First appearing approximately 230 million years ago, the hearty crocodilians — alligators, crocodiles, caimans and gharials — have survived nearly every earthly scenario. They have outlived dinosaurs, ice ages, mass extinctions and more, yet they have changed very little over time. Find out all you ever wanted to know about crocodilians, plus a menagerie of wild reptiles and amphibians from North Carolina and around the world, at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences’ Reptile & Amphibian Day, Saturday, March 9, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Special presentations include “Colossal Crocodilians from Prehistory to the Present,” with Museum paleontologist Christian Kammerer. The talk highlights exceptional species from the Age of Dinosaurs and the re-evolution of large body size in the Age of Mammals. Or check out “Amazing Alligators,” with naturalist Greg Skupien, and hear what it takes to catch, study and coexist with these amazing reptiles.
All floors in both buildings of the Museum will showcase dozens of exhibitors and presenters, live reptiles and amphibians (including lizards and snakes, frogs and toads, salamanders and newts, turtles and tortoises), and information on topics ranging from conservation efforts to veterinary care. You can also learn how to (safely) identify the varied venomous and non-venomous species of snake in North Carolina and learn how to attract snakes to your back yard (yes, some people do that on purpose).
Visitors may even learn to love snakes at “My First Snake,” a hands-on station where visitors can see snakes up close, and even touch them if they choose. Kids can also enjoy making take-home crafts, perusing the Pollywog Playspace (with activities “perfect for young tadpoles”), and much more.
For more information visit naturalsciences.org.
About the NC Museum of Natural Sciences
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh (11 and 121 W. Jones St.) is an active research institution that engages visitors of every age and stage of learning in the wonders of science and the natural world. In addition to two downtown buildings showcasing seven floors of world-class exhibits, the Museum runs Prairie Ridge Ecostation, a 45-acre outdoor education and research facility in west Raleigh, as well as satellite facilities in Whiteville, Greenville and Grifton (Contentnea Creek). Our mission is to illuminate the natural world and inspire its conservation. Downtown Raleigh Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. General admission is free. For more information, visit www.naturalsciences.org.
About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina – its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. Through its programs, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency.
The department manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.