Reptile and Amphibian Study Merit Badge

Free Resources and Answers

Time: 2–4 weeks
Difficulty: Moderate
Setting: Outdoor observation, indoor study
Best For: Scouts interested in reptiles, amphibians, wildlife
Hands-On Level: Moderate
Eagle Required: No

The Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badge introduces you to some of nature’s most interesting animals. As you work on this badge, you learn how reptiles and amphibians are alike and how they are different. You also discover where they live and how they fit into their habitats. This helps you see how each creature has a purpose in the natural world.

As you complete the requirements, you practice observing reptiles and amphibians in a careful way. You learn how they move, eat, and survive in different environments. You also explore how these animals have changed over time. This gives you a better understanding of how nature works and how living things adapt.

Working on this badge helps you build useful skills. You practice watching closely, taking notes, and thinking about what you see. You also learn why it is important to protect habitats. This can help you become a better steward of the environment and more aware of the world around you.

The requirements for this merit badge were updated effective January 1, 2025.

Reptile and Amphibian Study Merit Badge Requirements

Reptile and Amphibian Study Merit Badge Pamphlet

Reptile and Amphibian Study Merit Badge Printable Requirement Check Off Sheet

Checklist for All Merit Badges

Help with Answers for Reptile and Amphibian Study Merit Badge Requirements

Find specific helps for some of the Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badge requirements listed below. Some of these resources will just give the answers. Others will provide engaging ways for older Scouts to introduce these concepts to new Scouts.

• Requirement 1: Characteristics
• Requirement 2: Locations
• Requirement 3: Differences
• Requirement 4: Environment
• Requirement 5: Compare
• Requirement 6: Snake Movement
• Requirement 7: Venomous Creatures
• Requirement 8: Observation
• Requirement 9: Identify
• Requirement 10: Superstitions
• More Resources

Requirement 1: Identify And Describe Species

What You Need To Do
Describe six reptiles and four amphibians found in the United States. Include their markings, habits, and habitats. Make sketches or take photos of four of the species you studied. Show markings and features used for identification.

Helpful Tips

• Pick species you can find near your home or camp.
• Use a field guide or park signs to help identify animals.
• Look at color, patterns, and body shape.
• Write down where each animal lives, like forest, pond, or desert.
• Record what each animal eats and when it is active.
• Keep notes in a small notebook so you do not forget details.
• Choose a mix of turtles, snakes, lizards, frogs, and salamanders.

Resources

• Reptiles of the United States (website)
• Amphibians of the United States (website)

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts choose common local species.
• Guide Scouts to use their own notes during discussion.
• Ask simple questions to help them share what they learned.
• Encourage clear and short answers.
• Make sure all 10 species are covered.

Requirement 2: Locations

What You Need To Do
Talk with your counselor about how many reptile and amphibian species live in the United States and where they are found. Make a list of common species in your area or state.

Helpful Tips

• Learn the main groups like turtles, snakes, lizards, frogs, and salamanders.
• Remember that warmer areas usually have more species.
• Know that salamanders are common in the eastern United States.
• Know that lizards are more common in the south and west.
• Think about local habitats like ponds, forests, and fields.
• Write down at least a few species you can find nearby.
• Ask a park ranger or look at local nature signs for ideas.
• Keep your list simple and focused on common animals.

Resources

• Find Amphibian and Reptile Species in Your Area (website)

Leader Tips

• Guide Scouts to think about local habitats first.
• Encourage use of field guides or park resources.
• Help Scouts connect species to where they live.
• Keep the discussion simple and focused on patterns.

Requirement 3a: Amphibians And Reptiles

What You Need To Do
Describe how amphibians and reptiles are different. Include skin, life cycle, and habitat.

Helpful Tips

• Amphibians have smooth, moist skin.
• Reptiles have dry, scaly skin.
• Amphibians start life in water as larvae.
• Reptiles hatch as small versions of adults.
• Amphibians need water for eggs and early life.
• Reptiles can live in drier places.
• Think of frogs and salamanders for amphibians.
• Think of snakes and turtles for reptiles.

