'Life is Short, But Snakes are Long' Feb. 26 at USU Science Unwrapped

How do you feel about snakes? Fascinated by them? Can’t stand them?

Utah State University’s Science Unwrapped explores these curious creatures Friday, Feb. 26, with USU herpetologist Andrew Durso. He presents “Life is Short, but Snakes are Long” at 7 p.m. in the Eccles Science Learning Center Emert Auditorium, Room 130, on campus.

“Many people are fearful of snakes, but snakes provide ecosystem functions on which human society depends,” says Durso, a doctoral student in USU’s Department of Biology and the USU Ecology Center. “I want to dispel common myths about snakes and offer a chance to learn some really cool, interesting stuff about these animals and how they benefit us.”

Durso’s talk, free and open to all ages, is followed by hands-on learning activities and refreshments. More than 20 USU student and community groups will offer educational exhibits.

Hosted by USU’s College of Science, Durso’s presentation is the second event of Science Unwrapped’s spring 2016 “Show Me the Data” series.

“We welcome our community to experience this fascinating series,” says Nancy Huntly, Science Unwrapped chair, director of USU’s Ecology Center and professor in the Department of Biology. “Our presentations offer something for everyone — even those who think they don’t like snakes.”

For more information, call 435-797-3517, visit the Science Unwrapped website or view the ‘Science Unwrapped at USU’ Facebook page.

Related links:

• “Gettin’ Snakes Respect: USU Grad Student Blogs for Science Outreach,” Utah State Today
• “Accidental Communicator: USU Scientist Building Broad Cyber Audience,” Utah State Today
• USU Department of Biology
• USU Ecology Center
• USU College of Science

Contact: Nancy Huntly, 435-797-2555, nancy.huntly@usu.edu

Writer: Mary-Ann Muffoletto, 435-797-3517, maryann.muffoletto@usu.edu