The LaSalle Parish Library welcomed some scaly new friends Friday, July 10, as the LaSalle Summer Reading Program hosted Louisiana Snake ID. Children and adults alike were fascinated as they learned about the unique snakes found throughout Louisiana.
The presentation was led by Kevin Hood, along with his wife and children, Rachel, Kyler and Landon Hood. Together, the family introduced a variety of snakes they keep under their care while teaching attendees about both venomous and nonvenomous species native to Louisiana.
Throughout the program, Hood explained how snakes are often misunderstood and took time to bust several common myths. He shared statistics showing that snake-related deaths are far less common than many people believe and emphasized that snakes generally avoid humans whenever possible.
Hood encouraged attendees to back away from a snake rather than kill it if they encounter one in the wild.
“They’re more afraid of you than you are of them,” he told the audience.
He also addressed misconceptions that triangular-shaped heads always indicate a venomous snake or that certain color patterns can reliably determine whether a snake is venomous.
Hood explained that snakes also play an important role in the environment by helping control rodent populations.
“They’re protectors of your crops and gardens because they kill rodents,” Hood said. “If you kill the snakes, you’re helping the rodents.”
The Hood family encouraged everyone attending the program not to kill snakes unnecessarily, reminding the audience that the animals are simply trying to survive like any other wildlife.
To conclude the presentation, attendees lined up in three different lines to pet a snake, hold one or even wear one around their neck like a necklace. Many of the children laughed and giggled as the snakes slithered across their shoulders and arms.
The Summer Reading Program will continue next week with a performance by Geebo the Magician, who will bring high-energy magic and juggling to the library.
For more information about upcoming Summer Reading Program events, contact the LaSalle Parish Library at (318) 992-5675, visit the library’s Facebook page, or go to www.lasalle.lib.la.us.
