14 Nebraskaland • October 2022
IN THE FIELD
The Blanding's turtle can be found in north-central Nebraska. JUSTIN HAAG, NEBRASKALAND
Nebraska is home to nearly 30 snake, 10 lizard and
nine turtle species, each with unique characteristics,
habits, habitats and food sources. And in October — but
especially on Oct. 21 — we get to celebrate them and their
amazing adaptations during National Reptile Awareness
Day.
Reptile fans have a number of ways to celebrate:
• Children may participate in a kids' reptile art contest
through Oct. 17 by submitting an original piece of art
featuring a native Nebraska reptile. They can learn
about Nebraska's reptiles or submit their art through
OutdoorNebraska.gov/ReptileArt.
• Those of any age can attend a reptile-themed event,
such as the "Science of … Lizards" virtual program set for
Oct. 6. Find other events at Calendar.OutdoorNebraska.
gov.
Though some reptiles, including snakes, are often widely
feared, there is a lot to love about Nebraska's reptiles. They
help maintain healthy animal populations across our state
by serving both as a predator and as prey. They eat rodents
and insects and even small mammals, and in turn, serve as
food for raptors, foxes and coyotes, among others.
Because reptiles are susceptible to pollution, habitat
destruction and wildlife disease, their success or lack
thereof also helps us know when our ecosystems need
help.
And if none of these reasons have convinced you that
National Reptile Awareness Day is worth celebrating, just
take a look at this most loveable set of reptiles: Turtles —
and the Blanding's turtle in particular. When you see his
built-in smile, with gleaming yellow chin, it's hard not to
smile, too.
Learn more about this often-misunderstood and diverse
group of creatures at OutdoorNebraska.gov/Reptiles.
By Shawna Richter-Ryerson
CELEBRATE REPTILES
