
When animals come into play, I'm normally all for it, I have a deep appreciation for most animals, though there are a few who are exceptions.
Cecil Schwalbe, a retired Herpetologist, was invited to give a lesson on Critter safety. Once we, the students, entered the classroom, I saw that most of us froze for a quick second due to an abrupt earsplitting rattling of a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake.
It was common sense that Schwalbe was not planning on taking the rattlesnake out from its' box during the lecture, yet I still managed to grow nervous because of the constant rattling that rang throughout the classroom.
However, to my surprise, we were presented with young tortoises; and to my relief, I reverted my attention to the new animal than focusing on the rattling. After all the students observed the tortoises up close, he revealed another reptile, his Gila Monster.
Its' name is Poncho; it seemed to be about 28 inches long and had a fork split tongue. The Gila monster itself was reserved and seem to not be fazed by his large audience. Shortly after discussing about the venomous lizard, Schwalbe decided it was time to go outside to give demonstrations regarding to the Gila Monster and the Rattlesnake.
Cecil Schwalbe, a retired Herpetologist, was invited to give a lesson on Critter safety. Once we, the students, entered the classroom, I saw that most of us froze for a quick second due to an abrupt earsplitting rattling of a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake.
It was common sense that Schwalbe was not planning on taking the rattlesnake out from its' box during the lecture, yet I still managed to grow nervous because of the constant rattling that rang throughout the classroom.
However, to my surprise, we were presented with young tortoises; and to my relief, I reverted my attention to the new animal than focusing on the rattling. After all the students observed the tortoises up close, he revealed another reptile, his Gila Monster.
Its' name is Poncho; it seemed to be about 28 inches long and had a fork split tongue. The Gila monster itself was reserved and seem to not be fazed by his large audience. Shortly after discussing about the venomous lizard, Schwalbe decided it was time to go outside to give demonstrations regarding to the Gila Monster and the Rattlesnake.

All of the students brought cameras to Schwalbe's safety demonstration to record and capture photos. When it came time for the session to start, most of students forgot their SD cards inside the lab and had to walk back to retrieve it. Luckily I had mine in my purse and that gave me the chance to get prepared before the other students.
Once everyone returned, Schwalbe began his presentation on how to properly catch a wild Gila Monster. Then to eventually presenting on how to capture the rattlesnake, Muffin, with a snake tong. As soon as he opened the Muffins's box, its' head peeked out as if it was feeling the air for the first time. Schwalbe properly set it down on the ground, it immediately began to slither on,
Quickly walking towards Muffin, he snatched it up and explained why it is safe to use the technique he just demonstrated. I was immediately captivated in the process as if I was soaking up every word he said. Afterwards, he put the rattlesnake into a tube to where Muffin could not cause harm; and with Schwalbe's permission, most of us took shots of Muffin up close. It was a memorable experience and now, I consider it to be one of my favorites so far.
Once everyone returned, Schwalbe began his presentation on how to properly catch a wild Gila Monster. Then to eventually presenting on how to capture the rattlesnake, Muffin, with a snake tong. As soon as he opened the Muffins's box, its' head peeked out as if it was feeling the air for the first time. Schwalbe properly set it down on the ground, it immediately began to slither on,
Quickly walking towards Muffin, he snatched it up and explained why it is safe to use the technique he just demonstrated. I was immediately captivated in the process as if I was soaking up every word he said. Afterwards, he put the rattlesnake into a tube to where Muffin could not cause harm; and with Schwalbe's permission, most of us took shots of Muffin up close. It was a memorable experience and now, I consider it to be one of my favorites so far.