Nature center hosts reptile and amphibian festival

Nature center hosts reptile and amphibian festival

Come explore the fascinating world of amphibians and reptiles Saturday, Oct. 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Chinsegut Nature Center, just north of Brooksville. The 14th annual Reptile and Amphibian Festival is hosted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).

The public is invited to join in the festivities featuring live displays of snakes, other reptiles and amphibians. Festival goers can take a guided tour of a gopher tortoise trail with experts who sneak a peak at the secret home life of a gopher tortoise by using a specially designed burrow cam. In addition, visitors can have a close up encounter with the state's official reptile at the FWC's Alligator Management Program exhibit.

Children and adults can enjoy a reptile and amphibian puppet show, participate in the popular frog-calling contest and give an ear to show-and-tell talks about a variety of herpetological subjects - including Florida's eastern diamondback rattlesnakes, featuring Dr. Bruce Means. Means is the co-author of "Priceless Florida" and the new book release, "Stalking the Plumed Serpent."

"It's a great opportunity to learn about the differences between venomous and nonvenomous snakes and to broaden your perspective on Florida's native salamanders and frogs," said Kristin Wood, Chinsegut Nature Center biologist and director.

Native plants and natural history books will be on display and available for sale. Food and drink will be available for purchase from vendors. Teachers can receive in-service credit for attending.

Because the area is a wildlife and environmental area, no pets except service dogs are allowed.

To get to Chinsegut Nature Center, travel approximately seven miles north of Brooksville on U.S. 41, turn left on County Road 476 and go one mile to the entrance on the left. For additional information, contact the Chinsegut Nature Center at 352-754-6722.

For more information on Chinsegut Nature Center, go to http://MyFWC.com/chinsegut or call Kristin Wood at 352-754-6722.