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Lizards & Snakes Exhibit

By Nina Snyder, About.com Guide

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Lizards & Snakes:

Coming face-to-face with a Burmese python in the wilds of tropical southern Asia will likely end in a crushing experience. However, meeting the python at the Lizards & Snakes exhibit at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science allows an intimate glimpse of the deadly but graceful snake.

The exhibit, which runs from Feb. 3 - July 8, 2012, features more than 60 live animals from across the globe. "This is a unique opportunity to have live animals on display at the Museum," said George Sparks, president and CEO of the museum, in a statement. "Lizards & Snakes represents the vast diversity of reptiles on the planet."

Hey Mate, it's a Squamate!:

Lizards and snakes are part of the Squamata order of reptiles called squamates, a word derived from the Latin root for "scaly." While the reptiles are all related to each other, it's still a scientific mystery how snakes evolved without arms or legs. Snakes are placed in the order, but scientists are not sure exactly how they fit in with other reptiles such as skinks, chameleons and iguanas.

Many of the reptiles in the exhibit have developed unique features to keep predators at bay. "A lot of the most interesting features of some of these animals are for self defense. ... The Red Spitting Cobra is a cool cobra that actually spits out venom through its teeth that could land in a predator's eyes and give [the snake] time to get away," said Brian Hostetler, the Museum educator for the exhibit.

Reptiles from 5 Continents:

The exhibit includes reptiles from five continents, and even some lizards that are found in Western states such as Colorado and Arizona. "The Western Fence lizard could live in Colorado, it mainly lives farther south, along with the Gila Monster, in Arizona," said Hostetler.

Exotic creatures such as the Eastern Green Mamba from southeastern Africa and the Blue-Tongue Skink from Australia share equal billing at the Lizards & Snakes exhibit. The exhibit also offers hands-on features that allow visitors to shake a rattle from a rattlesnake and touch a python skin. "Lizards & Snakes" is organized by the American Museum of Natural History.

Museum Location and Hours:

Location:

Denver Museum of Nature & Science
2001 Colorado Blvd.
Denver, CO 80205
303-370-6000

Hours for 2012:

Daily 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The exhibit runs from Feb. 3, 2012 - July 8, 2012, and is included with general admission to the museum.

Admission for 2012:
General Museum admission: $12 adults, $6 children (ages 3-18) and $8 seniors (65+)
IMAX Theater tickets: $10 adults, $8 children and seniors.

Programs and Special Events:

Science Lounge: Hugs & Hisses: Celebrate Valentine's Day with some reptilian friends. The 21-and-up event will be held on Thurs. Feb. 16 from 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., and tickets range from $8 to $10.
Slithering Spring Break: The museum will hold a week-long festival during Spring Break from Sat. March 24 through Sun. April 1. Included in museum admission.
Flying Monsters 3D: Learn more about the prehistoric pterosaurs in this IMAX film narrated by Sir David Attenborough.