Step into the field with real biologists and experience what it’s like to study snakes in the Everglades.
Snake Scientist for a Day is a hands-on, full-day herpetology experience designed for curious learners of all ages. Participants will learn the fundamentals of snake identification, field research, and wildlife data collection while working alongside experienced biologists in both a controlled reptile facility and the wild Everglades.
What You’ll Experience
The day begins at a local reptile facility in Weston, Florida, where participants will be introduced to South Florida’s reptiles through supervised, hands-on demonstrations.
Students will:
- Observe live alligator demonstrations
- Safely touch and hold smaller alligators under professional supervision
- Handle select captive snake species
- Learn the basics of snake anatomy, behavior, and identification
- Practice recognizing common South Florida snake species
- Learn common and scientific snake names
Following the facility portion of the program, participants will accompany biologists into the Everglades for a real herpetofauna field survey.
A typical field lab is 5-10:30 pm.
Become a Field Herpetologist
During the field portion of the program, students will learn how wildlife biologists locate, identify, document, and collect scientific data on wild snakes.
Participants will receive hands-on instruction in:
- South Florida snake identification
- Scientific names and taxonomy
- Visual encounter surveys
- Road-cruising survey techniques
- Using a Kestrel weather meter
- Habitat classification
- Documenting live wildlife observations
- Completing scientific field data sheets
- Proper field notes and observation methods
- Basic principles of ethical wildlife research
When snakes are encountered, participants will observe, identify, and document the animal while learning how field data are collected from live, wild reptiles.
What Is Road Cruising?
Our Everglades surveys are conducted primarily through a field method called road cruising.
Rather than hiking long distances through wetlands or difficult terrain, researchers slowly travel established roads while searching for reptiles that are active along or crossing the roadway.
This makes the program accessible to a wide range of participants while still providing the opportunity to experience authentic Everglades field research.
Although extensive hiking through wet or rough terrain is not required, participants should still arrive prepared for outdoor conditions.
What to Bring
A headlamp is provided for every participant.
Please wear:
- Long pants
- Closed-toed shoes
- Comfortable outdoor clothing
- Clothing appropriate for South Florida weather
We also recommend bringing water, insect repellent, and any personal items you may need for a full day outdoors.
Program Details
Location: Weston, Florida & the Everglades
Program Length: Full-day experience
Cost: $250 per participant
Class Size: Maximum of 6 participants
Small class sizes allow every student to receive individualized instruction and meaningful hands-on experience with the biologists leading the program.
Who Can Participate?
All ages are welcome.
Whether you’re a young aspiring scientist, wildlife enthusiast, photographer, future biology student, or simply someone who has always wanted to learn more about snakes, this program offers an introduction to the real-world methods used by herpetologists in the field.
No previous wildlife or scientific experience is required.
See the Everglades Through the Eyes of a Scientist
This isn’t just a wildlife tour.
You’ll learn how biologists read habitat, search for reptiles, identify species, use scientific equipment, and document wildlife observations while participating in an actual field-style survey.
Come spend a day getting your hands dirty, learning the science behind South Florida’s reptiles, and discovering what it takes to become a herpetologist.
$250 per participant | Maximum 6 participants per class
Professional photos available for $100 per person. For groups of 4 or more, it’s 250 total for a photo package.
Reserve your spot for Snake Scientist for a Day.