Reptile lovers are in for a serpentine celebration on Friday, June 13, at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science.
World Snake Day is officially set for July 16, but museum goers young and old will get an early jump with a jam-packed day of interactive exhibits, events, and more.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Jackson museum will offer a chance to see and touch live snakes, interact with the museum’s experts, and explore how the cold-blooded creatures benefit our environment.
“We’re going to showcase as many as we’ve been able to catch,” Nicole Smith of the museum said, noting that around 20 of Mississippi’s 55 native snake species will be present. “So, it’ll be snakes throughout the building and there will be chances to learn about these wonderful and often misunderstood reptiles.”
A long list of crafts, educational activities, and learning sessions will also be a part of the four-hour event.
According to Smith, it’s also a chance for those that might be wary of the critters to have their opinion changed.
“I like to tell people that all snakes are good snakes,” Smith said. “But you don’t have to be a snake enthusiast to behave well and safely around them. Respect for snakes and their boundaries is a very good place to start and coming to an event like this is a great introduction.”
Girl Scouts of Greater Mississippi will also be able to earn the “MDWFP Museum of Natural Science Snake Day” patch, and Boy Scouts will be able to complete multiple requirements for their “Reptile and Amphibian Merit” badge.
Admission for Snake Day is free for those with a Mississippi Museum of Natural Science Foundation membership. Non-member tickets are $9 for adults, $8 for seniors (60+), $7 for youth (ages 3-18), and free for children under age 3.
You can buy Snake Day tickets here or at the museum’s entrance.