Resources

• Reptiles vs Amphibians: (video)
• What’s the Difference Between Reptiles and Amphibians? (video)

Leader Tips

• Use simple examples Scouts can picture.
• Encourage use of local species.
• Ask Scouts to compare two animals side by side.
• Keep the focus on clear differences.

Requirement 3b: Alligators And Crocodiles

What You Need To Do
Describe how alligators and crocodiles are different. Include snout shape, teeth, and habitat.

Helpful Tips

• Alligators have wide, rounded snouts.
• Crocodiles have long, narrow snouts.
• Alligators live mostly in freshwater.
• Crocodiles can live in salt or brackish water.
• Alligator teeth are mostly hidden when the mouth is closed.
• Crocodile teeth show on both jaws when closed.
• Alligators are common in the southeastern United States.
• Crocodiles are rare in the United States.

Resources

• Alligator or Crocodile – What’s the Difference? (video)

Leader Tips

• Use pictures to show snout shapes.
• Keep the comparison simple and visual.
• Let Scouts point out differences.
• Review each key feature together.

Requirement 3c: Toads And Frogs

What You Need To Do
Describe how toads and frogs are different. Include skin, movement, and habitat.

Helpful Tips

• Frogs have smooth, moist skin.
• Toads have dry, bumpy skin.
• Frogs have long legs for jumping.
• Toads have shorter legs for walking or short hops.
• Frogs stay close to water.
• Toads can live in drier places.
• Frog eggs are laid in clusters.
• Toad eggs are laid in long strings.

Resources

• Differences Between Frogs & Toads (video)
• What Is the Difference Between Frogs and Toads? (video)
• Frogs and Toads: What’s the Difference? (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to think about where they see each one.
• Use simple drawings or photos.
• Let Scouts share real-life sightings.
• Focus on easy traits to remember.

Requirement 3d: Snakes And Lizards

What You Need To Do
Describe how snakes and lizards are different. Include body features and movement.

Helpful Tips

• Snakes do not have legs.
• Most lizards have legs.
• Snakes move by slithering.
• Lizards walk or run on legs.
• Snakes do not have eyelids.
• Lizards can blink.
• Snakes do not have external ears.
• Lizards have ear openings.

Resources

• How Are Snakes Different From Lizards? (video)

Leader Tips

• Use clear, simple comparisons.
• Point out features on pictures or models.
• Encourage Scouts to describe what they see.
• Keep the focus on easy-to-spot traits.

Requirement 4: Environment

What You Need To Do
Explain why reptiles and amphibians are important in nature. List four protected species and three reptiles and three amphibians in your area that are not protected. Include what all 10 species eat.

Helpful Tips

• Reptiles and amphibians help control insects and pests.
• They are also food for birds, fish, and other animals.
• Pick protected species like the Eastern Indigo Snake or Gopher Tortoise.
• Include why each one is protected, such as habitat loss or pollution.
• Choose local species like garter snakes, painted turtles, or bullfrogs.
• Write down what each species eats, like insects, plants, or small animals.
• Keep your list simple and organized.
• Use a field guide or local park information to help.

Resources

• Ecological Roles of Reptiles and Amphibians (website with videos)
• Dying for Protection: Amphibians and Reptiles (video)
• Search for Endangered Species in Your Area | U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (website)
• Feeding Our Amphibians (video)

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts choose species they can learn about easily.
• Encourage use of local examples when possible.
• Check that food habits are included for all species.
• Keep the discussion focused on simple roles in nature.

Requirement 5: Reproduction

What You Need To Do
Compare how reptiles reproduce and how amphibians reproduce. Include eggs, environment, and early life stages.

Helpful Tips

• Reptiles lay eggs with leathery or hard shells.
• These eggs can be laid on land in dry areas.
• Young reptiles hatch looking like small adults.
• Amphibians lay soft, jelly-like eggs.
• These eggs are laid in water or very wet places.
• Young amphibians hatch as larvae, like tadpoles.
• They change form as they grow into adults.
• Think about frogs for amphibians and turtles for reptiles.

Resources

• Reptile vs Amphibian (video)
• Lifecycle of an Amphibian (Frog) (video)
• How Lizards Reproduce (Video)
• What Are Oviparous and Viviparous Snakes? (video)

Leader Tips

• Use simple life cycle examples for each group.
• Encourage Scouts to compare side by side.
• Focus on eggs and early stages of life.
• Keep explanations short and clear.

