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Author: Thomas Waser

Timber Rattlesnake Feeding (Video)

Most people have a basic understanding of how snakes kill their prey; some snakes, such as boas and pythons, constrict their prey, squeezing it to death before consuming, while others, such as cobras and vipers, envenomate their prey with deadly toxins. But then what happens after…

So You Found a Snake in Your Yard

Many of us spend a good chunk of our summer outside, whether its doing chores, gardening or simply relaxing in the sun. But we’re not the only ones enjoying the summer heat, and encounters with reptiles are far from uncommon. With the warm, sunny days, many…

Herp Highlight #7: Eastern Cottonmouth

Virginia’s swamps and marshes are home to a huge variety of reptiles, but few are as feared or disliked as the Eastern Cottonmouth. Perhaps the most common venomous snake in South East Virginia, this species is commonly found in our region and in close proximity to…

Snapping Turtle Feeding (Video)

Few turtles are as iconic and as well known as snapping turtles. Famous for their crushing bite and imposing size, these native turtles can grow to massive proportions, making them formidable predators. The Herpetology department is proud to announce that one of our Common Snapping…

Herp Highlight #5: Eastern Hellbender

The frigid waters of Virginia’s mountains seem  inhospitable for any cold-blooded critter, but even here herptiles find ways to survive the harsh temperatures. Our Mountain Cove Habitarium is home to a very special and very rare amphibian: the Eastern Hellbender.   The Eastern Hellbender (Cryptobranchus…

Herp Highlight #4: Northern Copperhead

Lying motionless in wait for prey in our World of Darkness gallery is a reptile so fearsome that her name alone frightens people: The Northern Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix). Everyone is well aware that copperheads are venomous and it is the fear of this species that…

Goodbye Gator! (Pt. 2)

With Hurricane Joaquin behind us, we were finally able to move forward with the alligator transfer! On Wednesday, Oct. 21, our large exhibit American Alligator was taken out of the Cypress Swamp exhibit and prepared for transportation. The herpetology department worked swiftly to prep the…

Goodbye Gator! (Pt. 1)

*UPDATE*: Due to the extreme flooding in South Carolina as a result of hurricane Joaquin, the alligator will not be transported on the originally planned date. The gator will remain on exhibit until we have received word that Alligator Adventure is ready for his arrival. Please…