An enthusiastic CCARI fan holding a box turtle

On Saturday, September 8, 2001 CCARI, the Catawba Lands Conservancy, Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation, and Davidson College hosted REPTILE DAY at the Reedy Creek Nature Center in Charlotte, NC. The day proved to be a huge success with over 180 people of all ages attending.

Davidson senior David Stroupe shows off a snapping turtle

Visitors were introduced to the reptiles and amphibians of native to the Charlotte Metro area and informed about their identification, habits, and conservation.

Davidson student Kristine Grayson showing off an eastern kingsnake

Visitors were encouraged to touch or hold many of the animals, which included seven species of amphibians, five turtles, three lizards, and nine species of snakes. Some of the show-stoppers included a large snapping turtle, a six-foot black rat snake, and some beautiful spotted and marbled salamanders.

The highlight of the afternoon was a talk by Davidson Professor Mike Dorcas on the venomous snakes of North Carolina.

Mike Dorcas with "Jerry" the Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake

Mike Dorcas introducing a copperhead, the most common venomous snake in our area

While discussing the biology of venomous snakes from this region, Mike displayed live examples of five of the six species of venomous snakes found in North Carolina. From the tiny pigmy rattlesnake to "Jerry" an almost six-foot eastern diamondback rattlesnake, the audience was captivated and overflowing with questions. Mike used the live snakes to explain various aspects of the snake's behavior and show that venomous snakes are a valuable part of North Carolina's natural heritage that should be treasured and conserved.

Other CCARI Fans