Science Café Raleigh - North Carolina Snakes: Facts and Fiction

North Carolina Snakes: Facts and Fiction

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

6:30-8:30 pm with discussion beginning at 7:00 followed by Q&A

Location: Tir Na Nog 218 South Blount Street, Raleigh, 833-7795

Did you know that North Carolina is home to almost 40 species of native snakes and all but six of them are non-venomous and considered harmless? Of the six venomous species found in our state, only one, the copperhead occurs statewide and is likely to be encountered in Wake County. Unfortunately, snakes are often feared and misunderstood, with many harmless species being misidentified and killed. In this café we will discuss topics including the natural history and identification of these animals, current NC legislation about snakes and other exotic reptiles, as well as the challenges involved with keeping snakes in a public Museum. This café will give you a new appreciation for this important group of reptiles.

About the Speakers:

Daniel S. Dombrowski, M.S., DVM is currently the Veterinarian and Coordinator of Living Collections at the NC Museum of Natural Sciences. In 2006, he earned a DVM from NCSU with a focus in zoo medicine and advanced courses in reptile, fish, invertebrate, avian, and wildlife medicine, and received the 2006 Wildlife Avian Aquatics and Zoo Medicine proficiency in zoological medicine award. Dan has authored and coauthored several publications in pharmacology, natural history, as well as two book chapters focusing on topics in invertebrate medicine. His interests include wildlife conservation, education and veterinary medicine.

Phil Bradley is the Assistant Coordinator / Living Collections Herpetologist at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. He maintains all of the reptile, amphibian, and related flora components at the Museum and serves as an informational resource about reptiles and amphibians for the public. He is active in a variety of societies including the NC Herpetological Society (Stewardship committee chair) as well as the North Carolina Partners in Amphibian & Reptile Conservation (a voting member of the Policy, Regulation, and Trade committee). Phil has a special interest in state and federal law pertaining to reptiles.

RSVP to kateyDOTahmannATncdenrDOTgov.