Alligator River/Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge P. O. Box 1969 Manteo, North Carolina 27954 Contact: Bonnie Strawser - 252-473-1131 Back to News Home Page

News Release

October 3, 2006

Photo credit: JB's Rattles
Students at Moyock Elementary School participate in a recent JB's Rattles Show

Photo credit: JB's Rattles
This harmless hog-nosed snake is just one of many snakes commonly thought to be venomous. Hog-nosed snakes eat toads and are well-know for "playing 'possum" because they often roll over and play dead when threatened.

Plan to Attend JB's Rattles Reptile Shows at Wildfest on October 21, 2006

Mark your calendars now for Wildfest 2006! You won't want to miss this family fun day focused on the wildlife and wildlands of the Outer Banks! This year's event, scheduled for October 21 from 10 am until 3 pm in the front yard of the former Manteo Middle School (across from Chesley Mall on US Highway 64 Business in Manteo), will host special reptile shows presented by JB's Rattles. The shows will begin at 11:00 am and 1:00 pm and will last approximately 1.5 hours each. Show hosts will be available for individual hands-on experiences for participants after each presentation.

Stars of the reptile shows will include a cobra, a green iguana, a bearded dragon, numerous reptiles that live in our area and at least one specimen of each of the three venomous snakes we have on the Outer Banks. Ann Marie Chapman, Wildfest Coordinator, commented, "This will be a great way for children and adults to see the local venomous snakes up-close, but safely. So many people mistake harmless snakes for venomous ones, we're excited to be able to provide an opportunity to educate people able which snakes are the venomous ones. We also hope to help people understand snakes a little better- so they can appreciate even the venomous varieties!"

In addition to the reptile presentations, Wildfest will offer many activities for the young and the young-at-heart. Come build a bird feeder, participate in a critter calling contest, try on fire-fighting gear, or learn about bears or sea turtles. Try your hand a eating the way birds eat! Or learn to track a red wolf!

Wildfest is a part of the Wings Over Water festival- a celebration of wildlife and wildlands on the Outer Banks. For more information, contact the USFWS at 252-473-1131 ext 230.