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KIRKWOOD, Mo.—Snakes can be mysterious and secretive creatures, yet still fascinating. A new and innovative study being conducted right now in the St. Louis area seeks to uncover the mysteries of these curious reptiles. The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center in Kirkwood is one of the primary study sites for the project.
Powder Valley is hosting a special presentation that will reveal some of what this ongoing study is bringing to light at a special presentation. An Evening with Dr. Benjamin C. Jellen will take place Friday, Aug. 23 at 7 p.m. Dr. Jellen of the St. Louis College of Pharmacy heads the project and will reveal the current findings of the study during this special presentation.
Researchers in the study are tracking snakes, including copperheads, to better understand their overall ecology and population dynamics. Dr. Jellen will explain how they accomplish this. Unique to this investigation is an emphasis on working with the public to gain insight into their perspectives about native snakes. It seeks to combine snake ecology with public opinions to find ways to lessen negative associations and risks to both animals and people.
Dr. Jellen is also examining the reproductive ecology of copperheads and how pheromones influence their behavior.
An Evening with Dr. Benjamin C. Jellen is a free event, however advanced online registration is required at https://bit.ly/2XIfu2e.
Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center is located at 11715 Cragwold Road in Kirkwood, near the intersection of I-44 and I-270.
