Stephen Robert "Steve" Irwin (born February 22, 1962 – died September 4, 2006), nicknamed "The Crocodile Hunter"

Steve Irwin was (among other things) a herpetologist. He was a scientist who studied and took care of reptiles and amphibians. Irwin was born and raised in Australia where his mother and father started the Australia Zoo. He grew up around reptiles and took over the management of the zoo as an adult. Even as a child he was involved in the care and feeding of animals and taking care of the zoo. He is best known for a successful television series called “Crocodile Hunter” in which he wrestled crocodiles.

Irwin loved nature and animals. By teaching people about animals he wanted to protect them and the habitats they live in. He wanted to share his excitement about the natural world with people and make them aware of endangered animals, or animals with low populations, and land clearing leading to loss of habitat.

Irwin died on September 4, 2006 after being pierced in the chest by a stingray barb while filming an underwater film titled “Ocean's Deadliest”.

What does a herpetologist do?

A herpetologist is a scientist who studies amphibians and reptiles. They encounter many interesting and potentially dangerous animals. There are many tools a herpetologist can use to handle, observe and assist amphibians and reptiles. A herpetologist can use a

snake hook to safely pick up snakes. If a herpetologist is working with snakes, they may keep antivenom close by in case they get bitten. Gloves are important to protect a herpetologist against bites by a lizard or snake. A scale is useful to a herpetologist for measuring the weight of a reptile or amphibian. Herpetologists work outside where they can observe snakes and amphibians. They can also work in museums and zoos. Their work can bring them inside the laboratory to observe important traits of the animals they study.

!!!!! A herpetologist using a hook.

herpetologist glove!!!!! A turtle with a tracking device,

!!!!!!!which shows where the turtle swims.