I don't think this subject is off topic at all!
It sounds like the common sense measures you should take in the field are
pretty much the same as those you should take in the ocean.  If you stick
your hand into a deep, dark hole, feeling for shells, you may encounter more
than you anticipated - regardless of whether the hole is in a dead tree stump
or a dead coral head.  Turning over rocks is a productive method both on land
and in the ocean.  In both cases, it is best to keep your hands on the upper
part of the rock, and lift the far side by pulling it toward you, so the rock
(or coral slab) remains between you and whatever is underneath.  Anything
that scoots out from underneath is likely to be heading away from you rather
than toward you.
Paul M.