# Poll: is handling herps for iNat ethical? **URL:** \ **Category:** Nature Talk\ **Created:** [March 12, 2020, 6:46pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/poll-is-handling-herps-for-inat-ethical/10741 "2020-03-12T18:46:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 1\ **Showing post:** 4
**Author:** ![birdwhisperer](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/forum.inaturalist.org/birdwhisperer/32/3455_2.png) [@birdwhisperer](https://forum.inaturalist.org/u/birdwhisperer)\ **Post date:** [March 12, 2020, 7:54pm UTC](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/poll-is-handling-herps-for-inat-ethical/10741/4 "2020-03-12T19:54:53Z")
Just out of curiosity, did you get the idea for this feed from [my own](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/proper-actions-to-observations-clearly-breaking-protection-laws/10733) this morning in which I made the comment: > [@Proper Actions To Observations Clearly Breaking Protection Laws](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/proper-actions-to-observations-clearly-breaking-protection-laws/10733/1): > > I like herping (reptile/amphibian catching) just to observe the species up close and sometimes it is necessary to catch them, such as the reptile being on a roadway. Yet in my home state of Oregon, most of the reptiles are protected under similar laws to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, where I’m not even allowed to touch the reptile. So it’s like, where do we draw the line on what’s acceptable or not. Personally, I do not see the harm in catching snakes or lizards. I mean, my dad has been a herp for almost 50+ years now and I’m sure if he had a problem with it, or have seen problems regarding it, he would know. I believe the biggest issue regarding holding herps is legality. As mentioned in the quote above, Oregon has many laws that won’t even allow me to hold herps and if I’m caught, I can get quite a hefty fine. I think the reason those laws are in place is not because it’s bad to hold them is because I know a lot of people who would much rather catch and keep a bullsnake in their backyard instead of spending $200 on python or boa in the pet store. --- _[View the full topic](https://forum.inaturalist.org/t/poll-is-handling-herps-for-inat-ethical/10741)._