In order to protect our resident birds from the ongoing avian influenza outbreak, ALL visitors are required to use the disinfecting mats located at the main entrance of the Klingsberg Aviary. Thank you for doing your part to help our Avian Ambassadors stay safe and healthy! Learn more

Turtles, Snakes, Frogs, and Toads, Oh my!

The Creek is crawling with water-loving animals in the month of April! 

Pictured first is a Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) on the Boardwalk Trail. This large freshwater turtle may hiss when threatened or approached, and should be regarded with caution. It can easily amputate a finger if handled incorrectly. 

Pictured next is a Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon), about 3 feet long. Found along Shaver’s Creek, this feisty Colubrid will share a winter den with copperheads and black rat snakes. All three snakes can also be seen overwintering in our Discovery Room. 

The third picture is of a fist-sized Green Frog (Rana clamitans). Male green frogs have a large tympanum (external eardrum) and yellow throat. Female green frogs have a tympanum that is roughly the same diameter as that of the eye. Can you tell if this is a male or female green frog?

The last two pictures show an American Toad (Bufo americanus) and Spring Peeper (Pseudacris crucifer) on a rainy night in late March.