CRUNCH takes a bite out of Reptile and Amphibian Day for the second year in a row: Giant alligator snapping turtle returns to Museum with tiny companion, CRUMB
February 22 , 2006
For calendar and entertainment writers/editors.
RALEIGH -- By popular demand, CRUNCH -- the 150-year-old,
165-pound alligator snapping turtle -- is back as this year's special
guest at the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences' 13th annual
Reptile and Amphibian Day, held Saturday, March 11 from 9 a.m.
to 5 p.m. This one-day, free event is the largest of its kind in
the country.
Crunch comes to the Museum from the Blackwater Turtle Refuge in Churubusco, Indiana.
Crunch has appeared on CNN as one of the largest turtles of its kind left alive
in the world -- he measures more than four feet long from nose to tail. Huge
turtles like Crunch used to be relatively common, but hunting and habitat disruption
have decimated the population. Don't miss the opportunity to look this rare giant
in the eyes through the walls of his 700-gallon aquarium!
At Reptile and Amphibian Day, you'll also come face-to-face with live frogs,
toads, salamanders, turtles, lizards, crocodilians and snakes as you learn about
their habits and habitats. New this year are displays of live chameleons (one
over 15 inches long), African rhinoceros vipers, specimens from the largest private
collectionof reticulated pythons in the state (these grow to over 25 feet long),
and an exhibit on the amazing color variations of captive-bred green tree pythons.
"The event has grown in stature and popularity since its inception, and this
year will feature more than 50 exhibits, displays, activities and presentations," said
Bob Flook, the Museum's coordinator of educational events. "Visitors will see
almost 200 live reptiles and amphibians, many never before on public display
in this area. They can also learn ways to assist in statewide conservation
efforts starting with just a little effort in their own backyard."
Visitors of all ages will enjoy this special event. Children can play a variety
of games including "Feed the Frog," where kids get to throw fuzzy bugs attached
to tennis balls onto the velcro tongue of an oversized model frog. There's also
a scavenger hunt ("Herp Hunt") that awards prizes to the kids who find the most
reptiles and amphibians. At the "Slinky Snakes" craft area, kids can make their
own slithering snake mobile and "Scales and Tails Bingo" will feature fun facts
about reptiles and amphibians.
Families can learn how to find and identify reptiles and amphibians in their
own backyards, or ask questions of our resident experts who will be able to explain
the differences between reptiles and amphibians, what defines a frog and a toad,
and if dinosaurs were really reptiles. Additional exhibits include guidance for
potential "Herp" (reptile and amphibian) pet owners as well as advice from veterinarians
that specialize in exotic animals.
The event is co-sponsored by the North Carolina Herpetological Society. Admission
is free. Lunch, snacks and beverages will be available on Bicentennial Plaza
and at the Museum's Acro Café. Plus, topical T-shirts, posters and books
will be sold at the special one-day-only "Herp Shop."
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, in downtown Raleigh, documents and interprets the natural history of the state of North Carolina through exhibits, research, collections, publications, and educational programming. Hours: Mon.-Sat., 9 am to 5 pm, and Sun., noon to 5 pm. Admission is free. Visit the Museum on the Web at naturalsciences.org. The Museum is an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, William G. Ross Jr., Secretary.
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