Nearly 200 reptiles and amphibians representing 18 species were the result of the third annual Great Worcester Herp Search held last weekend in northern Worcester County.

Braving rainy weather Saturday, 54 volunteers scoured the Isle of Wight Wildlife Management Area, the state's William Carter Tract on Bell Road, the Weidman Farm along Greys Creek and the 2,200-acre Newport Farms to help scientists get a better glimpse at species' populations.

Their work yielded nearly a third of the county's presumed 60 remaining native reptile and amphibian species. Rare finds this year included the elusive marbled salamander, an eastern ribbon snake, and an eastern spadefoot toad which spends about 95 percent of its life underground. Additional new finds for the Herp Search included a spring peeper, often heard but rarely seen, a mud turtle, red-bellied turtle, and two juvenile black rat snakes.

The most common species found were Fowlers toads (36), and red-backed salamanders (118). Other seldom seen species included two gray tree frogs and three ringneck snakes. Like all other snake species on the Eastern Shore, besides copperheads, ringneck snakes are harmless. Because snakes are subject to indiscriminate killing, scientist are concerned about a number of snake populations on the shore. Pine snakes, corn snakes, milk snakes and scarlet snakes may have been exterminated from Worcester County.

A good sign on the trip was the number of box turtles, 13, and the large number of red-backed salamanders, 118, which usually indicate a mature, healthy forest. Other species found included a black racer, green, bull, leopard, and wood frogs, and a five-lined skink.

The event was sponsored by the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, Delmarva Low Impact Tourism Experiences (DLITE), Assateague Coastal Trust, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Salisbury University, Salisbury Zoo, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. No animals were harmed or removed from the wild during the search.

The data will help scientists better understand population trends in this important group of vertebrates. Findings will also help direct research. In Worcester, there are approximately 19 species of snakes, 15 species of frogs and toads, eight species of salamanders, 13 species of turtles and four species of lizards. If you have questions or problem reptiles please call 410-213-2297.