The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites nature enthusiasts of all ages to learn about Missouri’s native watersnakes during a free virtual program on Thursday, July 18. The event, titled “Amphibians and Reptiles: Watersnakes of Missouri,” will take place from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m., hosted by MDC’s Springfield Conservation Nature Center.
Led by MDC Naturalist Jordanya Raos, the program will explore the various species of non-venomous watersnakes found in the state. Raos will highlight the habitats these snakes call home—such as marshes, swamps, and oxbow lakes—and address the common confusion between harmless watersnakes (genus Nerodia) and the venomous cottonmouth (genus Agkistrodon), which often inhabit similar environments.
In addition to identifying snake species and their behaviors, the program will include a live, chat-based Q&A session for participants to engage directly with the presenter.
While the program is free, registration is required. Interested individuals can sign up at: https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/209180
For more information on upcoming MDC programs across Missouri, visit mdc.mo.gov/events.