Requirement 6: Snake Movement

What You Need To Do
Describe how snakes move forward. Include how muscles, ribs, and belly plates work together.

Helpful Tips

• Watch a snake in a safe setting like a zoo or nature center.
• Snakes use muscles along the body to push and pull.
• Ribs move with the muscles to help bend the body.
• Belly plates grip the ground and push backward.
• This push moves the snake forward.
• Snakes can move in curves, straight lines, or side to side.
• Look closely at how the body forms waves as it moves.
• Write a few clear sentences about each body part.

Resources

• How Snakes Move! (They Don’t Just Slither!) (video)
• How Do Snakes Move? (video)

Leader Tips

• Use videos if live observation is not possible.
• Encourage careful and safe viewing.
• Ask Scouts to describe each body part clearly.
• Keep the focus on how the parts work together.

Requirement 7: Venomous Creatures

What You Need To Do
Describe six venomous snakes and one venomous lizard in the United States. Include where they live, how they act, and what to do if a bite happens.

Helpful Tips

• Copperheads live in eastern forests and fields and blend in with brown patterns.
• Cottonmouths live near water in the Southeast and may show a white mouth when threatened.
• Coral snakes have red, yellow, and black bands and live in the Southeast.
• Timber rattlesnakes live in wooded areas in the eastern United States and hunt small animals.
• Mojave rattlesnakes live in dry desert areas in the Southwest and hunt rodents and birds.
• Sidewinder rattlesnakes live in sandy deserts and move in a sideways motion across the ground.
• Many venomous snakes hunt small animals like rodents, birds, and frogs.
• The Gila monster lives in the desert Southwest and moves slowly.
• The Gila monster eats eggs, small animals, and birds.
• If a bite happens, stay calm and move away from the animal.
• Call 911 and keep the person still with the bite area low.
• Avoid using ice, cutting the skin, or trying to remove venom.

Resources

The Most VENOMOUS Snakes in the US (video)

Leader Tips

• Focus on safety and respect for wildlife.
• Encourage clear and simple descriptions.
• Review correct first aid steps for bites.
• Keep discussion calm and factual.

Requirement 8a: Care And Record

What You Need To Do
Care for a reptile, amphibian, or their eggs for at least one month. Keep records about feeding, behavior, and habitat conditions.

Helpful Tips

• The habitat needs proper temperature, light, and humidity.
• Reptiles often need heat and special lighting.
• Amphibians need moisture and clean water.
• Record what food is given and how it is eaten.
• Note changes in color or shedding of skin.
• Write down daily or weekly habits and activity.
• Keep the enclosure clean and provide fresh water.
• Find a safe home for the animal when the study ends.

Resources

• Pet Journaling: Track Your Pet’s Needs and Your Time Efficiently (website)

Leader Tips

• Check that the species is allowed and safe to keep.
• Guide Scouts in setting up proper habitats.
• Encourage regular record keeping.
• Review care plans and safety rules.

Requirement 8b: Observation Study

What You Need To Do
Observe a reptile or amphibian at a zoo, aquarium, or nature center for three months. Record changes, care, and behavior.

Helpful Tips

• Visit the same animal once each week.
• Sketch the animal and its habitat each time.
• Note changes in color, shedding, and behavior.
• Record what the animal eats and how often.
• Learn about its natural habitat and range.
• Find its life span and natural predators.
• Include threats like habitat loss or pollution.
• Write about how the habitat is maintained in captivity.

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts choose an easy location to visit often.
• Encourage simple and clear observations.
• Guide questions about care and habitat.
• Check that records are complete over time.

Requirement 9a: Identify Frogs And Toads By Voice

What You Need To Do
Identify three frogs or toads by their calls at night. Imitate each call and find where the sound comes from.

Helpful Tips

• Frogs and toads call most often at night near water.
• Each species has a unique sound like a trill, croak, or chirp.
• Spring peepers make a high “peep” sound.
• Bullfrogs make a deep “jug-o’-rum” sound.
• Use a flashlight to locate the animal making the call.
• Look near pond edges, grass, or low plants.
• Watch how the throat moves when the call is made.
• Practice the sound so you can repeat it clearly.

