Snakes (And Lizards) Alive!

The Georgetown Public Library’s Summer Reading Program entertained kids and adults alike last week with a visit by Tim Cole of Austin Reptile Service.  Mr. Cole rolled his big box of goodies into a big upstairs meeting room, unloading an assortment of snakes, turtles and lizards, including the one the boys are checking out in the opening photo, an Egyptian Uromastyx Lizard.  Others for Mr. Cole’s instructional program included a European Legless Lizard, an Albino  California King Snake, a Mexican Milk Snake, an African Bullfrog, a ball python and a pretty, but hefty  Albino Boa Constrictor carefully handled by Bethni King, the childrens’ library director.  The last little critter in this post is a Bearded Dragon, a peaceful little fellow.   Just after covering this presentation, an 18-year-old was bitten by a Cobra he was apparently toting in his car.   The young man went into cardiac arrest and died.   It seemed appropriate  to hold off on this post for a few days, but it’s a really good thing to have folks like Mr. Cole out there to give everyone an idea what’s dangerous and what isn’t.   This group of photos were well-displayed by my friends at the Williamson County Sun.