By Jim Horton
Brown County State Park’s annual Snake Fest takes place every second weekend of July. This year, was no different. Eli Major, Brown County State Park Naturalist, always does a fine job orchestrating this event.
The HHS has been a part of the event for several years now. This year, we participated with live animal exhibits and presentations. Many of our members showed up for the day. Roger and Holly Carter, Baily Russell, and myself showed native and non-native snakes and other reptiles.
Jarrett Manek, Interpretive naturalist, O’Bannon Woods State Park, showcased the collection from the park nature center. It is indeed an impressive display! All the colubrid species native to Indiana were represented. Even our venomous species were included in the display. We’re glad that Jerrett makes the trip every year!
Presentations were offered in the air-conditioned meeting rooms in the nature center. I gave a presentation in the nature center, along with two more by Roger Carter and park staff.
Eli Major gave a presentation outdoors on the lawn with a timber rattlesnake. He reviewed and dispelled the common myths regarding timber rattlesnakes in Indiana. Eli carefully retrieved the snake from an enclosure and noted that it wasn’t rattling or chasing him. In fact, when he approached it, the snake would always retreat. It showed no aggression whatsoever.
Another great day of education with reptilians at our most popular state park!
Snakefest 2025 already has a date of July 12th! For more information visit https://www.hoosierherpsociety.org/event-details-registration/snakefest-2025.
Until next year!
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