By BRIAN HODGE

The Alabama Nature Center at Lanark, headquarters for the Alabama Wildlife Federation was open to the general public again for the second time since it opened its doors last month. Every third weekend of the month the ANC is open for the public to walk the trails and grounds. This time around a special educational program, "Snakes of Alabama",” was on the agenda.
Dr. Robert Hastings presented the program at the Lanark Pavilion on Saturday, June 16.  Hastings' primary focus was identifying venomous snake species. 
“Only six species of venomous snakes occur naturally in Alabama, but there are more than thirty species of snakes total that occur naturally in this state. So the best way to distinguish these venomous snakes from non-venomous species is to learn to identify them,” Hastings said.
Hastings said that knowing how to identify venomous snakes and knowing what to do if you encounter     a    snake   in     the wild, could help prevent the unnecessary death of many beneficial snakes.
Dr. Hastings is a professional educator, zoologist and marine scientist who has served as a college professor for 30 years.  He has collected and studied snakes for over 50 years and has a special interest in their conservation and protection.
Hastings explained that many non-venomous snakes can be very beneficial to have around one’s property.
“A lot of people will keep this snake around because it eats, among other things, other snakes,” Hastings explained while holding up an Eastern Kingsnake. “Of course this isn’t the only species of snake that eats other snakes but he is very common around here and it has earned a reputation as a good snake to have around.
Illustrating just how common snakes are in the area Hastings even caught a few specimens while waiting on the grounds at Lanark.
Tim Gothard, executive director of the Alabama Wildlife Federation said that the plan is to have regular interactive and educational wildlife programs at the Alabama Nature Center.
“We’ve started out slowly and we’re gradually working programs like ‘Snakes of Alabama’ into the list of education and conservation opportunities we can offer here at the Alabama Nature Center,” Gothard said.