Using Zip Lock Bags to Observe Animals

"Treat them the way you would want to be treated."

Catching Animals

• Allow animals to crawl onto a leaf, stick, piece of paper, etc. Then place the animal and the object it is on in the bag. This will prevent their bodies from being harmed.

Keeping Animals

• After catching a land animal, inflate the bag like a balloon before sealing it. This will give enough air and space for the animal to be comfortable during observations.
• Create a mini environment in the bag that is similar to the environment where the animal was found. For example:
  • Animals with moist skin (i.e., worms, frogs, salamanders, etc.) need moisture added to the bag. The easiest way to do this is to add moist soil or water from the environment where the animal was captured.
  • Aquatic animals need a water environment in the bag.
• Use common sense--don't try to force an animal that is too large into your bag.
• Do not leave the bag in direct sunlight. The living things inside will overheat and die.

Handling Animals

• Handle with care!
• Wet your hands before handling aquatic animals, or animals with moist skin.

Releasing

• RELEASE your animal within 30 minutes in the same location you found it.
• Open the bag and gently pour out the contents.