Outreach herpetologist Dennis Ferraro and 25 of his closest reptilian associates will meet and greet the public in a "reptiles in the round" format, 3-8 p.m., Oct. 12 in Hardin Hall. The event is free and open to the public.
The selection of snakes, lizards and turtles - all native to Nebraska - will include rare and elusive creatures that are seldom seen by humans, as well as all four species of venomous snakes that call the state home, and some of the other 25 non-venomous snakes.
"They'll see many secretive reptiles that they probably didn't realize are right in their backyard," Ferraro said. "Some others are very low in numbers, species that are rare and in need of conservation, so if they do see them, they'll know you should try to help them or leave them alone.
"We'll help them recognize species they should be reporting, species that are in decline or in need of conservation. They can become good citizen scientists and add data to our collection."
Photos of some species as well as the newly released Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Nebraska will be for sale at Maps and More, the store in the first-floor lobby of Hardin Hall.
Ferraro is a professor in the School of Natural Resources who drives about 5,000 miles each summer to monitor Nebraska's various species of reptiles and amphibians. He released an 11-track CD, "Frog Calls of Nebraska," in 2008, and followed up with a video, "Handling an American Alligator."
Refreshments will be available and parking will be free.
- Kelly Helm Smith, Natural Resources
More details at: http://go.unl.edu/68r