Question

[Scorpion]

When you all go herping, do you wear gloves? So you can handle the salamanders without worrying about getting any of the harmful stuff on your skin on them? If so, what kind of gloves do you wear?

 

[rethgar]

Generally no, I usually rinse my hands in locally occuring water though to be honest i just try to keep handling to a minimum

 

[Greatwtehunter]

I use textured gloves to get a better grip on cover objects. Not directly touching the salamander with my skin is just an added benefit.

 

[Azhael]

Bare in mind, this:
http://www.caudata.org/forum/f1173-...57402-disposable-gloves-toxic-amphibians.html

 

[Kaysie]

You beat me to it! I was going to post that too!

I never wear gloves. Disposable gloves are toxic, and other gloves need to be cleaned properly between sites or you run the risk of spreading contamination.

 

[Azhael]

And it´s not like handling them is going to be harmful to you. Their toxins need to be in contact with blood or mucose to have an effect, so as long as you don´t have any cuts or rub your eyes or mouth, it´s safe. I heard some people with very sensitive skins can have a minor reaction but i ignore the truth of it. I have handled fire salamanders exuding toxins in large amounts and nothing happened whatsoever.

As for the animals, if you handle them very very gently and with wet hands, it shouldn´t be a problem. Rough handling should be avoided as their skins are very unprotected.

Oh, and since you raised the issue of adequate sterilization, Kaysie, i think it´s a good opportunity to remind people that if they use rubber boots or something of the like, those are perhaps the main thing to be careful with.

 

[Logan]

I work in the herpetology lab at SIUC and when we do field work we bring the vinyl gloves that we rinse off before hand. As a chytrid and amphibian research lab we have to stay on top of all of this information so we aren't affecting our data. When I go by myself for fun I usually just don't handle the salamanders but if I do I usually wash my hands well before leaving and wet my hands before handling.
Logan

 

[Scorpion]

Thanks everyone!