Resources

• Frog Sounds: Why They Make Them (Examples) (video)

Leader Tips

• Choose a safe outdoor location for night visits.
• Encourage careful listening before looking.
• Help Scouts connect sounds to species.
• Keep the activity calm and focused.

Requirement 9b: Identify By Sight

What You Need To Do
Identify eight reptiles or amphibians by sight.

Helpful Tips

• Look at body shape, color, and markings.
• Garter snakes have long bodies with stripes.
• Painted turtles have dark shells with red and yellow edges.
• Green anoles can change from green to brown.
• Box turtles have high, domed shells.
• Bullfrogs are large and live near water.
• Spotted salamanders have black bodies with yellow spots.
• Check where the animal is found to help with identification.

Resources

• Reptiles of the United States (website)
• Amphibians of the United States (website)

Leader Tips

• Encourage use of field guides or charts.
• Help Scouts focus on clear features.
• Review each species together.
• Make sure all eight are correctly identified.

Requirement 9c: Share A Short Talk

What You Need To Do
Give a short talk to a small group about three reptiles or amphibians using visual aids.

Helpful Tips

• Choose three animals with clear differences.
• Use pictures, drawings, or simple charts.
• Include where each animal lives and what it eats.
• Describe one or two key features for each animal.
• Practice your talk before sharing it.
• Speak slowly and clearly so others can follow.
• Keep your talk short and easy to understand.
• Be ready to answer a simple question at the end.

Leader Tips

• Help Scouts choose clear and simple visuals.
• Encourage practice before presenting.
• Keep the group small and supportive.
• Focus on clear speaking and basic facts.

Requirement 10: Superstitions

What You Need To Do
Share five false beliefs about reptiles and amphibians and give the correct facts. Also give seven true facts or unusual behaviors.

Helpful Tips

• Some people think toads cause warts, but their skin only has glands for defense.
• Some believe snakes chase people, but most try to escape and avoid danger.
• Some think frogs bring bad luck, but they are just active when it is wet.
• Some say all venomous snakes have triangle heads, but head shape is not a safe guide.
• Some think salamanders are dangerous to touch, but simple hand washing keeps things safe.
• Some believe snakes can hypnotize prey, but they rely on quick strikes instead.
• Some think lizards always drop their tails when touched, but this happens only under stress.
• Many snakes use their tongues to sense smells in the air.
• Some frogs can freeze in winter and survive until spring.
• Certain lizards can regrow lost tails over time.
• Some snakes give birth to live young instead of laying eggs.
• Many amphibians breathe through their skin as well as lungs.
• Some reptiles bask in the sun to control body temperature.
• A few species can change color to blend with their surroundings.

Resources

• Debunking Common Reptile and Amphibian Myths & Misconceptions (video)

Leader Tips

• Encourage Scouts to correct myths with clear facts.
• Keep examples simple and easy to remember.
• Allow Scouts to share facts in their own words.
• Focus on building respect for these animals.

Wildlife Management Troop Program Feature for Scouts BSA

The Wildlife Management program feature helps Scouts learn how nature stays in balance. Meetings often include topics like habitats, food chains, and how animals depend on each other. Scouts look at how human actions can help or harm wildlife. These ideas connect well with the Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badge, where you learn about how animals live and interact with their environment.

This program also includes hands-on activities. Scouts might visit a wildlife area or help with a conservation project. These experiences make learning real and give Scouts a chance to see wildlife up close. It also helps them see how science and good planning protect animals. These activities support the skills needed for this merit badge and build a sense of responsibility.

Nature and Environment Troop Program Feature for Scouts BSA Troops

The Nature and Environment program feature focuses on how living things are connected. Scouts learn about plants, animals, and the places they live. Activities often include identifying species and learning how energy moves through the food chain. These lessons match well with the Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badge, where you study how these animals fit into their habitats.

Outdoor activities are an important part of this program. Scouts may go on hikes, visit nature centers, or work with local experts. These trips help Scouts see real examples of what they learn in meetings. They also help build respect for nature and an interest in protecting it. This makes the learning practical and meaningful.

