Desert Snakes: Fangs, Rattle, and More

Date/Time:	Sunday, September 29, 9 am - 4 pm
Meet at:	Black Rock Visitor Center, 9800 Black Rock Canyon Rd., Yucca Valley, CA 92284
Fee:	$50 JTNPA/PINE member, $60 non member
Credit Fee:	$75 JTNPA/PINEmember, $85 non member
Instructor:	William Hayes, Ph.D., Zoology, Physiology Professor of Biology, Loma Linda University
Hike Level:	Easy to Moderate

 

(Biology x414.51, 0.5 unit)

 

Feared and respected by many for their potential to inflict harm, snakes have long captured the fascination of humanity. William Hayes will introduce participants to a remarkable variety of venomous and non-venomous snakes that inhabit Southern California’s deserts in this all-day field class. Starting in the classroom, Dr. Hayes will discuss the many adaptations that are essential for snakes to survive in the desert ecosystem including unique morphological, physiological, behavioral, and ecological traits. Snake venom will also be discussed in detail providing answers to the following questions. What, exactly, is venom? How is it made and how is it delivered? Can venoms be beneficial? The class will explore the surrounding desert to identify reptile habitat and hopefully see some snakes!

 

If you are a member of JTNPA/PINE you will get a $10 discount off every Desert Institute class. Please enter the registrants name exactly as it appears in our membership database. If you are not a member you can become one here. Simply add membership to the cart and choose the discounted class in the options above.