Children learn of snakes; brave ones let it slither through their sleeves

Many Tilford first-graders learned how it feels to have a snake around their neck on Friday.

The Benton County Conservation Department is now hosting a traveling snake display that is sponsored by the Iowa Association of Naturalists. Many area students have already visited the Nature Center to see the display -- and to get up close and personal with an exceptionally friendly fox snake.

Several brave first-grade students allowed the snake to wrap itself around them or even slither through their sleeves.

Conservation Director Matt Purdy said the Nature Center will soon have special night and weekend hours in the future to let the public also enjoy this display.

Tilford first grade students visited display on Friday; other classes plan visits next this coming week. Naturalist Karen Phelps met with the students and helped them handle the snake.

More than 1,500 students have visited the Nature Center since Purdy arrived as Conservation Director in April, and more than 100 more visited the center on Friday.

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SP February 11, 2013, 9:21 pm Karen Phelps, Benton County Naturalist, is amazing with the students and teaches them so much. She is so knowledgeable and has many facts to share about nature and wildlife. The Nature Center is a great learning tool in our county and it\'s worth paying a visit to see the large snake model.

JZ February 12, 2013, 4:00 pm \"like\" button!

News : Children learn of snakes; brave ones let it slither through their sleeves

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