Awesome Snake Science!: 40 Activities for Learning About Snakes
Introduction number of years ago my uncle John Torline handed me a white flat box You're the one person I know who would appreciate this he said I found it in my cabin I opened the box lifted a layer of cotton batting and saw a partially decomposed partially mummified snake Some of the skeleton was visible as was the snake's final meal one mouse in the belly and one mouse just by its mouth I was delighted This gift may seem quite unusual but it was from an uncle who obviously understands and supports what I do I'm not surprised by his support When I was a child I would tiptoe to his aquarium to peer at the live rattlesnakes he had captured I don't remem ber them being very active but I could occasionally hear a soft buzz I didn't realize at the time how much this experi ence made an impression on me My early exposure to snakes undoubtedly helped me to feel more com fortable around and interested in them When I got my first real job as a seasonal keeper at a local zoo I sometimes fed watered cleaned up after and han dled the snakes I later worked in nature centers where snakes are often kept as educational
Almost daily I had a snake in my hand encouraging people of all ages to touch it as they asked questions and learned more about the adaptations and ecologi cal value of these fascinating creatures I came up with The Secret of a Snake's Swallow project on page 24 to help a young girl understand how snake jaws work The success of that demonstration inspired me to try to develop even more projects and activities Although you can learn and teach a lot when you have a snake in hand the activities in this book are designed to help you learn more about snakes with out needing to have a snake right in front of you Do these projects to gain a good foundation of basic knowledge about snakes To see what you learn come to life visit nature centers museums and zoos to view live snakes Then head outside to find observe and record what snakes you see in your area keeping in mind that snakes are wild creatures that deserve
respect and protection Their numbers are dwindling in the wild even as our interest in them and knowl edge about them increases So move one away from harm if necessary but don't take it home and put in an aquarium If you want to work with live snakes volunteer your time to help someone around you who already has snakes Zoos nature centers science classrooms pet stores or animal rescue facilities are all places that might house snakes The people in these places can teach you how to properly handle care for house feed and treat captive snakes Experiences like these will be valuable if you decide to continue your study of snakes by joining snake scientists working with wild snakes in the field There is a lot to learn about snakes and the world needs more snake scientists If you are ready to become one flip the page and get
Snake Study ook around you are surrounded by snakes Where are they On flags and signs on bodies as tattoos as a part of the medical symbol in pharmacies and doctors offices in books movies and games and on exhibit in pet stores museums nature centers and zoos Unless you are in a polar region on top of very high mountains or on the islands of Ireland New Zealand or Greenland live snakes are outside and likely not too far away There are around 3 000 different kinds of snakes living around the world including the sea snakes swim ming in the warm waters of the Pacific and Indian oceans the European adder living just above the Arc tic Circle and the common garter snakes and brown snakes that call many lawns golf courses and vacant lots home Even more exciting scientists believe there are snakes that have yet to be
