)
Section 8: (Optional) Final Exam (Oct 17)

Registration is now open for the Summer semester of the Junior Master Herpetologist Program ONLINE. Starts July 15, 2023

Ages 15-17

Join us for a dynamic introductory course in Herpetology, featuring expert instruction. Become certified, and take a deep dive with us! The class is 100% online and asynchronous so students can take the class on their own time.

There are optional weekly live sessions on Saturdays with the Instructor, so students can ask questions, see live animals, and show off their critters!

For more information, see: junior.masterherpetologist.org

Registration is now open for the Summer semester of the Junior Master Herpetologist Program ONLINE. Starts July 15, 2023

Ages 12-14

Join us for a dynamic introductory course in Herpetology, featuring expert instruction. Become certified, and take a deep dive with us! The class is 100% online and asynchronous so students can take the class on their own time.

There are optional weekly live sessions on Saturdays with the Instructor, so students can ask questions, see live animals, and show off their critters!

For more information, see: junior.masterherpetologist.org

Our award-winning Summer camp — Critter Camp!

Our goal is to introduce children to the exciting biodiversity of amphibians and reptiles, using these animals to illustrate aspects of biology and ecology.

The camps are small (maximum of 12 campers per session) and will be focused on tropical animals, as well as native species.

Campers will be encouraged to ask questions about the animals and discover their own answers through hands-on observation. Safe animal handling, including biosecurity will be taught and implemented at the beginning of the camp, and maintained vigilantly throughout. Over one hundred animals from around the world will be available for this camp. This includes (most of) the major amphibian groups: frogs, toads, salamanders and newts as well as the reptile groups: turtles, tortoises, lizards and snakes. Campers will learn 'fun facts' about each group: their life cycles, where and how they live, how they reproduce, and their defense strategies. Campers will learn things like what makes a frog a toad, and what makes a turtle a tortoise. Campers will also learn how to identify frog species by their call and tadpole!

Learn more and register at: critter-camp.org

Our award-winning Summer camp — Critter Camp!

Our goal is to introduce children to the exciting biodiversity of amphibians and reptiles, using these animals to illustrate aspects of biology and ecology.

The camps are small (maximum of 12 campers per session) and will be focused on tropical animals, as well as native species.

Campers will be encouraged to ask questions about the animals and discover their own answers through hands-on observation. Safe animal handling, including biosecurity will be taught and implemented at the beginning of the camp, and maintained vigilantly throughout. Over one hundred animals from around the world will be available for this camp. This includes (most of) the major amphibian groups: frogs, toads, salamanders and newts as well as the reptile groups: turtles, tortoises, lizards and snakes. Campers will learn 'fun facts' about each group: their life cycles, where and how they live, how they reproduce, and their defense strategies. Campers will learn things like what makes a frog a toad, and what makes a turtle a tortoise. Campers will also learn how to identify frog species by their call and tadpole!

Learn more and register at: critter-camp.org

Our award-winning Summer camp — Critter Camp!

Our goal is to introduce children to the exciting biodiversity of amphibians and reptiles, using these animals to illustrate aspects of biology and ecology.

The camps are small (maximum of 12 campers per session) and will be focused on tropical animals, as well as native species.

Campers will be encouraged to ask questions about the animals and discover their own answers through hands-on observation. Safe animal handling, including biosecurity will be taught and implemented at the beginning of the camp, and maintained vigilantly throughout. Over one hundred animals from around the world will be available for this camp. This includes (most of) the major amphibian groups: frogs, toads, salamanders and newts as well as the reptile groups: turtles, tortoises, lizards and snakes. Campers will learn 'fun facts' about each group: their life cycles, where and how they live, how they reproduce, and their defense strategies. Campers will learn things like what makes a frog a toad, and what makes a turtle a tortoise. Campers will also learn how to identify frog species by their call and tadpole!

Learn more and register at: critter-camp.org