Counter Coronavirus-Induced Boredom With The 'Herp Observer' App

CRANSTON, RI — As mandatory social distancing becomes the norm across Rhode Island, it's understandable that school children — and even their families — are getting a little antsy. The Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife is looking to counter that boredom with an educational experience, all by way of a mobile app.

The Herp Observer application — available on iPhone, Android and PC — turns everyday people into herpetologists: scientists who study amphibians and reptiles.

And, while restaurants and bars are closed to walk-in customers across the state, the great outdoors remains open for business (with the exception of some city parks and facilities).

Read more: Cranston Coronavirus: Parks Close, City Tax Deadline Delayed

The app is designed to let Rhode Island residents make contact with nature and learn to observe and identify frogs, toads, salamanders, snakes and turtles.

Users of the app can photograph the reptiles and amphibians and submit them directly to the Division of Fish and Wildlife's biologists, helping the division better understand which species of animals live in the state and where.

The division reminds users they don't have to find rare species to participate — all observations are welcome.

"On behalf of the slimy, scaly, slow-moving, and shy critters ofRhode Island, thanks for being a Herp Observer," the division wrote.

The application is available on mobile phones and PC. Click here and follow the on-screen instructions to download the application for mobile phones and computers.