Living in the desert with a bug and reptile loving daughter, it is imperative to teach her about snake safety. We regularly enjoy visiting the Usery Mountain Regional Park and I was ecstatic to see the educational opportunity on venomous reptiles.
My four year old daughter was very eager to attend the presentation and learn about rattlesnakes from reptile expert Cale Morris. Growing up in Arizona, my dad taught us that although rattlesnakes are very intriguing and beautiful, they are also very dangerous. My daughter is extremely curious about nature and regularly finds new creatures. We have read many books and watched numerous television programs about snakes but it was great having a local expert reinforce that you should never pick up a snake in the desert. Rattlesnakes are dangerous when provoked!
There were many different types of rattlesnakes safely onsite for the presentation. Cale shared many different photos of snakes and their ability to camouflage in to the desert. The speckled rattlesnake easily blends in to the dirt and rocks.
While we do have quite a few venomous and dangerous reptiles in Arizona, we also have non venomous snakes. The Sonoran Gophersnake on display was very active during the presentation.
My daughter was very attentive and soaked up all the facts about reptiles. We learned so much about venomous snakes but her favorite part of the presentation was holding a python at the end!
Do you know about the venomous reptiles where you live?
When I was about ten, my brother was almost bitten by a copperhead while we were camping. Thus, I stay away from all snakes unless they’re behind glass!