Snakes often strike fear in individuals, but Herpetology specialist Mike Wines exhibited some rare reptiles July 23 to help local children and citizens to better understand these often discounted creatures.
The presentation took place in the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve amphitheater.
Wines along with his wife, Michelle, displayed five different snakes and a rare Gila monster.
The most venomous snake presented was the Eastern Diamond Back, and because of its high volume of venom, when it bites, it injects more venom than any other snake in Alabama.
The Coral Snake is a close second, as its neurotoxic venom is more lethal, but less commonly seen because of the rarity.
The most common snakes among the group were the water moccasin and Copperhead.
The Gila Monster also entertained the audience. The phrase "fire breathing dragon" comes from the intense pain caused by a bite from this fiery lizard.
Wines led an open atmosphere presentation in hopes of educating families on things unknown and maybe surprising to most individuals.
"I enjoy educating people about snakes so they know what to do when they encounter them," Wines said. "Snakes are very misunderstood animals, and we do our best to help people further understand what they really are."
A common theme throughout the event was that snakes are not as hostile as most people think.
"If we can teach people that snakes are not usually the aggressive creatures we often think of, I believe we start to understand the more beautiful side of them," said Jennifer Lolley, ecology preserve administrator.
Wines also discussed what to when you are bit by a snake, and he said sucking venom out after you are bit only makes the situation worse.
"The best thing to do when it comes to snake bites is to just not get bitten," Wines said.
If a person is ever bitten, the best thing to do is get to a hospital as soon as possible or have medical professionals come to you.
Children didn't look too afraid as they lined up at the chance to pet and hold various nonvenomous snakes, including the Bald Python and California King snake.
"I love these events," said Carmen Richardson, preserve volunteer. "My daughter is only 3, but always enjoys events at the preserve. You just can't find events like this anywhere else."
The Orianne Project, a foundation working with Auburn and other universities to save the Eastern Indigo snake, participated in the presentation.
Lolley also introduced the new dean for the school of forestry and wildlife sciences Jim Shepard.
Shepard said he hopes to see the consistent effort of the preserve maintained as an example for people around the state.
"My vision is for this preserve to be one of the most distinguished around, and with events such as these and the consistent work that Jennifer and her volunteers put in, that shouldn't be too hard to accomplish," Shepard said.
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