Friends, Not Foes: Snakes of the Carolinas New Exhibit Opening at The Schiele Museum
GASTONIA, N.C., May 8, 2024 – After months of planning and construction, The Schiele Museum of Natural History will soon unveil its newest exhibit - Friends, Not Foes: Snakes of the Carolinas. Visitors are invited to meet the snakes and tour their habitats during Reptile and Amphibian Day on Saturday, May 18 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Along with the exhibit’s grand opening, the museum will offer hands-on activities, special presentations, and interactions with a variety of live reptiles and amphibians.
Friends, Not Foes: Snakes of the Carolinas
Just as its name implies, The Schiele’s new exhibit will showcase snakes that are native to the Carolinas. A DeKay’s brown snake, a corn snake, a pine snake, and an eastern king snake are just a few that will be on display.
If the thought of coming face-to-fang with a snake is terrifying, museum staff can understand. Morgan Lyons, The Schiele’s Head of Living Collections, regularly talks to apprehensive museum visitors about snakes during educational presentations. “Snakes are not as scary as they seem,” she says. “They are more beneficial than harmful, for the environment and for people too!” The new exhibit will emphasize the role of snakes as predators of pests, as well as identify some common misconceptions about snakes.
 | Reptile & Amphibian DaySaturday, May 18 10:00 am – 4:00 pmLearn about all things scales and tails as we celebrate herpetology with exciting activies, games, and special presentations. Your all-inclusive ticket includes museum and farm admission, encounters with live animals, reptile vendor visits and much more. GET TICKETS |
After being among the first to see Friends, Not Foes, Reptile and Amphibian Day participants can enjoy a full-day celebration of herpetology. Created for experts, extremely nervous newbies, and everyone in between, visitors can learn all about snakes and many other scaly, slimy, and slippery critters. Event tickets include admission to the museum and The Farm, plus gemstone mining and all Reptile and Amphibian Day activities and animal interactions. Discounted advance tickets are available now at schielemuseum.org, or can be purchased at the door on the day of the event for $15 per person.
The Schiele Museum of Natural History inspires wonder, curiosity, and an appreciation of the natural world, providing the region with a unique educational resource. Visitors to The Schiele learn about the world around them through exceptional programming, fascinating exhibits, and ongoing research. To find out more, visit SchieleMuseum.org or follow The Schiele on social media.
