Exhibit is antidote to mystery of venomous snakes

An exhibit titled "Evenomators: The Venomous Snakes of North America" may illicit fear and curiosity in those who visit the Springs Preserve, 333 S. Valley View Blvd. But Aaron Micallef, exhibit curator, said fear is one reason why he chose to bring Evenomators to the venue.

"A lot of people are scared of snakes," Micallef said. "People initially want to kill snakes in their yard, but those typically (benefit) them by eating (insects) and keeping crops. I think this exhibit breaks down some of those misconceptions."

The exhibit, which is slated to run through Sept. 16, explores the indigenous North American copperhead, cottonmouth, coral and rattlesnakes.

Dawn Barraclough, Springs Preserve public relations specialist, said Evenomators is ideal for families during the summer months.

"We are all about offering cool activities during the summertime," Barraclough said. "Evenomators is a good accompaniment to our 'Venom!' show. It gives people a new understanding of reptiles and how they benefit us."

"Venom!", which features live Mojave Desert reptiles, is slated for 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily through July 15 at the Big Springs Theater. Barraclough said though "Evenomators" focuses on North American snakes, "Venom!" provides a live aspect to the exhibit featuring reptiles that people might encounter in the valley.

"Evenomators" is divided into four parts, each exploring a different aspect of these reptiles, from their ancestors to sharing the environment with humans.

The first part showcases the snakes' history in relation to various cultures. Micallef said the reptiles are often revered in Native American cultures, and visitors can see these relationships, including those with snake charmers in India and Aboriginals, as they enter the exhibit.

The second part of "Evenomators" places emphasis on the venomous North American snakes, featuring dioramas and a swinging suspension bridge with snake models. The second section also is set to feature live local snake species.

The exhibit's third part investigates the transformation of snakes over time and how certain characteristics have played a role in modern-day venomous reptiles.

"The third area shows those natural historical success of snakes and how they're evolutionary invertebrates," Micallef said. "It shows how (snakes) have limbs and how they adapt in the wild. There's a 25-foot model of a rattlesnake kids can walk into. There's also a simulator that shows the true speed of a rattlesnake."

Micallef said the last part of the exhibit is one of the most crucial as it shows the snakes' interactions with humans and attempts to dispel the misconceptions people have about dangers surrounding these creatures. Information about snake-bite prevention and anti-venom is provided in this section.

Micallef hopes visitors will gain a better knowledge about venomous snakes with the "Evenomators" exhibit.

"We want to educate folks about an animal that's all around us," Micallef said. "These snakes do more help than harm, but we want people to know the precautions we need to take and that these animals shouldn't be demonized and destroyed."

For more information, visit springspreserve.org or call 882-7700.

Contact Paradise/Downtown View reporter Lisa Carter at lcarter@viewnews.com or 383-4686.