Branches from the River?

[Tiny Boidae]

So I live within walking distance of the Ohio River, and I've noticed that, particularly after a storm, huge branches and logs just pile up on the bank. It's been very tempting to go and nitpick through for something I could use in my enclosures, but what would the general opinion on this be? The river's not exactly "clean", and they were actually advising us a while ago not to drink from the tap because of pollution. Would it be safe? And would the branches be susceptible to rotting later? Thanks in advanced.

[Bandit]

I usually just let it sit out in the sun for a couple days, then freeze it for a couple of days, then put it in.

If the water is known to be dirty, I'd soak the whole branch in water with a tiny bit of bleach (emphasis on tiny). Then take it out, rinse it thoroughly, and let it sun dry for a few days. Then you could freeze it for good measure if you wanted to.

[jjhill001]

So I live within walking distance of the Ohio River, and I've noticed that, particularly after a storm, huge branches and logs just pile up on the bank. It's been very tempting to go and nitpick through for something I could use in my enclosures, but what would the general opinion on this be? The river's not exactly "clean", and they were actually advising us a while ago not to drink from the tap because of pollution. Would it be safe? And would the branches be susceptible to rotting later? Thanks in advanced.

I have friends that take wood from the Ohio river shores for their personal aquariums so I'm gonna go out on a limb and say it's safe for reptiles.

[akane]

Depends what contamination.... You can't get rid of chemicals. You can soak it out in clean water (purer the better like RO grocery store refills or aquarium stores you can get in bulk amounts for cheap) but eh.... It would be best to get info for your specific area. There's plenty of reasons humans can't drink a water source that has nothing to do with chemical pollutants which will kill animals. I collect from water sources all the time and I'd be ready to die of dehydration, I mean seriously life or death within the next night, before I'd drink out of them.