Marking Wild Caught Snakes

[Derek1]

Is there anything OTC (Over the counter) I can use to mark snakes that will last say a year, but will not harm the snake? I catch quiet a few and am sure some are repeats in a season. I would like to mark them and see if I catch them again in the same season.

If nothing is available OTC, what is the best way to approach this?

[pet_snake_78]

You clip their scales to mark them or if you're willing to spend a little bit you can use PIT tags. Check with your state herpetologist first to find out about permits and if you have to have a plan and go before a review board and the whole bit, though. I suspect you may be turned down unless a more formal plan is in place. All is not lost, you can try using photos to identify the specific individuals. Studies show this can be 98% accurate in some cases.
I3S: Interactive Individual Identification System (http://www.reijns.com/i3s/)