"Show-Me Herps" new at the Nature Center
Summer is a great time to watch for northern water snakes basking in the sun or to take to the pond for a good time of frog giggin'. Snakes, in particular, have generated more fear and misunderstanding than any other group of animals, though psychologists have proven that a fear of snakes is acquired; we're not born with it. I know this to be true, as I've become less fearful of snakes as I've learned more about them and had frequent contact with the snakes at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center.
The Nature Center has a new guide book, "Show-Me Herps", which is perfect for teaching us about 50 of Missouri's amphibians and reptiles. It's the Missouri Department of Conservation's new "uncommonly colorful guide to 50 cool amphibians and reptiles in Missouri."
The coolest thing I've found in the guide so far is the Western Slender Glass Lizard, which doesn't look like a lizard at all! If I'd seen this critter in the wild I would've sword it was a snake. But in fact, the legless lizard is different from snakes in three ways, according to the guide's author John Miller. It has moveable eyelids, a detachable and regenerating tail, and ear openings, none of which you would find on a snake. To learn more about the Western Slender Glass Lizard, you'll have to pick up a copy of "Show-Me Herps".
Once people learn some of the interesting facts about snakes (and our other critters that hop, crawl or slither) they'll discover that most of them are harmless and beneficial, and their aversion may even diminish. With patience and understanding, almost anyone can overcome a dread of snakes and actually enjoy studying them. One thing is certain - even people with a well-developed fear of snakes are curious about them. In fact, the more I learn, the more curious I become.
"Show--Me Herps" was produced in the format of the popular Show-Me Bugs book, with illustrations and information that will bring the naturalist out of anyone. Illustrator Steve Buchanan--who so stunningly brought Missouri insects to life in Show-Me Bugs--works his same magic throughout this guide. Conservation Department naturalist John Miller authored the guide to be fun to read for children and adults, while including updated common and scientific names for each species. Its compact size makes it easy to carry in the field.
For more information on "Show-Me Herps" contact the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center at 573-290-5218 or go online to www.MissouriConservation.org.
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