When scientists step out of the safety of a lab, anything can happen. Here are some of the funniest #fieldworkfail stories that researchers are sharing on Twitter.
Outside of a controlled environment, things can get a little messy.
1.
That sinking feeling when you realise you have inadvertently exchanged saliva with a dead jackal #fieldworkfail
2.
When you are collecting cheetah poop and drop some on yourself. #fieldworkfail #distractinglysexy
3.
The first time I hiked to active lava flows in HI, I melted the soles of my boots. Then I went through water and they shrank. #fieldworkfail
4.
Spilled dirty ethanol & clove oil down front of wetsuit. Had 2 pretend I wasn't getting chemical burns while talking to crew #fieldworkfail
It's easy to be distracted when there's so much going on around you.
5.
Skillfully applied thousand dollar satellite tag to manta ray. The same manta ray I tagged yesterday #fieldworkfail
6.
Caught in thunderstorm, ditched metal auger to be safe. When I got back remembered I was wearing GPS backpack with 3m aerial. #fieldworkfail
7.
Thinking you are alone having a peaceful pee, only to straighten up and find cars full of tourists looking at you. #fieldworkfail
8.
Leave mess tent not wearing my glasses, wonder where the brown tent came from & why it's moving. Opposite of Bear Aware. #fieldworkfail
Occasionally there are some technical difficulties.
9.
I thought I was deleting just 1 picture from the digital camera. Nope. Erased. All. The. Pictures #fieldworkfail
10.
For 20% of my camera traps, this was their fate: death by elephant #fieldworkfail
And your vehicle sacrifices itself for the sake of science.
11.
On the first day of field work for my MS thesis, my car got stuck on some train tracks and yes, got hit by a train. #FieldWorkFail
12.
Sank the boat in the middle of a crocodile survey. Twice. #fieldworkfail
13.
When you lose any entire wheel on drive. I mean an entire wheel. #fieldworkfail
Other times, things might elude you.
14.
A lizard that had eluded capture for weeks jumped on my head and ran down the entire length of me. I still couldn't catch it. #fieldworkfail
15.
Spent 15 min. in W. Texas trying to identify rodent in live trap. Field guide failed to help. It was a Hamster. #fieldworkfail
16.
While tracking large alligator, remarked to colleagues, "Wow, these tracks look really fresh!" Looked up. "Oh, there it is." #fieldworkfail
Just do your best to avoid sticky situations.
17.
Accidentally glued myself to a crocodile while attaching a radio transmitter. #fieldworkfail
18.
Not a crocodile but I accidentally glued myself to a very angry crab. #fieldworkfail #Igluedmyself @AgataStaniewicz
And always do the best with what you've got.
19.
Forgot to bring enough seasickness meds to Tarawa. Attempt to purchase locally w/ gestures led to a corset & pregnancy test #fieldworkfail
20.
Having to 'ride' the model #shark to the sea floor because it's just too buoyant #fieldworkfail
21.
Muskox fell into our excavation block, destroyed our walls and peed everywhere. Muskox fine, stinky digging, however #fieldworkfail
When in doubt, laugh and take a picture.
22.
Finding out the ground was not as stable as appeared #Askja #Fieldworkfail camerawoman took pic instead of helping
Or just terrify some children.
23.
Released a goldfinch "Mr flappy" that was immediately captured by a falcon in front of 24 horrified middle school girls #fieldworkfail