Science Program Feature for Scouts BSA

The Science program feature helps Scouts learn how to ask questions and find answers. Meetings include simple experiments and activities that show how science works. Scouts practice skills like observing, recording, and comparing results. These are the same skills used when working on the Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badge.

Scouts also take part in larger activities like museum visits or science events. These give them a chance to see science in action. They may learn about research, technology, or how scientists study the natural world. This helps Scouts see how science connects to everyday life and to the study of animals and habitats.

More Merit Badge Resources

The Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badge is a good way to learn about wildlife. It helps you build skills in observation and careful thinking. You learn how animals live, what they eat, and how they survive. This adds to the range of topics in the merit badge program and shows how science and outdoor skills work together.

This badge also connects to others that focus on animals and nature. Scouts who enjoy this topic often continue with Mammal Study, Insect Study, or Environmental Science. These badges build on the same ideas and help you see how all living things are connected. This gives you many ways to keep learning.

Learn More about Scouts BSA

The Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badge supports the goals of Scouts BSA. It helps you slow down, pay attention, and think carefully about what you see. You learn how to gather information and make sense of it. These habits are useful in many parts of Scouting and in everyday life.

It also helps you grow as a responsible member of your community. You learn how your actions affect the environment. You see why it is important to protect habitats and wildlife. These lessons help you make better choices and take care of the world around you.

What is the Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badge?

The Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badge teaches Scouts about reptiles and amphibians, their habitats, behaviors, and roles in nature. It helps Scouts learn how to observe and care for these animals responsibly.

Do I need to handle reptiles or amphibians to complete the Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badge?

No, you don’t have to handle them. You can observe them in the wild, at a zoo, or other approved location. If you do handle them, follow safety rules and your Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badge counselor’s guidelines.

Can I work with venomous reptiles for the Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badge?

No, Scouts are not allowed to handle or keep venomous reptiles as part of the Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badge. Safety is very important.

What do I need to do to care for a reptile or amphibian for the Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badge?

You must get approval from your Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badge counselor, create a proper habitat, and maintain it for at least a month. You’ll track its feeding, behavior, and any changes like shedding or coloration.

What if I don’t want to keep an animal for the Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badge?

You can choose to observe reptiles or amphibians at a zoo, nature center, or similar place. You’ll visit weekly for three months, make sketches, and record your observations.

How do I find reptiles and amphibians in the wild for the Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badge?

Look in their natural habitats, such as wetlands, forests, or grassy areas. Frogs and toads are often active near water at night, and reptiles like turtles and lizards are more active during the day.

What should I do if I hear frogs at night for the Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badge?

You can use a flashlight to locate frogs. Observe them singing and note their behavior. This helps with the part of the Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badge that involves identifying frogs by their calls.

Are there endangered reptiles or amphibians I should avoid?

Yes, some species are protected by law. Always check local and federal regulations before observing or collecting reptiles or amphibians. Your Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badge counselor can help you with this.

Do I need special equipment for the Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badge?

You may need simple tools like a flashlight, notebook, and field guide to help identify reptiles and amphibians. If you’re setting up a habitat, you’ll need equipment like a tank, heat lamp, and substrate.

Why is the Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badge important?

The Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badge helps Scouts understand how these animals contribute to ecosystems. It also teaches responsibility, observation skills, and conservation awareness.

The Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badge helps Scouts dive into the fascinating world of reptiles and amphibians. From observing turtles and frogs to learning about snake movement, this badge teaches Scouts about these unique creatures and their role in nature. Scouts gain hands-on experience by caring for or observing animals, sketching them, and studying their behaviors.

This merit badge also helps Scouts understand how reptiles and amphibians adapt to their habitats. They learn how these animals survive and thrive in their environments, including their diets, reproduction, and predators. It also explores the challenges they face, such as habitat loss and climate change, and the laws that protect them.

Completing the Reptile and Amphibian Study merit badge encourages Scouts to develop observation skills and a deeper appreciation for wildlife. It’s a great opportunity to connect with nature while learning about conservation and responsible animal care. Whether stalking frogs at night or studying lizards in the wild, this badge is full of exciting discoveries.