Cache River Wetlands Center-Snake Handling Exhibit-0407

Hello to all,

This is the first photo essay from our mini-vacation to Southern Illinois. On Saturday we visited the Cache River Wetlands Center for the first day of their Birding Festival. There was a raptor show (photos coming soon), bird watching, canoe tour in the swamps (photos to come), examples of different furs and bones to touch (kind of creepy), wildlife crafts to buy, and finally my personal favorite - Snakes to look and hold.

I'd like to thank Tony (a biology professor from a local college) and Tim who not only allowed me to handle these animals, but also let me join in showing the kids how to handle and respect the snakes. I had a blast. Mary took the pictures.

A timber rattler and a copperhead were available to look at (Don't Touch). There were different turtles, frogs, toads and tortises, too. Not pictured is the young hog-nosed snake that Tony had caught that day on the way to the exhibit. The hog-nose is so interesting. It hisses and expands its body when it feels threatened. If that doesn't work it'll roll over, drop its tongue out and play dead. They will not bite a person even if you put your finger in their open mouth. Guess we don't taste like a toad to them (toads are all they eat).

There were three examples of the common rat snake. The normal green/brown patterned, an amelanistic (known as albino) that is actually shades of red and pink, and an extremely rare leucistic one (all white with black eyes). In the pictures you will see the albino and white ones. The little boy was really excited to be so close, and able to touch and hold these cool creatures.

Tim holds the common rat snake and I have the leucistic (white) one. Her name is Alabaster,

"Make sure you always wash your hands after touching snakes. It's okay she won't bite. She's a really friendly snake." 

Thanks to Stephanie A. for her two articles that suggested this great mini-vacation in Southern IL. Check out her articles. More of ours from Southern Il to come.

Swampland in IL, Yes, indeed. 

Real R & R, One of the best kept secrets in IL.

Namaste, Wayne